14 Comments
User's avatar
Tim Gallagher's avatar

My favorite line among many favorites: “While we were doing so Uncle Gusty showed up with all his cousins, nieces, nephews and friends, bearing lightning, thunder, rain and hail — skin-stinging horizontal hail, driven by a sudden microburst that blasted through the canyon.” Ruskin called it the pathetic fallacy, which seems cruel for writing so vivid. Great tale, John.

Expand full comment
John Krist's avatar

Thanks, Tim! It was quite a vivid experience.

Expand full comment
Jill W Bookwalter's avatar

Hi John! Loved your tales of your river rafting trip. And as Tim said, the Uncle Gusty and his relatives was an excellent way to tell that tale! We have been on three rafting trips for the past 3 years. We love those experiences, however, like you said being the only guests meant no paddling unless you did the kayaks. Loved your pictures of a beautiful river. Have you been on the Yampa? It's has an amazing backdrop. Well can't wait for your next trip!! Jill

Expand full comment
John Krist's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it, Jill. Yes, we did the Yampa in 2013 -- it was the second river trip Leslie and I went on together, and remains a very special memory for us both.

Expand full comment
Shawn's avatar

Thank you for taking us all along....what a wonderful adventure for you both!

Expand full comment
John Krist's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it, Shawn. It was quite an experience!

Expand full comment
Delia Gorey's avatar

Leslie had told me a bit about the trip John, but seeing your photos and video brought this beautiful experience right into my living room. Thanks for this gorgeous piece of writing.

Expand full comment
John Krist's avatar

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Delia!

Expand full comment
Alondra's avatar

Amazing! What a treat to be the only guest passengers in the crew! Takes me back to my trips on the rogue river that I got to do as a kid. Your writing and photos transports!

Expand full comment
John Krist's avatar

It was certainly a rare opportunity. We love the Rogue!

Expand full comment
Michael Reid Dimock's avatar

Wow, what an awesome journey. Inspired to do the same one day when I return. Thanks for sharing words and photos.

Expand full comment
John Krist's avatar

You certainly will not regret it, Michael.

Expand full comment
Suzanne Chadwick's avatar

Wow! Again you manage to take me along on something I’ll never experience, just because I’m getting OLD! 😃 I truly felt I was along for the ride. Your guides looked incredibly young but as you say, the muscle was a plus. The petroglyphs were exceptional and what a sheer study in life by those who traveled before us. I’d love to see them in larger scale to study, especially the panel. Thanks again you wild and crazy adventurous, beautiful people! Until next time, Sue

Expand full comment
John Krist's avatar

Thanks, Sue!

Expand full comment