Oregon, Northern California, and Idaho Rafting

Adam, Mara, Mike, and Pete, We are home at last from our trip through Eastern Oregon, and have had a lot of time to reflect on the Owyhee trip. We want you to know that the most outstanding aspect of you three was your professionalism as river guides and as group leaders. From the cold, snowy first day, to the take-out along-side the "gang from Caldwell", you always exhibited the demeanor of people who understand how to deal with difficulty with a successful outcome for all. You were able to blend knowing just- what- needed -to -happen with a smile and some light-hearted banter. We had complete trust in your skills and abilities which built during the experiences of the trip (including pulling me and my hat from the river). On the lighter side, you were awfully nice, interesting, and funny (especially Mike) and tolerated our middle aged/old age conversations and questions without a hint of boredom. Thanks for humoring us. You made us feel like we were a "special group" and in some way unique (which we really weren't). For Jim and me, you pointed out super camp-sites and engaged us in interesting conversations. Each of you gave us a picture of your background that we found very interesting (since our kids are in their late 20's). You also displayed a depth of knowledge about the geographic area, geology, knew the flora, fauna, history, and environmental concerns, which in our case, was a big part of the trip. It was nice to share the experience with people who were even more impressed by it that we were. We learned a lot from each of you. You were more than safe guides, you were also resources for a lot of information. AND you are great cooks. The meals were better than home. The care the company takes with the environment, from the carbon off-sets, to the local/organic food, and then compost/waste handling topped off our experience. We are pretty conscientious at home, and so were impressed as well as pleased that you can run an operation with glamour AND keep the "footprint" somewhat smaller. We appreciated the good equipment too...especially those thick pads. So, did we like the trip? YES. We have some friends that we think might also enjoy it, and can't wait to show them our pictures. Maybe we'll try Clear Creek, or the Klamath next year. Good luck with your summer, and fall plans, and with the whole enterprise. Caroline and Jim Hickson p.s.: If you have any "snow photos" to share, would you send them along? I'd only have pictures of the first dusting in Rome. It got pretty thick there on the river. Thanks.

Hi Robyn and others at Momentum River Expeditions Beeing back now in Sweden for over a week I look back at my film clips and pictures of the Lower Owyhee Trip May 15-19th 2010 and remember a very rewarding trip The trip itself was more than I could ask for and also included some surprises (a k a wet clothes and gear) The weather was very cooperative, warm and sunny for most of the time I found the scenery to be stunning and at the same time extremely varied Having been on some bigger rivers before I really enjoyed the smaller scale of the Owyhee that made it more intimate....also the rapids were numerous and fun (even more fun riding a Duckie) The food were just too good (I overate once), the camps were well thought out (camp of 4th night beeing my favourite) What also made this trip special was the hikes (they were all great). Some hikes like to the top of the chalk cliffs included a lot of elevation gain and others were relatively flat and easy The hot springs were awesome (and hot!) Finally the guides were all excellent with much knowledge about rafting in general and also good problem solvers (we happened to became stuck on rocks in two rapids). The good spirit and mood among the guides (and guests) also made this trip memorable Say cheers from me to the guides: Mara, Jason, Mike, Paige Best regards Mikael Thylebring

Hi all, I can speak for all of us that this was a very successful trip. It was filled was dramatic weather conditions, the drive to the river had thunder and lightning storms with an added touch of hail thrown in. Waking up to about 3-inches of snow outside our motel. Driving to the put in in 5-6 inches through the pass from Jordan Valley to Rome. Starting out our trip with snow flurries and 30 degree blowing snow. The rest of the trip was a mix of fun filled day and evenings bonding with others on the trip. The guides-Mike, Mara, and Adam were all very good at knowledge of the river and taking the time to get to know everyone on the trip. Food was great and lots of it. The side hike we took was one that I will never forget. Took lots of pics. I have been rafting for 24yrs on some of the worlds best and biggest and this trip will rank right up there with the best. I would like to thank you guys for all your hard work and the time that you took to make this a trip that all of us will remember a lifetime. I hope more people will take the time to explore this region. Job well done. Thank you, Rick Jackson(Dr. Tent)

WE LOVED the trip, and are already getting mileage from the snow story. I have a lot more to add, but will wait until I have some time. Hope this week's trip is easier. Caroline

An adventure of epic proportions! Our trip was intimate, exciting, and challenging. Great water, even greater food, and our superior guides created the perfect atmosphere for river revelry! Ken had never been in an IK, and now he is hooked. We look forward to our next trip with you!

Hi, guys. Again, many thanks for fine trip!! Glad you enjoyed the beer. Hope your season is a good one. -- Ken

Pete---We can't imagine a more beautiful canyon or four better guides (Mara, Jason, Mike & Paige). We will spread the word. Thanks, Bunny and Dan Arnold

Quick e-mail to say I am one very happy camper!! Trip was wonderful, equipment great, fellow travelers fun, and terrific food. Anthony and Adam did a very fine job, worked their tails off to make everything was safe and enjoyable. Feel free to use me as a reference.

Pete: Just had to let you know that Rachel Ward is probably the best raft guide that I have ever rafted with. (and I’ve done some major rivers) We were all fairly terrified of the Middle Owyhee, especially in the beginning, and she kept us safe, well fed, and happy. Jason and Adam were great too. Thanks for employing such a world class veteran. Please give her a bonus. Nancy

Your excursion was awesome, the food unbelievable (didn’t expect anything that great on a raft trip) and the guides were super. I’ve never seen five people work so hard and make it look so effortless. They really treated us like royalty. Trying to put together a trip with my family for next May. Will definitely call on Momentum…..special request for Anthony. Thanks for the memories!!!

We're headed out on another adventure so I don't have much time for all the great feelings we have about the trip. It was a glorious trip. The scenery was as fantastic as we had anticipated and the weather even cooperated. The tents were easy, the pads cushy, the splash jackets perfect and the food terrific. But the contribution that you guides made to the enjoyment of the trip was immeasurable!

I had a great time on the Owyhee last month. It is a beautiful river, sometimes exciting, sometimes tranquil, and always desolate(isn't that part of what it makes it so beautiful?!) I wanted to write to you to tell you how impressed I was with the professionalism and talent of the three guides on the trip, Rachel, Anthony, and Alan. They were all fine cooks. They are incredibly nice people, with unlimited patience, superb social and leadership skills. Most importantly, their skills, experience, and knowledge on the river were outstanding, giving me confidence and eliminating concern for four fun filled days in Sunny Eastern Oregon!

Anthony, Glenn, Erik, Adam, Jason (and Julie)- We're headed out on another adventure so I don't have much time for all the great feelings we have about the trip. It was a glorious trip. The scenery was as fantastic as we had anticipated and the weather even cooperated. The tents were easy, the pads cushy, the splash jackets perfect and the food terrific. But the contribution that you guides made to the enjoyment of the trip was immeasurable! Hopefully everyone will stay up for the reunion trip next year and hopefully we will pick a river you can take us on. Thanks!! Leslie

Hi Rachel, Thanks for your message! Wow, it's strange to think that less than a month ago we were on that wild, beautiful river. Now I'm back in England, looking for a job and wondering if I can live in a place that has just so many people! What I do know is that I'll be back in Oregon before long.