Day 23 - Hammer Creek - End of a Journey

June 22, Hammer Creek

The river has been very kind to us. I feel that this expedition has been very blessed. Although we didn't complete our goal of the entire Salmon we came within 52 miles of the confluence of the Salmon and the Snake river. A total of 338 miles in 22 days. Everyone that was scheduled to be on the trip was able to join and a great experience was had by all.

Click image for larger view

I would like to personally thank all who made this great dream a reality. I hope that this adventure has impacted some lives for change for the better. I would like to thank all the sponsors and everyone that has cheered us on and gave a little of their hearts to this 25th Anniversary Expedition.

All good things...

David Kriner

Sponsors for the 25th Anniversary Salmon River Float are:
ISU Outdoor Program
ISU Student Unions & Activities
Arthur B. Schultz Foundation
AIRE
NRS
Mountainsmith

Day 22 - Skookumchuck Camp

Tonight's (June 21) blog is from Ike Gayfield and his daughter McKenzie coming from Skookumchuck Camp - also please excuse any spelling errors in names and places!

This is Ike Gayfield, I am one of the original HOGs back 25 years ago. It's great to be back with the HOGs, it brings back a lot of great memories. I can remember 25 years ago when some friends thought of doing this thing and again it is great to be back. We were welcomed by the HOGs, it is great to be with friends and folks who share similar experiences and passions.

It is also great to be able to share this experience on this 25th anniversary with my daughter McKenzie and this being her first raft experience. I have other children I have shared this experience with and it is nice to be able to do this with her as well.

Even after many, many years it was great to get behind the oars once again, it brought back lots of experiences. My captain Bob even held on as I almost drove him into a hole. Again it is a great experience, life is just a treat and it is great the HOGs make this happen for so many people.

This is McKenzie Gayfield and this is my first rafting experience. I was really scared because of all the stories people have told about their past experiences. But, it really was fun and I only got scared one time and I am excited to do it again.

Bye Bye

Day 21 - Riggins Park Layover

20 Days on the river...

Sorry folks, the message cut off after the above sentence, we will have to see what happens tomorrow...

Day 20 - Riggins Park Layover

Tonight's (June 19) report is from Judy...

We had experienced an unprecedented third consecutive day of seasonal weather. Lake Creek and Ruby Rapid served as a confidence rebuilding tool for both captains to finish... a metaphor for all our lives on the journey.

Steve and Cindy eloquently negotiated with the mayor of Riggins and the city opened its city park and hearts for a two day layover. Relaxation has become an obsession.

Everyone is focused on different activities. Raymond is trying to get a bachi ball game, beer an Jack Daniels has been located, massages have been arranged, and we are all hoping the sprinkler system doesn't come on at 6:00 AM.

See ya down river!

Day 19 - Spring Bar

The past couple weeks of blogs have been from Jess, tonight's (June 18) is from Bob. On with the report...

The group awoke to a perfect Idaho bluebird morning as we prepared to leave the wilderness. Jess, Brad, Emily, Luke, TaNae(sp?), Mark, Joey, and Frank departed. Kelly, Judy, and Robert joined the group along with Steve and Cindy who are providing support to the expedition.

Today we floated to Spring Bar and camped in anticipation of running Ruby Rapid tomorrow. We also have the legend of Jay Bird:

Legend has it that a beautiful Jay Bird inhabits the upper Salmon River corridor. After a long winter the Jay Bird would leave its home and travel down the Salmon River. The bird would stop at the camp of weary river travelers and share its beautiful songs with them. River travelers were always delighted to have the Jay Bird along with them because it meant that their journey would be filled with wonderful music and luck. Sometimes, if you were lucky enough, the Jay Bird would follow you down the river showing you the safest lines through the rapids and singing to you in the evenings. But fortunately the Jay Bird inhabits the higher elevation of the Salmon River corridor and are seldom seen on the lower part of the river. Before departing to its home near the source of the river the Jay Bird would pull a magical feather from its tail and place it into the river. This feather would float down the river showing the travelers the way and bringing them good luck. Travelers would say that if you quietly listen to the river in the evenings you could still hear the songs of the Jay Bird - Thanks Jeff!

Day 18 - Kerry Creek

An amazing day (June 17) filled with sunshine, butterflies, and one gnarly rapid by the name of Chittam.

We had a beautimus morning, hot coffee and a 10:00 AM start. After visiting a historic icon, the Polly Bemis Ranch, we set our oars straight for the current and made our way toward Chittam.

For a bit of history, Chittam is a notorius rapid with right curving turns and sharply moving current which slams its way into a rock wall filled with large breaking waves and deep holes. A nonforgiving rapid for a wild and crazy group.

Upon our arrival we scouted the rapid and promptly hesitated windering who exactly was going to go first. Raft after raft, kayak after kayak we battled the rapid. I believe the tally went like this:

• Chittam 1, raft broken oar
• Chittam 2, raft almost flipped
• Chittam 3, raft way to far left and just kissed the rock

We did have some good runs here and there and thankfully everyone arrived safe and sound in the eddy below. We are now at camp right above the Kerry Creek boat ramp and welcoming some new arrivals for this trip.

It is strange to think that our wilderness crew is almost bidding us farewell. But alas, such is life here on this River Of No Return.

I will leave this blog with a brief but sincere wish, I hope for nothing but sunshine and smiles for the rest of the expedition. But if all else fails, we must realize that CW HOG will remain and continue its journey on the many adventures to come.

Cheers to the river, to the HOGs, and all of us who really believe.

25th Anniversary Salmon River Float Picture Albums

Check out the pictures to see all the fun the HOGs are having on this monumental expedition down the mighty Salmon River.

Day 17 - Mann Creek

A short blog tonight (June 16 - Mann Creek) as a storm has blown in ending with one tent in the river rescued by quick thinking kayakers. And there is also a birthday to celebrate for Justin Dayley, former director of CW HOG.

It is hard to imagine this section of the journey is coming to a close and tomorrow is our last day in the designated wilderness. Yet we still have a few rapids to contend with, namely Chittam, and we look forward to it with hesitation and a few butterflies.

Today's rapids went well. Elkhorn was a clean right run and everyone did very well avoiding the nasty holes the size of Kansas at the bottom. Let's hope for such clean and pretty runs tomorrow.

Until then ciao!

Day 16 - Whitewater Ranch

It was a big water day, Bailey Rapids, Five Miles, Split Rock, and Big Mallard all in an eight mile stretch of beautiful Salmon River. Although our runs were clean a couple of people picked a good fight with Bailey Rapids and fortunately came out grinning. But as always we a reminded of the power of this water, particularly at this high level. The other rapids were big waves and sinking holes.

A fun day was had by all. We stopped at a place called Yellow Pine Bar where the caretakers allowed us tour tour their place, gardens, and workshops. I think everyone agrees that life would be hard but content here on the banks of the River Of No Return.

Alas we had to float on and now are waiting for dinner to be ready. We are camped in a splendid meadow where we have been watching a bear graze above the opposite bank for about three hours now.

Some of the boys got energetic about writing postcards home using the back of an angel food cake box. However, the mail plane does not return here until Wednesday. There is a mail box at the end of the airstrip. So those of you waiting for love letters at home, sit tight for a Salmon River hello from Whitewater Ranch. Until then hopefully this blog will do.

It is hard to believe that after so much planning we are knee deep in this expedition and living our chaotic dreams. Miss you all and wish you were here - cheers.

Day 15 - Bargamin Creek

Tonight (June 14th) we are camped above a rocky beach at the confluence of Bargamin Creek and the Salmon River. The Kayak Boys Justin, Luke, Davis, and Kerry tested their creek boating skills earlier, hiking far up the creek and kayaking down.

The camp is nice and right up river from a major rapid called Baileys. We will run that tomorrow and from the looks of it it should be a fun and big ride.

Today's float was only about 12 miles. However, since a storm blew in last night and brought cooler temperatures and steady rain the short mileage was a relief. Plus it allowed us to spend a bit more time at one of the HOG's favorite hangouts on this section, Barth Hotspring. The hot spring is a short hike, about 25 yards, above the river. Everyone enjoyed soaking in the hot water. Mike, a paraplegic and first time boat captain, described sitting in the hot spring pool as "the best seat in the house, nature's big screen theater at its finest." In typical HOG fashion Mike was carried to the hot spring by fellow river rats and we were all able to enjoy the fantastic views of the canyon.

It should be noted, however, that this was only a secondary highlight. The major highlight to the day was certainly watching Mike keep the oars and run the rapid called Salmon Falls right down the middle with no problems - it was awesome.

Everyone had a wonderful day today despite the rain and cold.

Day 14 - Blackadar

Today, June 13th, was a beautiful day for floating. Our spirts soared as we floated about 14 miles in sunshine and quick water. We are now at Blackadar Camp. Just a little brief history on Blackadar Camp, it was named after Doctor Walt Blackadar, a kayaking pioneer and well know physician in Salmon Idaho from 1950 until 1978.



The group is messhing well and a good game of bonji ball has already ensued. But reflecting on today's highlights I would certainly have to mention the leisurley lunch stop at Lance Bar, a beautiful beach complete with historic buildings and orchards to explore.

We are also looking forward to some rapids tomorrow which should be fairly exciting especially if the water levels keep dropping as they have been these last couple days.





All in all things are going well and everyone is healthy, happy, and very well fed. Takahito, a student from Japan, who is affected from polio, mentioned that although today was fun he wishes for more whitewater. All good things in all good times.

Until tomorrow, long live the HOGs and long run the river.

Day 13 - Horse Creek

Today (June 12th) we waited for the Pocatello crew to meet us at the Corn Creek boat ramp whereupon their arrival we swapped out coolers, repacked dry goods, and prepared for our entry into the Wilderness section of this expedition. It will be interesting to observe the group dynamics and how the nex six days evovle as some of us have been on the river together for almost two weeks now. Knowing the HOGs however, I do not forsee any conflicts as everyone just loves to be on the river and into the canyon.



We are camped at Horse Creek, 3.4 miles into the canyon with one major rapid called Killum under our belt. It is nice to have fresh faces and smiles on our boats and finally some kayakers in the water. Another plus for today was the intense and beautiful sunshine. A welcome warmth from the thunder and rainshowers of days previous.

For those of you who have yet to explore the river of no return, the canyon is a masterpiece of Idaho history, wilderness, and beauty. Sandy beaches, crystal cold creeks, and age old pine trees line the banks as steep rock cliffs define the "No Return" element of this river. It seems there is only one way out and as always that is to head down river.

And so this expedition moves forward like the river itself, everchanging with thunderstorms and sunshine, butterflies and may? (the message cut out here) we are truly part of something great - the HOGs this wilderness, this river. Just imagine the possibilities of all abilities.

Day 12 - Corn Creek

What an amazing day (June 11th) packed with rapids and loads of fun. All of our boats are now safely parked at the beach at Corn Creek. Every one had clean and rowdy runs down white water which had waves and holes deep enough to contain entire boats. The water was huge and the lines solid.



After Pine Creek Bridge we had about ten miles of semi-continuous rapids. Nerves were high as we entered this section, but our confidence grew with safe passage through each and every enormous standing wave. When we finally reached Corn Creek, a total of 32 miles down river, we were all smiles to learn the river had dropped a foot on the gauge. And at 6.5 feet on the ramp we have decided to continue on with the expedition.



Raymond House has this to say about the rapids today, he rode a cataraft through the legendary Kramer Rapid, "these rapids they were radical." Ranae Wise, wife of former CW HOG director Jim Wise, said only the following as they entered a steep entry wave - "holy shit!" All in all, Roger Rankin will close this blog entry with a fitting statement for all of you who know the HOGs, "we have made it 200 miles so far and we have done it with style."

Day 11 - Spring Creek Layover

Another layover day here at Spring Creek. It was a great day to scout rapids, eat ice cream at the Shoup store. and refocus on the expedition goals.



After another night of rain the river is up again and currently exceeding the seven foot gauge at Corn Creek which is the start of the six day Wilderness Section. We have placed great emphasis on safety, safety, safety during this trip and unless the river begins to come down we may not enter the canyon.

As a group, however, we feel that this trip so far has exceeded our expectations and feel very strongly that wether or not we reach the confluence, that the CW HOG program has had an extraordinary influence on each of our lives.

We also ran a day stretch down Panther Creek. Willis McAleese as the captain of the ore rig, Bob Meyer, Ricci Kilgore, and Raymond House learned first hand the power of big Salmon water and as they arrived back at camp excitement grew for the coming adventure.

Weather or not we'll pass Corn Creek, wether or not we reach the Snake River this expedition has celebrated the journey of 25 years of CW HOG. There is no match for that feeling.

So cross your fingers for sunny weather, decreasing water levels, and never ending long adventure

Day 10 - Camp Spring Creek

We are at Camp Spring Creek. On any other day 27 miles in the rain might be enough to send someone packing but today was a fine day to be alive and on the mighty Salmon.

The river is just raging. As we navigated channels and cloud bursts we kept warm by taking turns on the ores and singing river tunes. We saw many more Blue Herons and some Bald Eagles as well as two herds of Elk.

Despite the rain all is well on this expedition. Tonights camp is a protected area full of trees and mosquitos. Moral is high though and we are able to scout the rapids for tomorrow which which gives us both butterflies and confidence.

The expedition has 12 to 21 people, one guitar, two harmonicas, and way to many Dave Kriner jokes. Yet the sun has finally come out and as we dry out our socks and shoes we can only prepare to get wet again tomorrow. Alas, from here we leave our flat water section and enter the steeper and deeper canyon country.

Day 9 - Tower Rocks Layover

Here we are at Tower Rock Campground again. We awoke this morning ready for the 27 mile float but due to the pouring rain we decided that Tower Rock was a great place for our next layover complete with bathrooms, a pavilion, and nice pavement for wheelchair accessibility we stayed her for the day waiting for the storm system to clear. We relaxed and played games in between sun and heavy rain showers.

Tomorrow calls for more rain but hopefully less than today. We are a bit apprehensive of the rising water. The river grows each day and with each storm. We have been seeing quite a few more logs in the water and wonder what the gauge will finally read when we Corn Creek and the start of the Wilderness section.

Despite the weather and wonder the trip has been monumental so far and everyone has been healthy and happy.

Day 8 - Tower Rocks

Today we traveled about 16 miles to the Tower Rocks camp site.

This morning we woke up to rolling thunder and buckets of rain. As we drank soggy coffee under the soggy fly in our soggy campground we ponder the possibility of yet another layover day at Shoup Bridge. Yet after borrowing a neighbors 1975 Ford pickup truck (thanks Frank Green) and running into town to fix the stove, fill up propane, and buy some more ice the clouds broke and the sun began to shine.

We had six more people join us today and as we pushed out into the current there were many smiles and shouts to the river gods. The water is high but so are our spirits. By afternoon we were well on our way and trying hard to stay ahead of the building thunder clouds.

Three miles from camp we lost the rays and found ourselves in the heart of a heck of a lightening storm. Sheets of rain poured down as lightening streaked the way to near horizon. Hugging the river banks we arrived at camp saturated and relieved to be off the river. As evening progressed the sun graced us once more and we relived the day's adventure with laughter, enthusiasm, and a little uncertainty for the coming rapids and wilderness.

More rain equals more water and while we hope the river comes down its seems we all understand the nature of this expedition. It is not about the destination but the journey, it is about realizing the fantastic history of CW HOG and coming together to reflect and share the past and present.

After all is said and done, long time original HOG member Kyle Packer put it best "This expedition is something more than just going down a river. It started with five friends getting together to play hard in the outdoors and now it has grown in so many ways. Yet it is still a bunch of good friends getting together. CW HOG has come a long way but we are still nuts"

Everything is going well for the expedition. Lets hope the weather clears up and the river comes down a bit - right now the river is bookin'!

Today's Sponsor:
ISU Outdoor Program

Day 7 - Rest Day

We spent the day in Salmon messing around and scouting the river through town. The bridge on the left channel of the island was rather low so we decided it was wise to run river right tomorrow. This resulted in some logistical rearranging of our schedule since the right channel doesn't allow for a take out to meet some more participants who will join us on Wednesday. No problem with this though and we look forward to the new crew.

It sure was nice to have a rest day although few of us actually rested. Most of us ended up hiking the six miles into Salmon. We also had a throw rope contest to see who was the most accurate rescuer. To top it off Cindy and Bob made some delicious burritos for dinner.

We are rejuvenated and psyched with today's events. As I learn more and more about each and every member of this expedition I am grateful to know they are my friends to share this incredible experience."

Jessica left us with this report and then ran off to have a guitar lesson with Raymond!