Smith River 2009

Our hike above Sunset Cliffs. With our campground in the background

We lucked out again and were able to get a permit to run the Smith River over Memorial day weekend. Wendy unfortunately hasn't been feeling well enough with her pregnancy to spend 4 days on a raft, so she had to spend 4 quiet days at home alone relaxing ( I'm sure it was rough). I took the boys, and invited my Mom, Dad, and brother to come along. My friend Dave Oldham and his family also had a permit, so we bumped into them along the way. I think everyone had a great time. The weather was excellent overall, besides a few hours of rain on Sunday. The boys loved everything about it. They loved swimming in the river, throwing rocks, making smores, catching a water snake, wrestling in the tent, playing with friends, spotting wildlife, and rowing the boat. The Smith river is a spectacularly beautiful river. We ran 60 miles. The campsites were great, especially the outdoor pit toilets. We love the Smith river. This is one of the things we are particularly going to miss about Montana when we move. We hope to do it again in a few years.

PS Asher fell in the Driveway while packing for the trip. Running in rainboots is not a good idea.

The boys with my parents and brother on the Smith River

The boys swimming at Sunset Cliffs

Our campground the first night

Our toilet with a view (and not much privacy)

The boys thought it was funny to tip over their chairs to eat their food, not so good with hot chocolate and oatmeal.

Asher loved getting hot chocolate first thing every morning - Parker Flat campground

The boys threw rock for hours at Parker Flat

Our Campground at Parker Flat

Jackson loved to row

Asher and Jackson taking control of the oars - Asher was working hard

Asher was pretty excited about everything most of the trip

Asher and Jackson taking a nap the last few miles.