I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.....been dreaming of this trip forever. Going with an outfitter, Canyons, Inc., which makes it---as I like to say---a luxury cruise in small boats. My wife and youngest son (10) will be in rafts; my oldest son (14) will be able to spend time on a raft and paddling his kayak in some of the easier sections, and I'll be kayaking. Canyons is top-notch---did a Middle Fork of the Salmon trip with them back a few years and had a superb time. 

As much as I can tell, water levels look to be great (well above normal so far this year) and I'm especially psyched that my wife and sons will finally get to experience this kind of heaven here on earth.

It's almost too much fun for one paddling summer---earlier this summer I lucked out and did a 5-day trip on the Yampa---at very high levels (some of the biggest, funnest waves trains I've ever paddled and scenery so spectacular my jaw is still sore from dropping so much).

Not a bad way to celebrate my 50th year here on this planet.....(actual BD coming up this fall).

If you've never done a multi-day trip before---whether self-supported or fully loaded (outfitted with raft support)(I've done things both ways--and also private raft-support)--there is nothing better than living and breathing boating in amazing wilderness areas on amazingly beautiful rivers for days on end. One shuttle. Many days of happy paddling! Treat yourself to it at least once in your paddling career.

Okay, now back to my irregularly scheduled work-day.

Sorry for the gush---thanks BT for being an outlet.

Happy paddling,
Dan