Well, I hate to say it, but my plans to start hiking the CDT (Continental Divide Trail) have moved out to yet another year. Why? I guess you could say that those river gods are just calling me stronger these days. I’ve decided to take advantage and join some other folks on two rather large kayaking adventures this year. This summer Mary and I will be doing a trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon in Idaho through the Salmon-Challis National Forest. It’s the largest contiguous wilderness area in the Continental United States. After spending more than a week there, and paddling on the Middle Fork of the Salmon, we plan to head east just a bit to the mountains and rivers in Wyoming and Montana. The Tetons,  Yellowstone National Park and surrounding areas will always remain close to our hearts after spending many summer seasons working there back in our younger years.

Middle Fork, Salmon River – Photo by: Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures

I plan to spend the rest of my summer and early fall camping, playing and kayaking here in the Southeast on my home rivers like the Toccoa, Ocoee, Tellico, Nantahala, Tallulah and Chattooga.

Double Trouble, on the Ocoee River, Tennessee

In the late fall Mary and I will once again head out for another big river adventure on the other side of the world in Nepal. We plan to spend several days exploring Nepal and the Kathmandu area before embarking on a eight day trip kayaking, rafting and camping down the Sun Kosi River.

Originating near Mount Shisha Pangma in Tibet, the Sun Koshi which if translated in English means the ‘River of Gold’ runs eastward through Nepal draining most of the eastern portion of the Himalayas. From the put-in at Dolalghat to the take-out at Chatra in far-eastern Nepal, the warm water of the Sun Kosi surges, snakes and winds its way through 270km of some of Nepal’s most remote countryside. At the right flow this river journey is an incredible combination of exhilarating whitewater, beautiful scenery and glorious evenings on white sandy beaches. It is truly breathtaking, and backed by its popularity is considered by many to be one of the world’s 10 classic river journeys.

It’s quite an experience to begin a river trip, barely 60 kms from the Tibetan border, and end the trip looking down the hot, dusty gun barrel of the North India Plain just 8 days later.

During the monsoon season though, the river is high and wild, and definitely not for the fainthearted. Swept along by the pulsing waters, maneuvering through boiling narrow channels and dodging obstacles, the river dances through corridors of lush forest  then accelerates through leaping waves and roaring drops. There are dozens of adrenalin pumping rapids, as well as miles of calmer water to relax, reflect on the beauty of this remote area and totally unwind.   ~ Makalu Adventure Group

Sun Kosi River, Nepal – Photo by Unknown

So needless to say, Mary and I are looking forward to a great summer and fall in 2017 on both the water and in the woods. Let’s Roll!