Category: Uncategorized

MAY 28, 2020

Well, what a crazy time to be alive. One thing is for sure.. Life goes on.. The Rivers still flow.. and The rafters and kayakers still need shuttles. We are open and running for business. We practice safe measures for distancing and we sanitize and utilize UV light to kill viruses. So far we are safe from the Covid – the drivers have been isolating all winter and spring and now that summer is here we are anxious to run and have been running early MF and Hell’s Canyon Shuttles. Surprisingly, the Lower Salmon did not shut down at all during the stay at home order, but then again most people don’t run it during that time. The earthquake in Stanley hasn’t taken out the dirt road headed into Boundary creek and for that we are grateful. Still the only EMT in town, but got two that will test in July and fingers crossed.. they pass the test and my shoulders can get lighter so I can brew some more. That’s how I spent most of my wintering and it sure was fun. Gained a few pounds because of it.. but haha, (COVID weight) now that shuttle season is on, brewing season ends. oh what a tragedy! Have a great summer everyone!

Well living in a small town sort of forces you to do things you never thought’d you’d be doing.. Since I’ve become an EMT, (the only one in White Bird), it has forced me to come out of my self built shell and participate in the town and it’s celebration. Unfortunately, the smaller rodeo’s are dying and the cowboys are headed to higher purses and small communities cannot compete. The white bird rodeo is on the banks of the Salmon River and it is fun to see the hard work the cowboys and cowgirls put in. Thanks to the local cowboys for hometown pride. I will be there as a medic, but we all know, cowboys are tough and injuries are all part of the process….

The river is our life blood and it is calling. We become shuttle beasts. I love all the return customers calling and catching up with them and talking to the other shuttle owners. Karen Kidd from Selway Shuttles called me last night and we talked for over an hour and we got all caught up! Blackadar is kickin ass as per usual and so is Hell’s Canyon Shuttle. River Shuttles in salmon got some right nice new owners and I think they are gonna be awesome!!

For those of you who still have their moms and dads alive: Give an extra big hug this Fathers Day… My dad died from a glioblastoma from agent orange that he got in Vietnam. The day he died, there were 3 other vets that passed from the very same thing. My Father loved the River, and taught me to respect it. Mother Nature is the first and finest of teachers, he’d quote. Well, here’s to you Dad – Thanks for all your lessons and miss ya! Be safe everyone – I am burning a sage stick and asking for blessings. Safety is the first one I will ask for on behalf of all the river folk…. especially my wonderful clients. Thank you for supporting this very small microcosmic town. We appreciate it SOOOO much!