"I am not a camper in any sense of the word… but to drift along in this fashion… passing sandy beaches and on either side, the sharply creased mountain sides, fragrant with vanilla-scented ponderosa pines, was completely tranquilizing....It was true that the food was delicious, the amount of work expected from us nonexistent, the accommodations almost luxurious, the scenery unbelievable...."
Tama Janowitz - Bon Appetit Magazine
"White water and red wines are the stars of two expeditions... from Idaho's Salmon River Outfitters. Spend days shooting the rapids and nights sampling West Coast vintages with dinner."
Food and Wine Magazine |
Boise Magazine Summer 1999
People come from all over the world to float the white-water rapids of the Salmon River.
SRO organizes specialty trips that focus on different themes: photography, wine-tasting, story-telling, or camp cuisine crafted by famous guest chefs. Owner and head boatman Steven Shephard guarantees that every trip features wonderful food to fortify the eager adventurers.
Canyon walls reflect the sun sparkling on the water as the rafts pull off to a sand bar. In only a few minutes, the bell rings for lunch: croissant sandwiches of chicken, avocado, grapes and nuts complemented with cookies and juice.
The afternoon cruise offers a soak in a natural hot springs, visits to ghostly homesteads and stories of the strong and brave pioneers who survived the raging river and harsh winters.
Evening comes early to the canyon and the rafts pull into camp. The lodge owner invites guests to sit on the porch and enjoy a drop-dead view of the river valley and sip a cup of homemade plum wine. Snacks include smoked cheese, sliced cucumbers, pickled beans and asparagus from the garden. Dinner consists of poached salmon, wild rice with pine nuts, beer bread and strawberry rhubarb pie.
After breakfast the group is ready for another day… to see wildlife: bear, mountain goat, golden eagles, river otters, Bighorn sheep, assorted ducks and mountain birds. They fish for trout and hear tales of the elusive salmon.
By the end of the trip, the 20 strangers are friends. They laugh a lot. A 58-year old nurse from Texas completes her eighth float trip and signs up for the following year.
The River of No Return is a misnomer. People plan for years to come back to repeat this journey for a cleansing of the spirit and a renewal of the soul.
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