It's the last day of Guide School; this week has flown by! Super intense and super fun. Today started with poster judging, animal presentations, and our final test. After we found out that everyone passed, it was time to enjoy the rest of the day.
We went outside and used most of the knots we learned to make a vector line. It is neat to find out what all someone can do if they learn a couple of knots.
Then it was time to start Guide School Olympics. The games started off with an opening ceremony. Ian "Gummy Bear" McIver lit the paddle torch (which was really funny). The first event was a skit--which my team lost. Steve Wilde"man" stole the show. Throughout the day, we participated in various activities such as the off-hand rock throw, slalom, and the best run through Big Kahuna. Lastly, we did a raft flip with a race to the takeout.
Overall, this has been a great week. We had some great coaches and everyone in Guide School became quick friends. I feel like we have known each other forever and it has only been a week. Now its time to graduate and go celebrate!
-Guide Schooler
Mad River is a river outfitter based in Jackson WY. Our experienced guides are trained and will keep you safe while showing you a great time during one of our many scenic floats or exhilarating white water rafting trip packages.
May 22, 2010
May 21, 2010
Snake River Cleanup 2010
Snake River Cleanup
When: June 6th
Where: Pick up breakfast and materials from Mad River at 9:00am. Opportunities to pick up all day.
After party at Cutty's with raffle prizes - be there at 8:00pm!
When: June 6th
Where: Pick up breakfast and materials from Mad River at 9:00am. Opportunities to pick up all day.
After party at Cutty's with raffle prizes - be there at 8:00pm!
Day 4 of Mad River Guide School
Today was day 4 out on the river. We continued working on getting in and out of eddy's with relying on the river as much as possible. I started in a stern oar mount with paddlers. Its good practice because you can't just focus on what your doing but on your other paddlers also.
The instructors would launch off the boat and pretend they did not what to do and we had to get them and get them in the boat. Great practice for real life situations.
I have learned a ton from this course. We would have class time and read chapters at night, then would go out in the day on the river and practice.
I also got the chance to row a center frame. Although a little different it's the same idea. I have a better understanding of the river, currents, and other river features. I feel confident I could take people down and have fun and most of all be safe especially after this class.
-Guide Schooler
The instructors would launch off the boat and pretend they did not what to do and we had to get them and get them in the boat. Great practice for real life situations.
I have learned a ton from this course. We would have class time and read chapters at night, then would go out in the day on the river and practice.
I also got the chance to row a center frame. Although a little different it's the same idea. I have a better understanding of the river, currents, and other river features. I feel confident I could take people down and have fun and most of all be safe especially after this class.
-Guide Schooler
Day 1 of Mad River Guide School
Getting to know people at orientation last night was cool, meeting the people I would spend the next week with and getting a feel for the group.
As we gathered in the boat house this morning I was excited to get going and see everything in action on the river. We had beautiful weather-sunny and about 70 degrees for a fun and intense day.
We got geared up in wetsuits at the boathouse and drove to the landing to meet with the instructors. The rafts were ready, and so we got into our splash gear and PFDs and headed out.
The first trip was relaxed as the guides brought us down as if we were paying customers, pointing out the sights and the names of features where we were. We practiced our paddle strokes and learned the basic commands of "all forward" and "all back."
Afterwards we had some quick food and drove right back to the top where we would guide from then on. We kept paddling and taking turns "on the stick" as guide. Along the way we saw an osprey carrying a fish it had caught, which it then accidentally dropped right next to the other boat. It was exciting seeing people make mistakes on their guiding strokes and quickly learn from them and get it right. It was even more exciting being on the stick myself and feeling the current as we ferried across, drove into eddies and just drifted.
Another longer lunch break and we were back at it. We rotated through who was guiding and who was paddling again. An osprey (maybe the same hungry one) came near one of the boats as it dive bombed for a smaller fish. That one didn't get away.
We practiced a flip drill where we purposely flipped the boat and had to get on top. We re-right it and get back in again. The rushed feeling added to the excitement, but it is sure tough pulling yourself onto or into these big rafts. Very fun!
Back at the boat house we learned to tie a couple knots-figure eight follow through to be specific-got our assignment for the night and went home. It was a definitely a workout to paddle all day, so I know I'll eat well and sleep even better tonight, excited that we get four more days of this.
- Guide Schooler
As we gathered in the boat house this morning I was excited to get going and see everything in action on the river. We had beautiful weather-sunny and about 70 degrees for a fun and intense day.
We got geared up in wetsuits at the boathouse and drove to the landing to meet with the instructors. The rafts were ready, and so we got into our splash gear and PFDs and headed out.
The first trip was relaxed as the guides brought us down as if we were paying customers, pointing out the sights and the names of features where we were. We practiced our paddle strokes and learned the basic commands of "all forward" and "all back."
Afterwards we had some quick food and drove right back to the top where we would guide from then on. We kept paddling and taking turns "on the stick" as guide. Along the way we saw an osprey carrying a fish it had caught, which it then accidentally dropped right next to the other boat. It was exciting seeing people make mistakes on their guiding strokes and quickly learn from them and get it right. It was even more exciting being on the stick myself and feeling the current as we ferried across, drove into eddies and just drifted.
Another longer lunch break and we were back at it. We rotated through who was guiding and who was paddling again. An osprey (maybe the same hungry one) came near one of the boats as it dive bombed for a smaller fish. That one didn't get away.
We practiced a flip drill where we purposely flipped the boat and had to get on top. We re-right it and get back in again. The rushed feeling added to the excitement, but it is sure tough pulling yourself onto or into these big rafts. Very fun!
Back at the boat house we learned to tie a couple knots-figure eight follow through to be specific-got our assignment for the night and went home. It was a definitely a workout to paddle all day, so I know I'll eat well and sleep even better tonight, excited that we get four more days of this.
- Guide Schooler
Day 2 Of Mad River Guide School
Guide school was great today. I really appreciate the instructors letting us take full control of the boat on only the second day of training. They did a great job yesterday of showing us all of the holes& rapids to avoid. Today they really let us learn through making our own mistakes navigating the river. This form of instruction is the most beneficial way of really learning a river.
The assigned reading was really beneficial to the activities we took part in today. The reading was a great starting block to learning the paddle strokes and maneuvers that we need to master today.
The instructors have been really respectful of all inquiries &comments of learning the river. They are really enthusiastic about their job& it's very clear they are thankful for the awesome opportunity they have been given. It's great to learn vicariously through instructors that have intimate knowledge of the Snake River.
-Guide Schooler
The assigned reading was really beneficial to the activities we took part in today. The reading was a great starting block to learning the paddle strokes and maneuvers that we need to master today.
The instructors have been really respectful of all inquiries &comments of learning the river. They are really enthusiastic about their job& it's very clear they are thankful for the awesome opportunity they have been given. It's great to learn vicariously through instructors that have intimate knowledge of the Snake River.
-Guide Schooler
May 20, 2010
Day 3 of Mad River Guide School
Wed. May 19th, 2010
Day 3 of River Guides Training:
Water has gone up a little less than 1000 CFS from yesterday morning. Started off the day with instructions on how to rig an oar frame and a raft. After doing this we geared up and headed for the river. We had two 16ft rear mounted ore rigs and one 18ft center mount ore rig.
Our first run down the river, we switched on and off on the ores and one person at a time rotated through the center mounted ore rig.
It was a little cold on the river today, with some rain periodically but not bad for May.
After the first trip we loaded up and headed back to the put-in. At the put-in we worked on using throw bags from shore with swimmers in the water.
Our second run was a similar dear as the first; switching on and off the ores.
After "California Curler" we pulled into an eddy and walked up to "Ropes Rapid." Most of us swam ropes and got picked up in the eddy. We got back to the take-0ut and headed back to the boat house.
Good day on the river.
- Guide Schooler
Water has gone up a little less than 1000 CFS from yesterday morning. Started off the day with instructions on how to rig an oar frame and a raft. After doing this we geared up and headed for the river. We had two 16ft rear mounted ore rigs and one 18ft center mount ore rig.
Our first run down the river, we switched on and off on the ores and one person at a time rotated through the center mounted ore rig.
It was a little cold on the river today, with some rain periodically but not bad for May.
After the first trip we loaded up and headed back to the put-in. At the put-in we worked on using throw bags from shore with swimmers in the water.
Our second run was a similar dear as the first; switching on and off the ores.
After "California Curler" we pulled into an eddy and walked up to "Ropes Rapid." Most of us swam ropes and got picked up in the eddy. We got back to the take-0ut and headed back to the boat house.
Good day on the river.
- Guide Schooler
Mad River Boat Trips supports Rotary Winefest
Dear Friends, Family and Colleagues:
The Rotary Club of Jackson Hole is pleased to announce our club’s largest fundraiser. The 22nd annual Wine Fest will take place Friday, May 28th at Snow King Center in Jackson Hole, WY between 5pm-8pm. Advance purchase tickets are $30 each, or $35 at the door. 100% of last year’s proceeds provided 22 local high school students with scholarships for higher education.
As in years past, the event features over 400 wines from around the world for your tasting enjoyment. For the first time, the event will offer a special Riedel wine glass tasting from 5:15pm-5:45pm. For only $100, this unique experience includes entrance to the Wine Fest, a professional tasting showcasing four different varietals of high quality wine, demonstrating how the various shapes of glasses enhance wine consumption. Participants will keep their glasses valued at $60. Tickets are limited to 40 people, so be sure to reserve now.
Our club is also excited about the event’s huge silent auction including an original Amy Ringholz painting, hotel stays at luxurious hotels around the country, season ski passes, dinners at Jackson Hole’s finest restaurants, rounds of golf at the valley’s top courses, large format bottles of wine and much more.
This year’s raffle will once again offer a chance to win $5,000 in cash in addition to consolation prizes that include cases of fine wine donated by valley liquor stores. To increase the odds of winning, only a limited number of tickets will be sold. Tickets can be purchased online or at the event. You don’t need to be present to win!
Your support by attending the event, participating in the raffle or even a small contribution to the fundraiser through our secure website would be greatly appreciated. To buy Wine Fest tickets, Raffle tickets, Reidel tasting tickets, or to donate, please visit:
www.RotaryWineFest.org
The Jackson Hole Rotary Lunch Club thanks you for your support!
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