Floating the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, September 2015

It's a brutal adjustment to return to Nashville after such an incredible six days floating the beautiful Middle Fork.  What can I say, a part of me never really comes back from these western mountain adventures, I just keep leaving pieces of myself there hoping one day I'll collect them once again.  Idaho could claim anyone's heart, it's just a downright beautiful place.  The Middle Fork meanders through the beautiful Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness, the largest designated wilderness area in the contiguous United States.  It's incredible that our nation has managed to preserve these pristine places, and that makes me very happy.

There is something about the sound of the river - others have described it better I'm sure - but to me it is what joy sounds like.

We used OARS outfitters for this trip and will happily boat with them again.  The guides really made the trip special.  We loved boating with Ned, Amber, Wyatt, Jeffe, Corey, Mike, Barry and the rest of the crew that made the trip so memorable!  The late night hot springs dip on our second night is something I will never forget, as well as sitting by a fire on the last two nights, catching brief glimpses of stars and watching sparks jump and listening to the crackling of the embers.  So much good wine.  So many effortless laughs.  Such a great time.