What's Up With the Guide School?
From the ECHO World Headquarters in Oakland, we can only speculate how the Idaho Guide School is going, but we spend plenty of time discussing it.
The Idaho school is a 9-day guide training course on the Middle Fork of the Salmon and the Main Salmon. Both rivers have been flowing at mid-to high water levels this past week which adds an extra element of excitement and challenge to their river adventure. We are sure they are finding plenty of opportunities for learning, gaining experience, and having a wonderful time!
With daunting weather reports at the beginning, we were a little worried. The trip started off with gray skies bringing snow, rain, and highs in the mid-40's. It takes a true whitewater enthusiast to want to run a high-water Middle Fork Trip in winter conditions. Wet suits, splash jackets, wool sweaters, and plenty of hot cocoa were likely the survival tools that helped them make it through the first few days of stormy weather.
Looking at the weather report for the last few days of their trip, we are all wishing we could be on the river with them. They are now floating down the the Salmon, camping on big sandy beaches, sleeping under starry skies, and enjoying the warm sun during the day. The weather report for the next few days predicts clear, sunny skies with highs in the mid-80's. Somewhere along the course of the guide training, Idaho turned from spring to summer. And now we are all ready to pack our bags and get out on the river!
