On our first night on the river, Margot Flaherty, had us play a game at the dinner table - Best Thing, Worst Thing. We went around the table and each person told what the best and worst part of his/her day was. On our last night in Boise, the McCurdys and Harry and Sandy ate at Angel's, the restaurant where Margot and Tim had their wedding reception. I modified the game a bit, asking everyone what the best thing about the trip was.
Julie enjoyed catching her first trout ever (on the first day fishing); for Patrick, it was the beautiful surroundings while fishing, stating it really didn't matter if he caught a fish or not; Heather loved the encouragement and support of everyone in regard to her duckying (especially through the more challenging rapids); John enjoyed being in the ducky and having Patrick ram him to get him off of the shallows; for Sandy it was her first cups of coffee in the morning and our smiling faces; and for Kathy it was the connection to and memories of her dad, a fly fisherman himself. Sorry Harry, email me yours!
So thank you, Margot, for a good game, your fun spirit on the trip, and for arranging for our great dinner. I dedicate this last blog entry to you.
Group photo
So long to the guides
Last campsite
Last ride with Bobby
Last sister float
Last fish
Last looks
Last smiles
Last rapids
Last thoughts
Last lunch site
Last surf
Looking back at the lunch site.
Our wonderful river -looking down
Looking back - last look (photo by Heather)
Arriving at the confluence with the main Salmon River
It was hard to say "Good-bye"
(photo by Julie)
Our bus
Our plane
This entry finally ends the record of a trip that was life-changing for all of us. We were reluctant to let it go and perhaps that is why it's taken almost a month to complete these blog entries. We will remember it always and hope to return.
Any takers?