It may not technically be winter for another 16 days, but this crew of NRS’ers and friends took to a different type of whitewater over the Thanksgiving break. Whitewater created by the frosty, frosty hands of Mother Nature and her early winter warnings.
Headed to the Lower Main Salmon. NRS employee owners take time to #OptOutside and spend a few days on the river with friends passionate (and crazy) about boating and river time despite single digit temps.
Boat rigging and refreshments. No lines at the put-in in November. Montana boaters are a great addition to any group, especially when they bring Coldsmoke.
Challenging morning launch with the oar and boat frozen to the shore. Looks like we’ll be rowing with “Counter-Counter” balanced oars today.
Zig Zagging down stream to avoid ice and stay warm.
Hot coffee and Clyde’s famous river beignets warmed the soul after a cold night on the river.
Inspired by the French, beignets are a popular breakfast and/or dessert item in New Orleans. Typically prepared by deep-frying dough and sprinkling with powdered sugar. Clyde’s secret? We’ll never tell.
There are three turkeys in this photo. Our favorite? Longtime NRS’er: Clyde.
Patiently waiting for the sun to hit the beach. When it doesn’t break the blanket of night until after seven, we had to wait until nearly 11 am to feel her warming rays.
Finding sun and warmth on a canyon hike. Grateful the rattlesnakes were snug in their winter dens.
A look at camp from above. A perfect crew. A perfect view.
Keeping Olive, the NRS office dog, warm. Looks like we may need to develop a doggy drysuit.
Reason #357 you should go winter rafting: there’s really no need for coolers. We hope you like your liquor chilled.
Thankful to live in such a beautiful place. Thankful to have such beautiful friends who will embark on frigid adventures. Thankful for fire. And whiskey.
A warm breakfast to heat our core and give us the energy we’d need to get up, pack up, and raft through the ice to an early take-out. 
Iceberg ahead! When the river turns to ice it’s time to take out and head home.
