Fishing in Hell's Canyon

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

~ Psalms 19:1-3 ~

How can anyone, looking at the world around us, doubt that it was made by a Creator? As it has been said, "I don't have enough faith to think it was created by 'chance'...I only have enough faith to believe that we have a Creator, and even then, I sometimes doubt His will for me."

The cabins where we stayed

Our fishing trip outside of Lewiston was amazing and perfect in every way. The weather was beautiful (even when rainy), the fish were biting (except they weren't), and the fellowship we shared was sublime. 19 made the number of our party, between our 13 including Oma and Grampaw and Daniel (who flew out from Illinois for 5 days, specifically to go fishing with us), the Gaul Family (5), and our guide-Brett Dayton.

Back Row: Papa, Grampaw, Oma, Colter, Mrs. & Mr. Gaul, Brett, Bridger, Daniel, David
Front Row: Mama, Josiah, Rachel, Esther, James, Alyssa, Me, Samuel, Rebekah

In total, I think we caught around 50 fish, 45 of which, we ate at our fish fry (delish!!). There were mostly small mouth bass, though I think some individuals caught some catfish, other bottom feeders, and maybe a couple trout.

We always kiss our fishes...but Samuel wanted to eat his ;p

Ain't it a beaut?!? 

Rock Fishing....Me & Samuel

My big brothers!!!

Bridger & Josiah with the fish they caught 

Rebekah and her catch

Alyssa in her natural habitat

David and one of his catches

Bank Fishing...look at that fog!!

The river was at an all-time high...trying to flood it's banks, and so our sturgeon fishing didn't turn out like we hoped, but Samuel did catch a baby one Friday morning....SO cute!!!!!

Look at this Slide!! About a Class 5 rapids
What you can't see, is that if our boat was in it (which it wasn't), there would be 3 "holes" you wouldn't be able to see it, because of the wave patterns.

We definitely had our fill of adventures...between:

Climbing up Mountains,

Exploring caves,

Boating through Class 3 rapids,

Looking at Petroglyphs,

Collecting posies for our Mamas,

and....most memorably (for me) falling into the river. :) It was an accident, and thankfully, I caught a hold of the bars on the boat, and was able to hold on, with Samuel's help, who was immediately there (wow is he strong!!!), until Mr. Gaul pulled me out. I remember thinking "Wow! The water is actually pretty warm! I think I can hold on for a good bit!!" Thankfully, we weren't in the middle of the river, so the water wasn't as rapid as it could have been. That was a very memorable experience!! :)

Some members were a little too friendly with the cactus, and we sadly found out that cactus likes to take advantage of hospitality, and expelling them from your 'homes' can be difficult and time consuming, plus cleaning up the mess they leave behind....Campho-Phenique works wonders!! ;p

Poison Ivy was rampant in different parts-particularly on the Idaho/Oregon border...it sure is pretty though!

Poison Ivy: Looks like Mint, 3 leaves together, and has a greasy look

Of course, you can't be by a river, and not have a stone skipping competition!!

 You ever seen a potato playing a piano??? Neither had I!!! :)

Esther loving up big brother Daniel

 I love doing hair....and I LOVE braids. Thankfully, I had a willing victim...love using fishing line for hair ties!! :)

I think my favorite memory made, was spending time in the early mornings, fellowshipping with God as the sun came up, and the river sounds in my ears; and having wonderful discussions about different Biblical topics with individuals. What a blessing it is, to be able to fellowship with likeminded believers!!!

The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the people see His glory. For thou, LORD, art high above all the earth: Thou art exalted far above all gods. Rejoice in the LORD, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.

~ Psalms 97:6 & 12 ~