Rafting America!

We had so many wonderful families join us from all over America this week end. They came from Pennsylvania, New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, California, Oregon, Washington, and Nevada! The temperatures were soaring past the hundred mark and thunder and lightning storms made for a dramatic display of weather.

Life on the river has its own rhythm. Drifting in a life jacket in the canyons is very relaxing, then the adrenaline rush of Class III whitewater and the best water fights you can imagine all contribute to the memorable time spent on the Rogue. Don't forget the fantastic bouts of "River Jousting"! The current reigning champs are Jonathon of Pennsylvania and Antony of Illinois. The temperature of the water is about 62 degrees. That may seem a little cool to some, but it sure feels good in the heat of the day.

Riverside lunches bring people together in conversation, good cheer, and the common bond of the river experience. A few side hikes looking for the golden nugget or finding artifacts from long ago homesteads and miner claims adds to the timeless feeling of life on the Rogue.



Rogue River Rafting

R and R!!

We entered Hellgate Canyon today under the supervision of a great golden eagle. These magnificent birds of prey have an average height of three feet and a wing span of over seven feet. Our eagle today was a glorious bird. Further into the canyon, we watched a family of otter playing in the water and dipping to find something to eat. As we floated out of the canyon there was a deer feeding in the water, eating the rich grass that grows near the banks. Walt Disney couldn't have put on a better show!

Temperatures soared up to 100 degrees in the Rogue Valley today, so the river was a perfect place to spend our time. We were joined by Angie, Jeff, Ray and Debra who discovered that Grants Pass is half way between Southern California and Washington. Long time friends met to enjoy some R and R (Raft and Ride the waves, of course!)in Southern Oregon. There was some bow riding and swimming to help beat the heat. The Full Day Raft Trip is all part of Living the Dream! Thanks to Ray, Debra, Angie and Jeff for a memorable day.

Rogue River Rafting

Back to Back Rafting

Thursday's trip brought back to back Half Day Raft Trips. The morning run included Jeff, Van and Elsa. Van and Elsa are ten year twins and full of power! They helped River Guide Karyn row the blue rocket boat through Taylor Creek Canyon. You've heard the saying, "Some people's kids...", well, Jeff and his kids are some of the best around. Thanks for visiting the Rogue River today!

The afternoon run had Guide Tim as Captain of the blue rocket boat. He was joined by Ada and Liz, Brian, Cara and Suzzana. The mergansers were proudly showing off their tiny, spotted babies and teaching them to fish. The whole crew was treated to a rare and spectacular site of a doe swimming across the river just above Ennis Riffle. At the end of the trip, Ada and Liz worked with all their might to water down everything with with super soakers! Such great folks come to visit the Rogue and bring lots of fun and smiles with them! What a fantastic day!

Rogue River Rafting

Oregon State Rafting

David and Judy visited from the Oregon State Capital of Salem. The weather was perfectly clear, the scenery spectacular, and the whitewater was a ride on the wild side! When all was said and done, the awesome pair of rafters floated into the landing like the Grand Marshalls of a parade! Well done and thanks for a wonderful day!

Kids Galore!

Saturday was an amazing day! We had nine children all under the age of five floating the Rogue River with us. Yes, the kids all brought their folks so we made up quite a crew! The youngsters had a ball helping "row" the rafts, battling off enemy pirates in water fights and riding the waves. We were amazed at how good natured and happy these children were on the river. They met each new experience with curiosity and wonder.

The moms and dads on the trip were equally enthusiastic. They shared the inflatable kayaks with one another and took turns with the kids on the rafts. We all lunched at a favorite spot above Ennis Riffle. The kids had a chance to run around, the parents had time to visit and everyone ate to their hearts' content! There is something special about river lunches shared with friends and family.

Half way through the trip, the wee little ones were ready to head back to their camp with their moms. As planned, the dads continued on in the inflatable kayaks for a full day whitewater experience. The kayakers joined the rest of the families back at camp and everyone had the glow of satisfaction.

At the end of the day we were invited to share the evening meal around the campfire with this awesome group of people. What a wonderful day! Life doesn't get any better!







Rogue River Rafting

The Green Room

Out on the river "The Green Room" is the place in the middle of a rapid right after a big wave, where all you see is churning green and white waters of the Rogue. It is a thrill and Jarett and Chase both experienced a wild ride in the happy green place in both Galice and Argo! As the final days of spring ease into summer, temperatures are warming up to a smoking 89 degrees! The surprise swim in the rapids was a wet and welcome reprieve!

Three generations joined together today to return to Oregon from Kansas. We had a great ride on the blue boat today with Doloris and Dawn, (What a crew!), and enjoyed watching the two boys paddle through the waves like champs all day! Another fantastic day on the Rogue River, with an awesome family! Woo hoo!

Ethan and Alan!

Ethan is a 6 year old if you count the number of years since his birth, but he is a seasoned river rafter beyond his years, if we ever saw one! One day on the river converted this young man for life! What a remarkable person. He rowed the raft, paddled an inflatable kayak and masterminded the Super Soaker Squirt Guns with finesse! When we asked him, "What was your favorite part of the trip?" Ethan's quick reply: "All of it!".

Ethan brought his dad Alan along too! Alan's love of the outdoors, camping, hiking and rafting is contagious. Alan was returning to the river after a ten year hiatus. He felt right at home as the rhythm of the river set the tone of the trip. Alan coached Ethan in paddling skills as the duo took on a few rapids together. Father and son also did some gold prospecting at lunch and left with a bag full of possible color!

Many new memories were made! We love to share the river with the enthusiasm that Alan and Ethan brought along. It was a fantastic day on the water!

Rogue River Rafting

Florida Visits the Rogue

We had a great time on the water with the Kaplan Klan: Mike, Alex, Garrett, Howard, Nordine, Rachel, David and Warrior Ben! Ben might have been the smallest of the gang, but he definitely had the biggest heart for water fights!

As we entered the still waters below Taylor Creek Canyon, we saw a turtle on the beaver lodge. Rachel and David captured a few beavers sticks and we witnessed an amazing sight of a Great Blue Heron trying to fly away with a mighty big fish.

There was a fantastic jousting duel between Rachel and her guide. The judges called it a draw and the reigning champs tried to engage other paddlers. Nearly everyone tested their skills at paddling the inflatable kayaks and they were very impressive.

We are so fortunate to continue meeting great people from around the world. These two families from Florida are at the top of the list! Thanks for a memorable trip!

Tandem Kayakers

Ursula and Jim stopped by O'Brien's Headquarters on their way to a camp site at Whitehorse Park. Both Ursula and Jim are from Southwestern England and decided to try their luck with the double inflatable kayak. These international travelers have seen many parts of the world including some paddle rafting in Louse. They were ready for some Southern Oregon action and found it here on the Rogue River including a tandem ride in style through the big waves of Galice, Widowmaker and Argo! Thanks for a wonderful trip!

Galice

Galice is the hub of activity on the Middle Rogue. There is gasoline, a store, a restaurant and a great view. Galice also offers overnight lodging, shuttles and rentals for river needs. There is a sign that hangs above the store that says, "This is Galice".

At the end of a working day, relaxing weekend, celebrating a special day or as a destination, Galice offers a wonderful experience. Owners Debbie and Scott Fine are amazing people, attentive to details and able to multitask like you have never imagined, and they always have a story to share.

The Galice burger is named for the rapids on the river and the bigger the rapid, the more goodies accompany the burger, right up to the Blossom Bar Special which includes Gill's homemade chili! Galice has a sign hanging on the deck that says, "Galice is just Galice until you add the people, then is it becomes the experience!"

Take a drive, a hike, or a float and enjoy the Galice Experience!

Rogue River Rafting

June River Camp

June on the river is a very special time of year. Animals are starting to build or rebuild homes and raise their young, flowers are blooming down to the edge of the water and the days are getting longer.

We camped at Barn Riffle which we also call Blackberry Pie. There used to be an old homestead, thus the name Barn Riffle. The old barn was washed out in 1957 and the only remains are the few fruit trees that were planted. Along the left bank of the riffle is one of the best crops of wild blackberries. By late July or early August it smells like freshly baked blackberry pie as we paddle through the whitewater.

Our June camp was made especially memorable by the sounds of moving water in the creek as it meets the river, by the sight of a beaver in the evening light busily rebuilding a summer lodge near the mouth of the creek, the waist-high wild mustard that will be gone in a few short weeks, and the crackle and warmth of the riverside fire. Life just keeps getting better!