It takes awhile to come-down after you guys grace the lawn here each fall since we’ve lived at this spot along trail 96. There’s always this “cup is full” feeling post visit from that great bunch of warriors, their sponsers, and the Canyons guide’s that are beloved friends to boot.

The gamut of emotions provides a great window of chit-chat between Greg and I post Veteran’s Visit – how we’re reminded of things we take for granted, how thankful we are for the uncountable sacrifices our vet’s have made, how powerful the bond of brotherhood is, and in what ways do we or could we contribute from the backcountry towards something so meaningful to us.

In the interim, I spent a good bit of time at the Team River Runners website to find ways of doing just that. Instead I was further humbled by the amazing efforts by you and your colleagues (God Bless Mornini!) in providing such a great outlet for our Vet’s to bring about healing and hope through these river trips. Short of winning the lottery to make a substantial monetary contribution, we can only come up with a small way we could give back and take part in the overall experience on this annual trip.

We know how vital it is for each river adventure to be one that challenges those onboard as well as one that is relaxing and stress free for them – to be on the oars by day, sleeping under a blanket of stars at night.
Not wanting to change that, we thought we could at least provide a spot for you guys to “rough it” at YPB for a night along the way.

We’d be happy to provide and prepare the evening meal (in collaboration with Canyons’ and being mindful of specific dietary needs), as well as a offer a hearty breakfast before you paddle downstream to your next destination.
The guys would be welcome to camp on green grass with rustic facilities available for their use – a wash station/solar shower, outhouse, etc. And who knows what other things could come into the picture. I hear guitars being strummed around the fire pan……

I’ve not contacted Greg McFadden or any of the Canyon guides with this idea yet either but I’ll include them in this email to start a conversation with them as well.
We certainly don’t intend to diminish the valuable role they play in this or any of their guided trips, or to take over their gig. Merely to provide a venue for them to do their thing, or take a night off from mealtime chores if they want.

Like I said, we so enjoy this fall visit with you, the warriors and Canyon’s guides, and thought a night out of the sand would be a nice change. Of course, our intent is also a bit selfish. A few hours’ visit doesn’t allow for conversation with all the guys, and we’d love to have that bonus time to get in some quality time with each of them.

Whatever comes of it, we just wanted to let you know a camp night at Yellow Pine Bar would be available for your group if it’s something TRR & Canyon’s would entertain next September or whenever it works best.
And if it’s not a twist that would work into the annual plan, know you are perennially welcomed to pull in and continue to be the highlight that kicks off Autumn for two people, a dog, a flock of chickens and a few cats on the Salmon River.

Best of luck to you and TRR in future adventures, and we’ll be sure to check in with your website to be uplifted and filled with pride.

Fondly,
Sue & Greg