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| Becky & Parker. Rock-Star Co-Owners of America's Rafting Company. |
“And then I looked
out the window and saw it was snowing…” [in Idaho, during the winter, in freezing
temperatures] “...and I thought, HEY: let’s take the raft out for a winter overnight
down the Snake…”
That’s Parker I’m
paraphrasing.
The head guy and
guide and co-owner of America’s Rafting Company. He's sharing the story of how he and another rafting pro buddy, Marshall, decided on a whim to brave the giant surge of The Snake River in the middle of Winter -- and the hilarious and wild adventure that ensued.
He’s a dare-devil, an
enthusiast, a grab the life by the balls and run, sprint, and take it to it's
limits. With his beaming smile and
storytelling magic, anyone nearby Parker can't help but get swept up by his magnetism and quest
for adventure in life and I feel lucky to just be around the guy. I’m like a wide-eyed kid
around a sports hero. Happy to be a part of his irresistible glow.
He is one part of the
magic that is America’s Rafting Company and what makes it so successful. The other vital part is Becky.
The kick-ass,
rock-star, oar wielding, down to earth, genuine, Becky, who Parker was
lucky enough to marry a few years ago. The soul of the company, she gracefully
coordinates, both indoors and out, these guided trips so they seamlessly happen without
a glitch. And she can also command a massive gear boat and a stellar camp kitchen, too boot.
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| Our group tackling The Snake River with America's Rafting Company. Photo by: Val in Real Life 2014 |
And with such
charismatic leadership, Parker and Becky have naturally gathered top guides and
good energy around their whole outfitter system.
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| Dinner the first night on the river. Fresh kale, crisp beans, juicy chicken, homemade biscuits. |
Take the food for
example. Each and every meal is a fresh feast of thoughtful, sophisticated
fare. Dinners, specifically, have an
air of festivity with a gourmet flair. Fresh kale salads. Deeply marinated
steaks with mashed potatoes and fresh, grilled veggies. And a Dutch oven
dessert every single night as a grand finale.
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| View of our camp on the first night on the Snake River. Spectacular. |
And the campsites. 5-billion
star campsite locations for our gathering of tents and meals, tucked into a bend in the river. We are blessed with real, deep sleep because of gorgeous, bright yellow sleeping pads that are provided for bedtime -- a total luxury instead of feeling
every single rock beneath me all night long. And the sweet rush of the water soothing us gives me sweet dreams and a true recharge for the next epic day on tap.
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| Sunrise over our third night on the river. The most beautiful sh*&ter in the world. |
And the toilets. Yes,
the sh&%ers, the johns, the where-you-do-your-business-in-nature. Don’t
laugh! Competing for the “best location of the privy” is a source of pride for
these Wild West Outfitters. And America’s Rafting Company didn’t disappoint.
The spectacular views from each portable toilet has us snapping photos like
National Geographic photographers, wanting to catch the essence (though not the
scent) of the odd pairing of toilet and scenic beauty.
I think I win today with
the shot above: "Sunrise over the Sh*&ter" from our last night on the river…
And, most importantly, back to the heart of the experience: the crew. To work with Becky and Parker is no-doubt a guide’s dream. And their high standards sift out only the best people to guide for their trips.
And, most importantly, back to the heart of the experience: the crew. To work with Becky and Parker is no-doubt a guide’s dream. And their high standards sift out only the best people to guide for their trips.
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| Only the coolest crew need apply: Becky & Scout heading out on our third day on the river. |
And that’s what we get. Rick and his, bam-bam!, gunshow and humble humor.
Marshall’s passion for the land and hilarious commentary. John and his horses
packing the gear. And Scout, the coolest dog on earth, who runs both with the skunks on land and the boats on water, like an old pro.
A few days with this
crew, and I feel like I can tackle any massive rapid or mountain with a
talented, experienced, safe and reliable outfitter who has my back.
And having worked with outfitters both professionally and for personal leisure, I see that this company has what it takes to do the job with the full combination of creating an epic experience for their clients by pushing the limits so at times you feel the adrenaline rush - if that's what you're looking for - and doing it in a way that makes us feel taken care of and exhilarated at the same time.
And having worked with outfitters both professionally and for personal leisure, I see that this company has what it takes to do the job with the full combination of creating an epic experience for their clients by pushing the limits so at times you feel the adrenaline rush - if that's what you're looking for - and doing it in a way that makes us feel taken care of and exhilarated at the same time.
I am blown away.
-Outdoorsy Mama
Disclaimer: America's Rafting Company is a sponsor of Hell Hike And Raft. However, you guys know me well enough by now to know my opinions are my own. Cheers!
For More Stories about the Trip:
Day 3 - Aching feet and giant, fresh bear scat
Day 2 - Reaching the Summit of the World - pure joy
Day 1 - Meeting the He Devil... Hiking into the 7 Devils
America's Rafting Company - New Meadows, Idaho
