While visiting Bhutan you’ll hear much about it’s history while visiting Lhahakngs (monasteries) and Dzongs (large fortresses). The following breakdown of Bhutan’s historical periods were introduced in the book “The History of Bhutan” by Karma Phuntsho. Prehistoric Period (through the mid 7th century) Very little is know about this period since no historical records exist. There is evidence of humans going back to 4000 BC and neolithic tribes beginning to populate the large river valleys around 2500 BC. Many of these tribes practiced Bon, a shamanistic… Read More
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Today the BLM and Forest Service, under the Obama Administration, announced protection of Southern Oregon’s Rough and Ready Creek, Baldface Creek, North Fork of the Smith River, Hunter Creek, and Pistol River with a 20 year administrative “mineral withdrawal” (aka mining withdrawal). This has taken years to accomplish after exensive public comments and three public hearings showing overwhelming support of protection of these places. These rivers and creeks are uniquely special and absolutely deserve this protection from large scale mining. What is an Administrative Mineral Withdrawal?… Read More
Welcome to Bangkok! This bustling city is full of adventures and activities. It can be intimidating and chaotic but give it a little time and you may feel right at home. On your way to and from our Rivers and Dzongs of Bhutan trips you will travel through Bangkok where you can adjust to the time zone, explore the city, and slowly begin to enjoy your vacation. Bangkok is a great hub if you are planing to continue your vacation somewhere else or you just want… Read More
The Owyhee River is a 48 mile, 5 day rafting adventure filled with side hikes, unbelievable high desert landscapes, fun whitewater, and some of the best birding in the country. This small pocket of Oregon is the only part of the state that runs on Mountain Time, so set your clocks accordingly. Where is the Owyhee? The section of the Oywhee River most commonly rafted is in the southeast corner of Oregon. From its headwaters in northern Nevada, it meanders through southwestern Idaho and into Oregon.… Read More
Kuzu zambo la from the Punakha Valley in Bhutan. After 9 days of sightseeing, rafting, adventurous hikes, and drives, and of course some shopping, Zach and I said our good byes to our wonderful group of guests at the Paro Airport. The next afternoon we were back at the airport to welcome our friends from Wilderness River Outfitters for a week of exploring new stretches of river, cultural sites, and thinking about new trip itineraries for future trips. Paro Chhu The adventure started right away with… Read More
One of the most rewarding parts of guiding multi-day river trips is cooking with dutch ovens and serving beautiful, tasty meals. Pineapple upside down cake is one that looks particularly impressive and is fairly easy to make. This recipe works best with a 14″ cast iron dutch oven. Aluminum dutch ovens work as well but you have to be careful so that wind doesn’t blow the heat away. Ingredient list 2 Boxes Yellow Cake Mix 1 Can Sliced Pineapple 6 Eggs 1 Cup of Vegetable Oil… Read More
In 1968 the U.S. Congress created the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System with passage of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The bill was in response to increasing diversion and impoundment of water, pollution, introduced species, wildfires, poor management of adjacent lands and other human pressures on rivers.[i] It was sponsored by Senator Frank Church (D) of Idaho and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The act strove to collaboratively balance development and protection of outstanding free-flowing rivers for current and future generations. [ii]… Read More
Yesterday I finished a special trip down Oregon’s Wenaha River. This beautiful stream is a tributary to Grande Ronde River that flows through the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. This river is only paddled a handful of times each year since it’s only accessible by trail. Everything for the trip must be carried in by foot. Day 1 We began at the Elk Flat Trailhead and packed our gear 5 miles down to the South Fork of the Wenaha River. When we arrived there was just enough water in… Read More
On the last day of the June 1, 2016 Rowing School, Tamie Stonke, one of our students, came up to me and exclaimed, “I have been rowing for 14 years, how come no one has ever taught me this stuff?” This is the third year I have been fortunate to be an instructor in the Northwest Rafting Company Class III Rowing School. Three years ago my wife Susan and I were talking to Zach Collier the owner of Northwest Rafting Company in his Hood River office.… Read More
Last week we returned to the spectacularly beautiful Chetco River. This mighty river has it’s headwaters in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness and flows 56 miles to the Pacific Ocean. We are lucky to outfit and guide a few intrepid groups down this river each year. Anyone who has been down the Chetco will talk about it’s amazingly clear water, jaw dropping scenery, and the hard work it takes to get there. Developing the techniques and equipment to run this style of trip has been a fun project… Read More