What a fun adventure we all got to do as a family! I was thankful Greg found a place that would allow all of us to go rafting. It was a pretty easy rafting experience. The kids always impress me with what they can accomplish. They did a great job listening and doing the instructions our guide shouted out. They each sat on the ‘bull’ and rode the rapids. Watching their faces light up as they would hit a wave, was priceless. Full of excitement!     Rafting down the Payette River in Idaho was quite incredible. The beauty on the river is amazing. Taking these adventures with my family has made this summer unforgettable. I know the adventures will continue!      

Chris Ireland

We drove to Idaho. We parked in Crouch. There is a little creek that flows through our camp ground it is called the Payette River. We built a sand castle Cair Paravel. Then we went river rafting. There is a white bus ?, 4 boats ?, and 7 rapids. The deepest part of water ? was 80 feet deep! 3 people rode the bull which was the front of the boat ?. Then we had pizza ? on the campstove for dinner ?.I liked the camping trip!

Jadon Ireland

Going white water rafting list:

1. We got ready

2. Then we waited

3. Got on the bus.

4. Got the rafting boats ready

5. Then sailed away

6. Then we paddled some more

7. I sat in the middle

8. Esther rided on the bull

9. We went over rapid 1, then 2, then Mike’s hole

10. There were 9 rapids 

11. Jadon and I ride the bull like Esther

12. I sat in the front of the boat and I saw some little rollers coming towards me 
I just like rafting so much!

Our camp site had a stream in front of it. We played in the stream. The stream was warm and cold. We played house and we built a sand castle. The castle’s name was Cair Paravel. I was the queen of the castle with a stick. I told Esther and Jadon what to do.

Rahab Ireland

   I thought that the white water rafting was super fun. The types of rafting that we did were class two and three. We got on a bus and went 8 miles up river. Then we got off the bus and into the rafting boat. You put your feet in the boat and you sit on the side of the boat everyone had a paddle except for Rahab. Our guide’s name was Gary we were the only people in the raft but in a group of four rafts. When we went down the first rapid it was the biggest. Nobody fell off on our boat, but the boat behind us three people fell off their boat. I never fell off the raft, but on some slow spots I chose to jump in (it was really cold). Our guide asked if anyone would like to sit on the front with there legs hanging out. Which is called bull riding. I did it first it was really fun and I got really wet, but it was fun. Some rapids were names like white water 101 and others like Mike’s hole. I really like river rafting. I think that I would like it even if I did fall off, because it is just part of the fun. But I can’t say that because I have never fallen off.

Esther Ireland

   I went tubing! It was so fun! So, so, so fun! It was easy to hang on. I liked it when they went fast and turned corners. I first went with Daddy. Then I went on a girls ride. I just liked the tube ride!

   I played a lot in the water and on the park. I liked playing in the water. I liked seeing the Tidewater. It’s the best. The Tidewater is a barge that comes up and down the river. I liked seeing the Riverboat. I liked playing with Cora and Wyatt.  

   Cora made me a anklet, bracelet, and a necklace with her string. It was beautiful.  

Rahab Ireland

We went to fish ? hook there are 2 playgrounds. We only went to 1 of the playgrounds. We also went tubing and swimming ? and knee-boarding. Knee-boarding was really fun and exciting! I deep watered started with daddy helping me. I went knee-boarding for a really long run. Esther water ? skied.  

   We, also, saw the Tidewater barge come up and down the river. We also saw the barge that carried baby fish up. There was also a barge full of grain. We also saw a coast guard boat and a river boat, called the American Express.

   I loved FishHook. We go to it every year!   

Jadon Ireland

We got to Fishhook really late at night. Then we went to bed. Next day it was really windy. So we played lots of games and went for a short tube ride. Then we had s’mores and went to bed. The next day the water was completely flat, but daddy didn’t feel that good. We went to the sandy beach. Cora and I knee-boarded and looked for shells. Then we went back to our campsite. We got the tube and went for a crazy tube ride. Then I skied all by myself without any help. It was really awesome when I came up out of the water. I really liked going outside of the wake because it was so flat. Then we had s’mores and went to bed. The next day we went tubing, Jadon knee-boarded, Rahab tubed, and Mommy, Daddy, and I skied. Then we had dinner and mommy made apple crisp. Which was really yummy! We saw barges pass and lots of other big boats. We went to the park. At the park we played games like tag and what time is it mr. fox. I had a really fun time.      

Esther Ireland

   This is my favorite camping spot tradition. It was a great time to catch up on some dearly missed friendships this summer. We played hard but with lots of relaxation!  

   All of the kids tried something new for the first time. What a confidence booster! Esther got up on skis, Jadon rode the knee board, and Rahab rode behind the tuba! I think next summer may be an expensive summer for the Ireland kids with all the new toys they want. 

   I love watching my kids find things to do in the down time at Fishhook. They were always the first ones up playing a game together. Waiting for breakfast to be ready. One afternoon Jadon and Wyatt took apart Rahab’s bike and set up shop selling parts! It got run over before we arrived at Fishhook.

   Thanks Hobbs and Tucker family for making us feel included in your family tradition! We hope to keep joining the camping tradition in the years to come!               

Chris Ireland