Rick Raymond and I ran the No Fk of the John Day during its brief high water season. Although the river has numerous class 2 rapids, it is the scenery which rarely disappoints. The many canyons, flowers and wildlife, plus the solitude make this a wonderful trip. This year it was really crowded…we saw 4 boats in 3 days! Numerous campsites abound everywhere. We drove to the put in near Dale, Oregon on Friday evening and spent the night getting the big cat ready for the trip. At 9 AM our shuttle driver took the truck to the take out at Monument, Oregon. Saturday morning was a little breezy which made it kind of cold. We bundled up and blasted through many rapids with no names and finally stopped for lunch on a warm, sunny, sand bar. We almost went to sleep in the warm sunshine as the wind subdued. We continued on to our camp just downstream from the junction with the Middle Fork of the John Day. From the ancient fire ring, it looked like it had been 20 years since anyone had camped at this spot. It was wonderful because we had the afternoon sun and the morning sun! We made a fabulous Dutch oven dinner of venison stew washed down with the best wine that comes in a cardboard box! Saturday night was clear and cold. We had a full moon and lots of stars. In the morning everything was covered in frost. By staying in the sleeping bags until the sunshine hit the campsite, all was warm and dry when we got up. I was able to add a new bird to my bird list by identifying a Lewis's woodpecker for the first time. The Sunday float of about 15 miles was pure joy. Sunshine, no wind, beautiful scenery and complete solitude made it a wonderful day. One of the best of a river trips I have done in a long time. I already have a good start on my annual 'Teva tan!' The very well maintained take out was also crowded. 2 other boats! The very nice take out at Monument is a joy to use. On the way home through Echo, Oregon we stopped and visited a couple of interesting Oregon trail sites. We walked for ¾ of a mile in Oregon trail wheel ruts that were shoulder deep. We visited the Umatilla ford where the wagons crossed the river and bought supplies at an old trading post. Near a grassy field we found long forgotten signs describing the old campsite and various materials found by archeologists. It is highly unlikely that 50 people a year ever see these markers. We also found a lonely concrete post in the desert erected by the BLM that said Oregon Trail.
No Fk John Day May 4, 5, 6, 2001
Posted - May 07 2001 : 05:17:00 AM
