Where can one find the deepest gorge in North America where becoming "unplugged' is given a new…read moremeaning?
That place is the ironically named Hell's Canyon.
Sound too difficult? Scary? Too many unknowns? What if I told you that a high caliber, professional, experienced, safety conscious river crew existed in Joseph, Oregon to ensure that, indeed, your biggest task would involve replenishing your soul and reconnecting with yourself and your family while being constantly in awe of your surroundings?
Winding Waters River Expeditions surpassed all of our expectations. We wanted our young son to know the canyon and the river where his father had spent time as a child, a place so dramatically different from the Deep South where our son was born and raised. We wanted an experience that would provide memories for a lifetime, stories that no one would be able to match, if only because few people journey to this part of the Snake River to experience its wild and scenic beauty.
What makes WWRE the best in their business are the people. From my initial call to ask about three day vs. four day trips (BIG TIP HERE... you will regret anything less than a 4 day trip, especially if you are traveling from anywhere in the eastern/southern U.S.; trust me on this!), to the Cessna plane flying out of the canyon to return us to Joseph, every detail has been thought of and considered.
We enjoyed mouthwatering food for every single meal, locally grown and harvested, our personal farm to table restaurant for 4 days. Our son even learned how to identify and pick blackberries for our breakfast one morning (thank you, Brother Timo!).
Every day of our trip involved lessons on the geology of the canyon and the history of the people who have passed through its walls. Our guides were patient, thorough, funny and cheerful, no small feat for folks who are working day and night to provide a memorable and safe experience for their clients.
Many thanks to Paul and Penny (for your vision and commitment to growing a local business that has strengthened the bonds in the local community), Chef Hillary (for the incredible menus; we could never have imagined food this simple would taste this good!), Todd (for bookending our trip with your sunny smile and easygoing manner), Brian (for leading the way), Euell (for introducing E. to SUP), Jordan (for the river music), Sarah (for your patience with E's never ending barrage of questions), Timo (for the kayak lessons, sharing your knowledge of the Canyon's plant life, and for befriending E. so that he truly feels that you and Euell are his "brothers"), and Cpt. James Nash (for your grace under pressure, your tenacity in your quest to ensure the future of NE Oregon's rivers and natural beauty, and your unparalleled Wallow County sense of humor. You made my husband truly feel he was back home).
Here in Georgia, we have returned to our busy lives, but thanks to WWRE, our minds and our souls are still on "river time".....
