Jason and Pam came out from Kansas to get married along the banks of the
Rogue River. They love the great outdoors, water, sunshine, and sand, and of course, they truly love one another. It was the perfect match.
The drift boat was decorated with Oregon grown sunflowers, purple loose strife, and willow branches from along the edge of the water. A secret little snack was stowed away. A cozy, flowery quilt was set out...then the moment we had all been waiting for: the bride and groom arrived by stretch limousine to
Indian Mary Park Boat Landing.
Jason and Pam stepped out into the glorious sunlight and they were stunning. Pamela's dress was creamy white with detailed silver embroidery and Jason was dressed in a complimentary tuxedo. Pamela looked absolutely beautiful and Jason was so handsome. They wore their river water Keen sandals for the perfect look from head to toe.
The Rogue River Special Drift Boat was ready for the wedding party with River Guide Kari, and set course down stream. Traveling through the rugged canyons at Taylor Creek, the bride and groom watched an osprey dive into the water for a fish. Further downstream a great blue heron guided the way past rocky outcroppings, a beaver lodge, salmon jumping and the soothing song of the river currents.
The clean sandy beach was with dappled shade, and waiting at the river's edge was the clergyman, photographer, and Bev of
Rogue Forest Bed and Breakfast. The Bride and Groom stepped out of the drift boat barefooted and onto the cool sand to begin setting up the Circle of Gratitude. The ceremony was ever so special and the local families that happened to be floating past witnessed the marriage of Jason and Pamela. River guide Tim was acting Best Man, here at O'Brien's we think he is always the Best Man! He also took photos all along the river route from an inflatable kayak or nearby canyon rocks.
Along with the spectacular service, the humble reverence and hearty congratulations to the newlyweds by friends along the river were both honoring and heart warming. After a toast to the groom and the bride, Pam and Jason continued downstream in the wedding drift boat, now as husband and wife. They ate fruits and cheese and crackers with a little nibble of chocolate. They drank a delightful red wine produced in the Rogue Valley, and soaked in the beauty of the Rogue River.
It was a pleasure to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime day and we wish every happiness to Jason and Pamela. Live simply, laugh often, love deeply.
"Respect the peaks, appreciate the valleys..." and they lived happily ever after!
Danny gathered the family together so that siblings could visit in the raft, cousins could play and paddle together, and the whole family could reunite while floating the Rogue River for the first time. James, Annie, Kyle, and Shawna, of Ohio were joined by their cousins Chloe, Jon, and Nick of California. The crew of seven showed great skill working and playing together, even though the were moments of the most spectacular (un)synchronized paddling River guide Steve had ever seen! The crew navigated the Rocket Boat successfully through the rapids and all passengers managed to stay aboard!
In the Big Orange Boat (BOB!)Julie, Phil, Judy, Danny and Amy got to hang out, take photos, visit, catch up and enjoy the glorious scenery that was painted before them. There was plenty of wild life including a bald eagle, deer, geese, ducks, and salmon and steelhead jumping in the canyons and above riffles. The maples blazed in reds and oranges, the cottonwood shimmered with trembling yellows and the willow fell gently to the water to float the river with us. Autumn is a spectacular time of the year on the Rogue. 
Lunch along the river bank included a birthday buffet, skipping rocks and more good times together. The crisp morning air gave way to glorious Southern Oregon sunshine and the day was spent living the good life and making new memories together. Thanks for a terrific day with a truly wonderful family!
What a fun day with kayakers, rafters, squirt gunners, bird watchers, whitewater wavers and treehousers! The best place to be when the temperatures soar above 100 is right between the river banks! 
Visitors from East Lansing, Michigan began an adventurous journey into retirement on the Rogue. They had company from Rough and Ready, California and Medford, Oregon who were ready for a little R and R of their own also on the trip. It was a delightful day and it was so great to have you all on the trip.
Barbara and family traveled down from Washington State to camp at Indian Mary Park and raft the Rogue River through beautiful Hellgate Canyon. What a super day! 
Some of the late summer runs of salmon are starting to jump around in the lower canyons and a few are being caught, but even more are just teasing the fishermen. The Canada Geese have begun practice of flight formation and their honking is now echoing through the canyons. Change is in the air...Welcome to September on the Rogue River!
River Guides Alyssa and Austin, aka the A Team, paddled and played with the Schelhorn Family of British Columbia today. The family has been exploring all of the natural treasures found in Southern Oregon from hiking the rim of Crater Lake to camping and rafting the Rogue River. 
Everybody got to test out the inflatable kayaks and rest the weary hiking legs in exchange for and upper body work out. Lunch along the riverbank included wild rice and grape salad, tomato, tomatillo and cucumber salad, fresh garden vegetables, Oregon berries and some deep, dark, fudgy river brownies! 
