Father's Day on the River

For the past few years we have made it a tradition to float during the Father's Day weekend.  We've been doing the John Day River with our friends/neighbors the Laherty's and always had a great time.  This year, as we approached the coming float, the guys made back and forth decisions each week based on water levels - John Day/Deschutes/John Day/Deschutes... we left it to the last few days.  Ultimately, we switched to the Deschutes this year because the water was just so high on the John Day that we knew the fishing wouldn't be that great - and if you're not going to fish - you should have some white water to enjoy!

As always, we had such a great time.  We put in just below Sherar's Falls in Maupin and took out where the Deschutes meets the Columbia River.  Enjoy the pics and the one quick video at the end!

Our raft was loaded to the gills!

Thomas, Beck & Bronwyn - best river buddies!

Thomas & Bronwyn set up a rope system to float the river from camp.

One of our meals to cook.  Carl plans the BEST river food....yummy curry one night, carnitas another!

We had one drizzly day - rained most of the night.  Luckily we were all prepared and it didn't dampen our spirits one bit!

Carl braved having all the kids on the boat at once... lasted for about 15 minutes.

In one of the chillier moments Beck wanted to be wrapped up in my coat with me.

Beck is turning into a little River Rat.  Loved every moment.

Beck took naps everyday - he's snuggle up under a towel to get warm and the next thing I knew - he'd be asleep!  Most days were boat naps....good thing too since we were up late each night.

Watermelon was a hit.  We ate so good each day!

The kids all found the perfect place to warm up on the sand.  No matter about the dirt, bugs - whatever... kids never really noticed!

We did a layover day in one site and spent two nights.  It was great to relax and not be setting up and taking down camp each day.

The kids found some old charcoal and make mustaches on their faces.

Our river crew - on the day we took out.

This is a pic from the day we left - so excited to get going!

Ready to roll!

Bronwyn and Thomas jumped right in on launch day...cold water but they didn't seem to notice.

Beck is ready to row next year.  He loves it - just need a few more inches and a few more muscles!

Have boat coat and hat - will float!

The master rower

Chrissy & Thomas

Beck loves to sit on Carl's lap to "help".

Seriously - does it get any better than this????

We played games everyday and dug all kinds of sand holes.

Relaxing at camp.  No snakes so I was relaxed right then. 

Delicious dinners and comfy chairs make it seem like we are living in luxury!

Our little Shangri La!

One last bit...  a short rapid video.  Thomas was on the Laherty's boat....

Summer Vacation...Off to a great start!

Friday was the last day of school...3rd grade for Thomas and Pre-K for Beck!  Onto 4th and Kindergarten next year!  To celebrate, we went camping out near Camp Sherman...

the papers they are holding say "Last Day of School! Thomas 3rd grade, Beck Pre-K"

Saturday morning, we headed to the Wizard Falls Hatchery - it's the day they let kids onto the pond to fish.  We arrived at 9 - found out it was a lottery for fishing times but lucked out and got the right color card for the early fishing slot.

 Big Grins for the first fish of the day!

The boys had so much fun - Thomas had a new rod and reel and looked like a pro.  It was Beck's first time fishing and he loved it!  He kept wanting to go back when we were done - "Mom, I just want to cast some more".

Thomas tied two flies - he wants us to set up a space for him to do it at home now!  Good thing we have the equipment and gear ready to go already.

Fish Print Painting....

They each got a fish that we brought home for dinner...which they both ate!!!!!  Carl was less than enthused about the eating part but was a rock star with the catching part.  The hatchery put on a great event - there was fly tying, story telling inside a huge blow up fish, an aquatic zoo with live bugs and fish and even fish print painting.  All in all - a great way to kick off summer!  Enjoy the video below!