Archive for 2011
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Historic Scow Revisits Main Salmon
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What is a scow? A scow is a large wooden boat, usually around 30ft long and 9 ft wide. These large crafts were designed as cargo boats to deliver supplies and equipment along the Salmon River from Salmon City to Lewiston. This trip was 305 miles, with many challenges to face each journey. These cargo giants supplied homesteaders, miners, sheepherders, and anyone else trying to scrape out a living in the rugged Salmon River country. Harry Guleke or “Cap Guleke” was one of the most well known drivers of these early scows. He was known for being to best boatman of his time, running cargo for more than 18 years and racking up as many as 200 trips down the Main Salmon! Guleke and crew delivered ninety thousand pounds of equipment and supplies to the Salmon River Mining Company at Five Mile Bar, and nearly three million pounds of cargo during is career! Guleke and the wooden Salmon scow became well known when Field and Stream published an article about him in 1921. Newspaper articles and stories of the old days and historic boatman fill the Salmon Historical Museum. These boats were built in Salmon, heading downstream never to be seen again, giving the Main Salmon the nickname “The River of No Return.” The boatman would return for the next trip via round about railroad travel. Upon return to Salmon, they would start building a new boat in preparation for another departure from Salmon City. Guleke was a very well liked man and would always draw a crowd upon his departure. Other old timers like Johnny McKay would take a year to three years on this Main Salmon river journey. Often building a winter shelter of borrowed wood from the scow. Over these long trips, he would try to placer mine enough gold to buy supplies and build a boat for the next trip. Johnny McKay spent forty-eight years on the River of No Return, completing twenty trips. Inscriptions left on rocks by early boatman are the only reminder of these early days; many are at Barth Hot Springs (known earlier as Guleke Hot Springs). Whether hauling cargo or spending years placer mining on the banks of river, these early characters pioneered river life on the Salmon River!
Guleke Scow Downtown Salmon City in 1919
Big Boat Entering Black Canyon Rapid photo: Seth Tonsmeire
“Big Boat Idaho,” was built by local long time river-runner Jerry Myers of Salmon, Idaho. After much time and research, Jerry and his friends came up with the plans for a close to exact replica of the aforementioned historic boats. A few years after construction the scow made scenic float trips around town, but never passed the end of the road. The boat was parked in downtown Salmon for the last few years going unused and baking in the summer sun. Jon Green, a local Salmon City river runner and guide, decided that the boat had been parked long enough and needed to see the river once again. Jonny has a history degree and has always been very interested in the history of the Salmon River Canyon. He made the deal and was soon the proud new owner of a wooden scow, named “Big Boat Idaho.”
Big Boat at the original Guleke Hot Springs photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Bailey Rapid photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Captain Jonny and co-captain Shane Moser have been long time friends of mine. When I got the invite to join their scow trip, I did not want to miss this opportunity! Nine friends (mostly river guides) loaded up Big Boat Idaho and headed for Corn Creek, the end of the road! Over the next seven days, I experienced the Main Salmon in a new way, a flashback in time. The stories of the historic scow trips I have read now come with a new understanding, and more appreciation for these old time river-runners and pioneers of the Main Salmon.
Elkhorn Rapid photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Group Shot from the Big Boat trip
5 Mile or Split Rock Rapid depending on who you ask...
I hope you enjoy the photos and video from the “Big Boat Idaho” trip.
~ Seth Tonsmeire
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More Main Salmon Action!!!
- Alder Creek Rapid photo: Henry Munter
On the Main Salmon this year, the Skipper trip was on July 24th. Here at WRO everyone looks forward to this trip each year. Skipper Tonsmeire is family and comes out every year for a Middle Fork or Main Salmon trip. When Skipper organizes a trip you know everyone he invites is going to be a lot of fun! This year we had a great crew of both family and friends. Skipper brought his daughter Elizabeth and girlfriend Susan with daughter Clara. Greer Radcliff, who has been on several trips with us, rowed is own boat this time and did great. Greer and girlfriend Adair also invited some of his family which were a great addition to the group. Veronica Herndon, a great friend and long time guest here at WRO, brought her nephew. Veronica and Skipper are both members of the WRO Grand Slam Club! We also had Mac Tonsmeire and his family as well. It was great to spend some time with them. Safe travels to Mac Tonsmeire on his current tour in Afghanistan. We are all be thinking of you at WRO! Skipper also invited Fairhope, AL friend Richie Parsons and daughter Rachel. Richie provided some great campfire entertainment with his guitar. Another Fairhope friend, Jim Veal and daughter Madelyn, were also fun to have along. Jim always had a good joke and a great sense of humor.
This group shot was taken at one of the homesteads along the Salmon River. The Francis Zaunmiller homestead is one of the interesting historical sites of the Main Salmon. In the late 1800′s through the 1900′s there were some real characters living in the Salmon River Canyon. Francis being one of these for sure! Check out a short video of Francis on YouTube to get to know her!
- Bighorn Ram photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Like most of the 2011 summer, we had great water for the middle of July. For myself and Henry it was great because we turned the corner off the July 19th Middle Fork trip onto this one. Anytime you can stay on the river for 11-days straight for the Middle Fork Main Salmon combination life is good! This is a multi-day classic of North America.
- Three of the Eight Bighorn Rams photo: Seth Tonsmeire
When we came around the corner at the Buckskin Bill Museum we saw a couple bighorn rams on the hillside. After looking closer we saw there were eight different rams hanging around together. It’s a special occasion to see a nice herd of rams just off the river.
- Hutch, Elizabeth, and Downie Relaxing in Camp
There were a good number of takers for the rappelling and rock climbing on this trip. Greer’s nephew Webb and Madelyn Veal both put forth an awesome effort in the rock climbing. Madelyn made it all the way to last few moves at the top. For anyone that has been there, you know that the handholds start to get pretty small, few, and far between. Webb was able to push through and make it to the top. We usually have very few people, if anyone, make it to the top each summer. Nice work Webb! I think he may have even earned $50 from Hutch who was providing a little extra incentive.
- Rappelling and Rock Climbing, Great Job Everyone!
Henry got some good GoPro footage throughout the week that I used to put together the short video below. Also check out the new motion graphic we are using for our internet videos. Enjoy!
With the season now over, I am now finding time to sort through more photos and video from the 2011 season. Also it is clean up time around the shop. Cleaning and washing all our rafts is quite the chore at the end of the season. Check back for the next posting soon. I have some great shots of a historic wooden scow on the Main Salmon in September, definitely going to want to check those photos out!
~ Seth Tonsmeire
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Main Salmon in August
Anika, Mac, and Ron in 5-mile Rapid. photo: Seth TonsmeireThe Main Salmon is such a great place to be in August! The water has warmed up to a great swimming temperature. It is still very refreshing, but on a hot summer day it is just the ticket. The beaches make for easy camping and it’s just a great river trip for the whole family!
Some of the group relaxing at Lower Bull camp. photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Billy showing everyone how to rappel! photo: Kelly RinckOn August 1st we had a great group, a mix of families and adults. The group started with Mac Thornton and his family of four. Mac had joined us on a Middle Owyhee trip a few years back as a kayaker and decided to bring his family back for a Main Salmon this summer. Mac’s brother Larry joined the party as well. After everyone invited a few friends and Mac invited another family, we were quickly up to 16 people on the trip! Everyone did not know each other previous to the trip, but everyone did have some connection with the rest of the group. It turned out to be a really fun group!
Kelly and crew all smiles in 5-mile rapid! photo: Seth TonsmeireIn this group there were some outstanding kayakers! Jumping right into the inflatable kayaks, and doing very well at it. There were definitely of few people that joined the Salmon River swim team that week, but that will happen. Also it’s part of the fun! The kayaks are the craft of “high adventure” and are often a quick favorite for those looking for a little extra excitement. The kayaks were definitely a highlight for this group! Larry got in a “little excitement” on the second day with Alder Creek rapid (featured in the sequence below). Other highlights for the group were hiking, rappelling, the hot springs, historical sites, the paddle boat, campfire time, and just spending family time and visiting with old friends!
Larry demonstrating the kayak flip! photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Bill just “calm and collected” in the ducky! photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Dade running Black Canyon, probably the biggest rapid of the trip. Well done! Black Canyon rapid was formed in the early spring months this year. Bringing a little spice to the Main Salmon! photo: Seth TonsmeireThere are more photos from this trip on the WRO Flickr gallery, as well as a few on the facebook page. I also put together a short video from some of the GoPro footage. The video is in HD, so remember to give it time to load. Andre takes the cake with the best shot in the video! Watch him take a wave to the face in slow motion. The expression on his face made me laugh every time when editing the video. Enjoy!
If the video is not playing smoothly, change 720p to lower resolution or give it time to load.
Thats all for now, but more to come!
~Seth Tonsmeire
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July in Idaho!!!
Jack Creek Rapid photo: Seth TonsmeireThe great water of 2011 continued to hold throughout the month of July and into August. There is no better place to be in July than out on an Idaho river! I have been on the river for a couple weeks strait, and I got a little behind with photos and video, but I am starting to catch up now.
Pistol Rapid photo: Seth TonsmeireFor our July 19th date the water was still great for all the rapids, but had also slowed down enough to significantly help out the fishing. Great whitewater, fishing, hot springs, hiking, relaxing around camp, inflatable kayaking, paddle boating, beautiful waterfalls, and just being out in the wilderness with friends and family made this a great trip for everyone!
Big splash in Marble for Anika. photo: Seth Tonsmeire
We had a great bunch of people this week! A mix group from all over. David Bohm brought his two sons Joe and Eric. The Bohm crew has been on multiple trips with WRO and are always great to have back. Many fish were caught at the hands of this family. Mimi and daughter Rebecca, also part of the Bohm group were really fun the have along. Mimi was great in the inflatable kayak! Rebecca was a strong player in the paddle boat as well as the kayaks, and always had a smile on her face! Big Cal, Jeff, and Meghan brought a lot of great river experience to the trip and were a true pleasure to have along. Jeff playing the guitar around camp was awesome. Paul and Anthony were great to have along as well. Anthony kept Henry challenged with evening chess matches throughout the trip. Ted and Trillis were a couple of Idaho locals from Challis that joined us for this one. Ted said the Middle Fork was on his list for 28 years and was super excited to finally get it checked off. At the end of the six days Ted was ready to continue on down the Main Salmon on an 11-day trip!
First night chess battle Anthony vs Henry, turn into a daily routine. photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Hikers with their yoga pose. photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Paddle Boat in Tappan Falls! photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Big Cal with a thumb up for Cove Creek Rapid photo: Seth TonsmeireHope you enjoyed some of the photos from this great trip! There are many more photos that can be seen on our Flickr gallery. There is also a WRO facebook gallery with photos from this trip as well. Below is a short video I put together from some GoPro action footage Henry and myself took throughout the trip. Enjoy!
The video cannot be shown at the moment. Please try again later.
Give the video time to load if you want HD, otherwise click 720p and chose a lower resolution. Also you can double click the video to watch directly on Youtube if it is not playing on the website for some reason.
More photos and videos coming soon from other summer trips.
~Seth Tonsmeire
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June Water July Weather!!!
Fire Island Camp First Night photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Anika in Velvet Falls photo: Seth TonsmeireWell summer finally decided to show up in Idaho! With the huge snowpack and the cool spring, we are now running on June water with July weather, which is a real treat. We launched on July 3rd at 5.5 ft on the Middle Fork Lodge gauge. Last year we launched with that flow in early June! The water is clear and the rapids are awesome right now. The fishing is also starting to pick up as well. This is going to be an incredible year for late July and August trips on the Middle Fork Salmon.
GoPro Shot from Jack Creek Canyon photo: Seth TonsmeireFor this July 3rd trip, we had the Baker family and friends trip. A trip we always look forward to here at WRO. Having taken many of this crew on previous river trip, it feels like a trip with old friends from day one. The Baker family first started coming on trips with WRO in 1996, and have been coming back ever since! With talk of an Alsek or Tat trip in 2013, the Baker family will also be added to the WRO Grand Slam Club. This was their second Middle Fork Salmon trip on July 3rd. With the higher water levels though, there were many comments about how the river seemed totally different from last time.
Gary, Arlene, Margot, and Pete in Marble Rapid photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Amy, Brenna, Shannon, and Charlotte in Marble Rapid photo: Seth TonsmeireThe weather was incredible! Hot and sunny for almost the entire trip. The second to last day we did have some cloud cover, but it was welcomed after serval hot and sunny days in a row. The hot springs were a huge hit as always with this crew. We took serval short hikes to water falls in the lower canyon that were definitely a high light for everyone! Wine around the campfire in the evenings was also a very much enjoyed by the group. At 5.5 feet the rapids are great, and the Middle Fork has waves for miles and miles. Much of the upper end and well as the Jack Creek Canyon section were continuous wave trains of good fun. Velvet, Pistol, and Cove Creek were definitely some of the biggest rapids of the trip, providing good excitement!
Falls in Parrotts’ Grotto photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Baker Family in Loon Creek Hot Springs photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Group Shot at Tappan Cabin photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Survey Camp Chair Circle photo: Seth Tonsmeire
Scarlet Gilia still in Bloom! photo: Seth TonsmeireMore photos from this trip can be viewed on the WRO Flickr Gallery. If you would like to download any of the photos, that can be done from Flickr as well. If you are a member of Yahoo, you can even order prints from Flickr. Enjoy! Check out the video below from the trip as well. There is also a facebook gallery of some of the best photos from this trip. Feel free to share with your friends!
More trips are coming up in the near further, so check back for more WRO updates on the blog.
Thats all for now!
~Seth Tonsmeire
View photos of breath-taking scenery, fascinating geography, and our wild river adventures.
