As 2017 comes to a close, we’d like to say thank you to all our friends, family and those who joined us this season on our various adventures! We couldn’t have imagined a better way to have spent it than having logged so many days in the wilderness with many of you.
This summer we welcomed many families on their first trips into the Frank Church, along with several other longtime guests, down the Middle Fork. Sunny-weathered Santa’s commandeered the paddle boat as did a dashing group of reunioning dentists, the VMI Class of ’71 … say, what is a group of dentists called? A drove of dentists?
We had a fearsome gaggle of girls who proved worthy to all manners of River mischief along with a mighty group of Wild Women — momma’s and daughters alike. One thing was to be sure: our guides were in for a wild ride!
During the fall, we traversed the high country far and wide, through sunshine and snow alike in search of the true hunt of sheep, elk and mule deer.
All in all, it was a wonderful year and we are grateful to welcome 2018, our 28th year of embracing the wilderness in the heart of Idaho, in which we feel so lucky to outfit, experience and adventure.
So thank you all for joining in our fun, and we’ll leave you with this little verse and some photos.
An End-of-Season Sonnet…from your Outfitter, Steve Zettel
“Twas the end of the season, when out of the woods,
There came trailers of horses in cheerful good moods,
There outfitters and guides sporting seasons long hair
Thinking of a hot shower how soon they’d be there.
Mules dreamed of range pasture stomping as they drove,
Satisfied from the work, for guests they had strove.
It was time for the gear, all the Rafts and paddles,
To be put to bed, with the horses and saddles.
We scrubbed empty coolers, and stacked high kayaks…
Guides shuttered at the sight of all those sleeping bags.
While swapping hunt stories, of how their socks turned to rags
And the long-gone deer hunters they’d help’t fill their tags.
Tents were strung up to dry from the rafters with care
Paco pads and some long-forgotten underwear.
We cleaned out our workshops, and made quite a racket,
Til nothing was left out, not en’n a life jacket.
Now our fridges are filled with salad dressings and old mustard,
In hopes that the cook could invent some kind of leftover custard.
5 jams and 10 mayo’s and 16 kinds of jellies,
Looks like we won’t have trouble filling our bellies!
Now our backcountry crews are showered and shaven
Ponies wormed, barefoot and cherishing their safe haven,
We take to comfy seats in our soft easy chairs,
Highest mountains we’ll climb are those old pesky stairs.
Warm feet and quiet houses, we recline by the fire,
‘Nother season in the books — what more to desire?
Dreaming back to sunny days on the river,
Starry nights and hot spring soaking, sure did deliver.
We had Wigleys in big water, Ron, Dog and Bass after June,
Little girls and Wild Women a ‘howlin’ at the moon.
An eclipse on the river topping mountains so tall
Only thing better were the adventures of fall.
A big ram and several bulls brought their challenge to our door
We even found some nice Muley’s, how could we want more?
Planning for next season and all of the sights
We settle down for a rest — no more rides, no more flights.
Turning in and refueling like the 206s and the Beavers,
We look back at the pictures from our guests ever so eager.
Grateful for the good times, we wish you all such good cheer,
With hopes that you’ll join us (if only next year).
Come float on the Middle Fork, or try out Fish Camp
A Women’s Week or Mountain Hunt, (please note: we don’t “glamp”!)
May your New Year give you plenty of good luck and delight,
Spent with loved ones in wild places, and a few fish that bite!
