Beginnings

Of a Thanksgiving feast

Two turkeys (Stove Top and Butterball) and five pullets (one named Albert Einstein - because of the hair)





Of bunch of ham and bacon for breakfast

Yes, we built a pig pen. After a lot of soul searching I can now look in the mirror and say, "Yes, I have a pig pen on my property, and doggone it, people like me!"

Of fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, peas.....

And long job charts this summer!!!

Kayak Heaven

Darren, Neil, and Dave standing on the center rock island in
"Pair of Dice" rapid.

This rapid can be seen below the Hansen bridge. Tad (recovering from shoulder surgery) took this picture from the canyon rim. He was with them in spirit. Poor Tad. This photos shows the "small hole." River right of this is the real monster.

This is the kind of rapid, that upon hearing the beginnnings of its roar as you approach, makes you want to throw up. In low water you can run the falls. In high water you better get to the rock or you will spend the rest of eternity being "Maytag"ed.

That being said, this is completely, totally 100 % heaven for Darren and certain friends. The Murtaugh section of the Snake is world famous. Problem is, it only runs when Jackson Lake, Palisades and on down the line are full. We've been in a drought. When word got out that water was being released, the phone rang non stop.

The conversation usually starts with, "Dude." A lot of times Darren has no idea who it is. But they all remember him. He is the Murtaugh guru. In years past when the Murtaugh ran we would have a tent city in our yard. We call them our hippie friends. Many times strangers have slept in our home. Boaters are family. The Murtuagh brings boaters together in a common purpose.

The Murtuagh is that kind of water.

Bigger than the Grand Canyon kind of water.

Quit your job kind of water.

Words cannot express the excitement at our house kind of water.

1997 was the last year it ran REALLY big. They actually closed it to boaters. My husband snuck on at 36,000 cfs and landed himself on the front page of Sunday's paper under the headline "Residents pray, Boaters play."

River water runs in Darren's veins. It is his lifeblood. His spirit draws from it all nutrients necessary to accomplish the rest of life. He is drawn to it at a very innate level. It is this desire, even need, for adventure that initially drew me to him. It has fed our little family well. Ties that bind. River water has done that for us.

This week Darren keeps coming up to me and very urgently saying my name. When I am awaiting what important thing he must have to tell me, he'll say animatedly, "The Murtaugh is running!"

It's that kind of water.

Lions and Tigers and Bears, OH MY!

OK. Just the lion part. Mountain Lion that is. Yes, a real one, about 40 feet away! My fabulous photographer sister in law got a picture; when I can get a copy I'll post it! It was stalking a goose, and boy was it surprised by 10 kayaks floating down the creek! It crouched down to hide, I swear you could walk 3 feet from one of those and not know it was there! Incredible!!! We decided it was time to bring back the annual tradition of floating Salmon Falls Creek in early spring. We have missed the past 4 years. This is the put in outside Jackpot, NV. Notice the storm clouds in the distance. Had we known the fury they held....(Scott, you just may be a little smarter than the rest of us; devil's tooth wasn't the same without you)

Smart girl, had her rain gear on from the start.

Paige, just kicking it.

Darren and kids climbing. I'm glad they had the energy to do it that morning. All five of us slept in our tent that USED to fit us. I think the kids are growing. There was no room for ANY squirming. Paige kept getting mad at Darren and me for talking, Darren finally asked me, "What is your problem?" Then realizing how he sounded quickly asked me really what was wrong so he could help me to "PLEASE STOP MOVING!" Boy was that fun. You think it's bad in the car when someone's toe touches someones leg?

Our little scout. We hit camp and he immediately started making something to hang a clothes line on.

The boys.

Justin, Brady, and Spongebob?

It was a great trip, in spite of the rain. Did I say rain? I mean DOWNPOUR. Complete with flashing lightning and thunder booming through the narrow canyon. Nature at its most natural. Wow.