A Look Forward and Back

We just pulled into Boise State for our second round of re-stocking our coolers, bathing, and other house-keeping activities.  We had a blast this last time out!  We did an over-night raft support trip on the South Fork of the Boise and ventured to Hagerman Idaho to paddle on the Snake River.  The South Fork of the Boise is a low- volume river (which made our southeastern paddlers feel a little more at home) with spectacular views.  Steep canyon walls line the stretch and the river is renowned for its world-class fishing.  It was prime fly fishing conditions while we were there...I will let the students tell you about how we knew that.  In contrast to the South Fork of the Boise the Snake River is a classic big water western run.  The rapids a large, deep wave-trains with swirly eddy-lines and fast water.  The Hagerman stretch is home to the famous Bliss surf wave- and we spent most of the morning surfing our brains out!  

Every member of the group grew this past week- Megan and Challis are now rolling, and Max is perfecting his bow-stall in a new boat.  Harry and Maggie are quickly becoming seasoned kayak instructors, and have also caught some world-class surf waves.  Every student has been the "leader of the day" once now, and we will begin leadership teams on Thursday.  Students are working through our 10 Elements of Leadership lessons and excelling.  We are lucky to have such a talented group.  We have been able to accomplish so much as a result of their motivation and enthusiasm.

The students have ventured to WinCo with Sean to purchase all of the food they need for the rest of the trip.  They each had to plan a dinner, lunch and breakfast that they will cook for the group.  They were given a budget and are challenged to plan a nutritious and delicious menu.

After dinner tonight we have rented the swimming pool to perfect our rolls and to teach the BSU Staff at the Outdoor Program their rolls.  We feel one of the best ways to really master a skill or topic is to teach it, and the students are looking forward to sharing their skills before we leave for the Payette River tomorrow morning.  

Personally, I am most excited about sharing the Payette, my home river stretch, with the students.  The Payette is warm, deep, and hosts innumerable fantastic rapids.  There are 7 different stretches to choose from, all ranging from class I-IV (not including the 15 miles of class V which we will NOT be running).  Activities will include paddling, swimming, swiftwater rescue lessons, boogie-boarding at a playspot, reading, frisbee, hacky-sac, and a service project. 

Stay tuned for updates from the students.