The Hell You Say

 Back on the road again, this time to ride a jet boat 60 miles up the Snake River through Hells Canyon, the deepest river gorge in the United States.  Our hotel was in Lewiston, Idaho, and just across the river; we met our ride in Clarkston, Washington.  Lewiston and Clarkston are named for…wait for it…the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  On their way to the Pacific, the Corp of Discovery left the Nez Pierce tribe and paddled down the Clearwater River which meets the Snake near present day Lewiston and Clarkston.

Nice view from the breakfast room at the Holiday Inn Lewiston

From the room, not so much

Our jet boat captain, all of 22 years old, is a third generation jet boat driver and a master of his craft.  He expertly navigated several class 3 rapids, missing every rock on our 6 hour journey.  He even brought along his dog to keep the passengers company.

Snake Dancer, our ride for the day

Knew his stuff!

Looking for a handout, all day long

Mouth of the Clearwater, where it meets the Snake

The scenery was epic,  all day long.

Basalt columns on the Washington side

Steep canyon walls throughout

Halfway through our trip, we stopped for lunch at the Hells Canyon Visitors Center on the Oregon side of the river.  We made several other stops to view the wildlife, see ancient petroglyphs, and even jump in the river if we chose.  All in all an outstanding way to spend a day

The only way to get there, by boat

Looking down river from the Visitors Center

Cold chicken and pasta salad for lunch

Centuries old petroglyphs on the canyon wall

Presently, Oregon and Washington are plagued by lightning caused wildfires. Because of the smoke we were not able to enjoy our other objective for the trip east: viewing the Persied meteor shower.  Oh well, we will probably try again next year.

Added Bonus Video

One more thing: Jan has asked me to add a postscript, apologizing for the way she looks in the title slide at the top.  However it isn't really necessary because she is the most lovely person imaginable, so I don't think I will.

Tasty Travel Tunes

Riding Doun the Canyon - Arlo Guthrie

Smoke on the Water - Deep Purple

Lewis and Clark - Fess Parker (apologies in advance if you actually decide to listen to this.)

And by request: Smoke Get In Your Eyes - The Platters

What happened to Rollin' on the River? I'd rather use that than Smoke gets in your...

OK, Proud Mary - Credence Clearwater Revival