Like any great adventure, you've got to have the right gear. Eddie has all the goods.
After a short drive, we're at Trout Creek Campground. Time to unload, set up camp and take it easy.
Dave adds the final touches to the food prep for the trip.
Our simple camp... waiting for the rest to arrive.
Dave relaxes by putting a hook in the water.
Whisps of smoke drift up and over to mid-frame over the river bend.
These clouds were the only ones we saw on the whole trip. I get the feeling most of the sunset action was going on behind this ridge.
The class arrives some time after the sunset and just manage to get their tents up in the last squeak of light. The next morning we get the rafts inflated.
The clouds help add to the dynamic feel of the blood red cliffs.
The class arrives from their morning geology stop and Eddie gives them the safety talk before we get on the river.
Then we have to move the rafts and all the gear to the boat launch and load the boats.
But loading the rafts is no problem for our other guides, Eddie and Dave.
Phillipe gets to coast in the bow while the rest of the crew provides the power for the boat.
Dave gets going in one of the gear boats.
And Eddie gets going with the other gear boat.
Our first stop along the river is this slope side cut where we can get a good look at the strata that makes up the earth. The lighter lower half we soon find out will be the nearly ubiquitous John Day Formation... see if you can spot it in upcoming photos.
It's hot out, and once on the river again, the students are quick to make a dip in the calm sections of the river between the rapids.
It's either a celebration or a mutiny.
Trying to knock Philippe off of the boat by spinning around in a circle... next time try it with out holding on to the line.
By 3.30 we had made it to our first camp site, Whisky Dick, and it was time to unload the boats and get camp set up.
Dave is the Chef for the trip, and gets a great lunch spread set up for all to make sandwiches.
Roy and Mark take some time in the shade to study up.
After the afternoon study session, Roy and Philippe get some zen stretching in.
Between getting lunch put away and before starting dinner, Dave is back on the river taunting the fish.
