Water is the drive of Nature.

- Leonardo da Vinci

Hell's Canyon

The Almquist Invetational 2006

Our trip this year was lead by the usual highly experienced river runners of the Snake for the exception of one, who had never been on a river before but was an avid rowing master in the shell. Mr. Doug Aced every line in the big "Named rapides" but found the "non-Named" rapids are still nothing to float sideway's in. All and all it was an amazing trip, a little bad weather, jet boats, and shotgun blast's from across the river can't beat good friends, warm big water and good spirits. next time you visit Hell's canyon watch for the night Squirle ..He'll be watching you.......




Jon Almquist sr. "doc" finding his way through Wild Sheep

Claire in contrast (She looks like she's on the Zambieze)

Jon Almquist greasing his way through Wild Sheep

Stehekin Valley Adventures

Stehekin airport

Our first scouting trip to Stehekin was an amzing trip. the water was just coming down from an epic high water spring and the lake was full of water falls. We are met by the owner of Stehekin Valley Ranch Cliff Courtney. the Courtney family were the first settlers in Stehekin Valley. The Courtney family still runs Stehekin and welcome us very warmly to there Home.



if you look close you can see Cliff in the window



Not only was Cliff the nicest guy in the world he let us borrow the trooper for scouting and getting around. The main Stehekin was ok to run but all the good class V up stream was still to high. Our first day in Stehekin Johny Clifton and Chris Totten scouted and took photo's of the new log damage from high water for Cliff and the USFS. Every thing seemed to be clean enough for comercial use though wood is just a problem on the Stehekin being it's an undamned glacier river.



Chris and Johny scouting the entrance to Agnus Gorge

Since the water was a little high still we decided to hike and scout some future possible runs when we return in late spring. Agnus Gorge is one of many rivers that have been done but only once or twice due to the remotness of the area.










On our way back to the lodge for dinner we noticed a very large mess of steaming scat. Since it was not thier on the hike up we knew something was close. sure enough the bear was right around the next corner blocking the trail and would not less us pass. finally the bear ran into some think underbrush and up the hill. finally we could go have dinner.

Our trip was succesful and amzing. the Courtney family was more than acomidating the food delicous and the possiblity for Adventure endless.

for lodging info contact www.stehekinvalleyranch.com

for adventure trips in Stehekin with Stehekin Valley ranch contact www.fluidadventures.com
or info@fluidadventures.com.