LaTrek's Annual Riggins Hiking Trip

I've always enjoyed hiking with the Moscow women's hiking group, the LaTreks, and this year I
invited my friends, Alyse and Jaymi, to join me. We drove to Riggins and all 22 of us eagerly exited our cars and began the glorious hike up the Rapid River trail.  We packed our lunches and enjoyed an 8.2 mile hike up and back along the river.  The sounds of falling water delighted us as well as many wildflowers and even some bird feathers.  I've learned that there are many modes of hiking, from "fast, let's keep going," to "oh please stop so we can sip some water or take a few pictures."  Alyse and Jaymi both like to keep going!  And they don't mind being alone, preferring the more quiet, contemplative hiking.  I like visiting with the Moscow ladies, although it's quite challenging to hear conversations with the roaring river close by.   We enjoyed a great day with no rain and were able to set up our happy hour on the patio of the Salmon River Rapids hotel.

Becky organized the hikes and took her responsibility seriously to make sure we were all safe and accounted for before we left for the hotel.

Anne Wann took this picture after lunch.  Back row:  Charlotte, Chris, Becky, Helen, Toni, Alyse, Christine, Jaymi, Linda.  Front row:  Elizabeth, Irene, Theresa, and Mary Jo.  Some ladies turned around before we got to this point in the hike.

I love hiking behind Christine - she takes baby steps climbing hills and always says, "we're almost there."

 Anne and  Charlotte

 Irene and Charlotte

I snagged the flower pictures from Mary Jo's facbook post.  These are buttercups and trillium!

The second day we hiked the Wind River Trail, opting out of the Bullion Mine trail and it's many switchbacks.  The trail followed the river and was quite wet and surrounded by foliage.  We did not let the 80% prediction of rain stop us and actually we made it in and out with barely a drizzle!

Becky, Mary Jo, Chris, and Irene

These ladies are making the final ascent to our snacking spot!

We were laughing because none of us knew what direction we were facing!

After our snack, some ladies hiked down to this bridge and then back up the other side.

Love the hear the sound of the rushing water.

More of Mary Jo's lovely close up photos of the Indian Paintbrush and snails.

I took these pictures of the Manning Bridge - seems like the contractor made little progress since we were there last year.  No offense to my nephew, Zeke's company, RSCI, because the replacement bridge seems to be a major engineering feat in this narrow canyon!

This picture taken near the top of the Whitebird hill heading down toward Grangeville!  

Can't finish this blog without remembering Good Friday and being grateful for all the light and goodness that I shared with 22 women the last few days!  Because God loved us we are able to love and enjoy the quirkiness of each other!