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Payette River Trip July 2-5, 2010 By Beverly Hanson Four vehicles, 20 river rats, about 18 rafts, duckies and kayaks, and a trailer full of gear left the boat shed at about 9:30 Friday morning, July 2 nd , for what was going to be a perfect weekend on the Payette River in Northern Idaho (about 47 miles north of Boise). The long (almost 500 mile) drive to our campground was broken up by a lunch stop in Jerome, ID, and the much anticipated stop in Meridian, ID for our shopping detour to the Sierra Trading Outpost to lighten our wallets. (I did great – a new daypack and sleeping bag… I think I won the prize for spending the most money!) After a quick dinner in Meridian, we headed out for our final destination. We arrived at our campground (Hot Springs Campground – and yes, there ARE hot springs, as well as a most welcoming hot “shower” across the street from our campground) just in time to unload and pitch our tents before the rain began. Luckily, that was the only rain in the forecast for the entire weekend, so we got it behind us early. Saturday, July 3 rd After a delicious healthy breakfast, we set out to run the Main Payette. The put-in is at Banks, about 5 miles from camp, and the run is nine miles of Class II and III rapids. The water was cold, the air in the low 70’s and some cloud cover. Note: last year this same trip had temperatures in the high 90’s. We had 15 boats in the water for this run, lots of “swimmers” and luckily no injuries. But, everybody had so much fun that we ran it a second time (after a great lunch at the put-out…again thanks to those who were on “lunch duty” – it was awesome!). After two runs, everybody was ready to head back to camp for margaritas and snacks while awaiting a great spaghetti dinner. Several people stayed up talking around the campfire and gazing at the beautiful star-lit night. Sunday, July 4 th After a wonderful breakfast of blueberry pancakes, bacon, and sausage, we packed up the boats for a 30-minute drive along the Payette to a section called the Cabarton. This is a very secluded section, compared with the main, and offers a couple of mellow miles before the fun really begins at Tressel Rapid – a rather long, Class III rapid. We were even welcomed by a Bald Eagle (so appropriate, considering it was the 4 th of July!). The final rapid, Howard’s Plunge, was a great way to end the day on the river. Another great lunch, then back to camp. One of the great things about our campground was that there’s a hot “shower”, fed by natural hot springs, right across the street. So, before dinner, it was wonderful to clean up for the 4 th of July festivities in Crouch, a local town of about 150 folks (according to the 2000 census). However, on the 4 th of July, tiny Crouch hosts a party for about 3,500 (according to a local police officer) crazy, drunken rednecks – most with a months’ salary’s worth of (probably illegal) fireworks! Walking into town could have sent any war veteran into flashbacks – with explosions going off all around. The live band provided fun music for dancing in the street…and all laws enforcing open containers seemed to be ignored for the night. As much as I fought the pressure to go to this festivity, I had to agree with those who had gone before: “You HAVE to see it, at least once!” 42
Monday, July 5 th The goal was to leave camp by 10:00 a.m. and we did pretty good – left at 10:30. As with most great trips, departing was a mix of sadness that the fun was over and a wish for “teleportation.” The long drive back to Salt Lake City was (thankfully) uneventful, and we made it back to the boat shed by 7:00 p.m. After unloading the vehicles, everybody hugged farewell– till the next adventure. Trip participants: Fred Tripp, Kerry Kelly, Mona Cotter, Mardi Maack, Mike Budig, Dianne Dedrickson, Gena Cecala, Beverly Hanson, Chuck James, Deanne James, David James, Bruce Richards, Bree Richards, Cassie Richards, Paul Hiscock (from Australia), Robert Ging, Joe Mackert, Terri Smith, Bret Matthews (last year’s trip leader and a boat captain this year). Trip Leader: Rick Thompson (thank you SO much!). Also, thanks to Rick’s nephew Brandon who lives in Idaho--for his time, truck, trailer, raft and expertise to add the fun. A special shout-out to Brandon’s fiancée, Kerry. David, Joe and Robert cooking Fajitas At Main put in (Bret, Rick, Bruce) Beverly and Gena at put in BE SURE TO CHECK OUT SEPTEMBER'S RAMBLER FOR EXCITING PHOTOS OF THE WHITE WATER RAPIDS FROM THIS TRIP! 43
Page 1 and 2: The Rambler August 2010 The Monthly
Page 3 and 4: IN THIS ISSUE: President's Message.
Page 5 and 6: The WMC Lodge The WMC lodge sets at
Page 7 and 8: Submitted by Larry Swanson Removing
Page 9 and 10: Boating Director's Message Don Urri
Page 11 and 12: When: Where: Who: Saturday 11 Septe
Page 13 and 14: In Memory Of Judith Tinker Hendrick
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Page 19 and 20: Liz Cordova's hike from Brighton to
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