western-river-v2

Buckskin Bill: The Mountain Man of the Main Salmon River

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:39:43 GMT

Sylvan Ambrose Hart, better known as "Buckskin Bill", was the stuff of legends. An eccentric recluse, a skilled hunter, a storyteller with a flair for exaggeration, and one of the last true mountain men to roam the remote expanses of Idaho's wilderness. His chosen home for over half a century was the rugged and beautiful Main Salmon River, where he carved out a unique existence, living off the land and becoming synonymous with the untamed spirit of the region.

Early Life and Arrival on the Salmon River

Born in 1906 in Oklahoma, Hart was restless from a young age. He worked on Texas oil rigs during the Great Depression, and later attended universities before dropping out. In 1932, after a stint working for the Norden Bombsight Company, Hart headed west, seeking both solace and adventure in Idaho's sprawling backcountry. The Main Salmon River, known as the "River of No Return" for its treacherous rapids and isolation, became his sanctuary.

Buckskin Clothing and a Solitary Existence

Hart was named “Buckskin Bill” due to his preference for clothes crafted from the hides he tanned himself. His lifestyle was as unique as his attire. He built a compound of rudimentary cabins with names like "Pneumonia Hall" and "Misery Mansion". He hunted, fished, gardened, and occasionally ventured into nearby towns to trade furs for supplies, his arrival inevitably causing a stir. While known for his gregarious personality and tall tales, he fiercely guarded his solitude and the rugged freedom of his chosen life.

"I Figure It's About 99% Willpower"

In his own words, Hart described his philosophy: "I live on beans and taters. I ain't never been sick a day in my life… I figure it's about 99% willpower." [1] His resourcefulness and ability to thrive in the harsh conditions earned him the respect (and sometimes bemusement) of both locals and the growing number of rafters venturing down the Salmon River.

Controversies and the "Threat" of Progress

In 1956, the National Forest Service designated the Five Mile section of the Salmon, Hart's home, as a "primitive area," threatening potential eviction. Hart famously constructed a stone gun tower overlooking the river, a symbol of both his defiance and his fear of losing the life he had built. While he avoided eviction, the incident cemented his reputation as both a defender of the wild and a relic of a bygone era.

Legacy and Final Days

While never a wealthy man, Hart's stories and lifestyle made him a regional folk hero. After his death in 1980, his property was turned into a museum, where visitors can glimpse the life of this remarkable mountain man and contemplate the vanishing wilderness lifestyle he embodied. The only way to access this unique piece of history is from a rafting trip down the Main Salmon River, or a jetboat tour.

References and Further Reading

Voicewrite Media: "Buckskin Bill: The Man, the Legend" ( https://voicewritemedia.com/2022/09/12/buckskin-bill-the-man-the-legend/ )

Wikipedia: "Sylvan Ambrose Hart" ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sylvan_Ambrose_Hart )

Sports Illustrated Vault ( h ttps://vault.si.com/vault/1966/10/03/the-last-of-the-mountain-men )

Get Your Digital Detox in a Place Where Only Canyons Call

brandon@resmarksystems.com (Brandon Lake) — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:22:10 GMT

Science Says: "There's no vacation like a river trip"

Rest AND Reset: Being more "in-the-moment" with your whole body engaged in the focused task sends strong signals to your brain that help it to reset. Your brain wants to be doing something.... anything, all the time. Adventures help it to wonder. New landscapes help it to wander. New experiences help it to become more curious. Those kinds of signals come naturally from a river rafting trip and are stronger than any 5G network trying to undermine your plans to get away. You might find rest at a poolside at a resort hotel, or on a cruise ship, but on the river you get rest... and reset!
Forced Focus: No WiFi. It's like giving your brain a vacation from being "on" all the time. When was the last time you deliberately took a vacation where you won't get signal? If never, then you have no idea how much you need this!
The Awe Factor: Studies show being in nature lowers stress hormones and reduces anxiety. Think towering canyons, starlit skies, and the simple joy of skipping rocks. That's good medicine.
Active + Reflective = Epic Recharge: River days blend adrenaline surges (hello, whitewater!) with quiet stretches perfect for contemplation. This balance is gold for your mental AND physical health.

Don't wait for your brain to send you an SOS – book your digital detox today! Your sense of wonder will thank you.

Hey adventurers,

We need your help to spread the word about a new problem (with an age-old solution). We are talking about endlessly scrolling on your phone... you know, that doom-and-gloom newsfeed that leaves you feeling...blah? Or maybe those "urgent" emails that are draining your joy faster than a leaky raft? (we don't have any of those, but you get the idea). If you've felt that way, it's more than just your joy that's deflating.

Here's the thing: our brains weren't built for the constant bombardment of beeps, likes, and breaking news. All that screen time leads to lower attention spans, worse sleep, and a general sense of being, well, fried.

But out on the river, something magical happens. Suddenly, your biggest worries aren't notifications, but how firmly to grip the rope, or how hard to paddle into that next rapid. The endless stream of info is replaced by the rhythm of the current and the sound of birdsong bouncing off canyon walls. Suddenly, you're 100% present, not checking your phone for updates, but looking for that perfect campsite or the next jaw-dropping view.

Prescription #1: Take 5-Days of Desolation Canyon (then call us in the morning ...once you get a signal)!

Desolation Canyon is so beautiful, and magically paced for a digital detox that we are tempted to refer to it as "Detoxolation Canyon". We think that's what John Wesley Powell had in mind in that first exploratory expedition in 1869. You can't beat a trip that begins with a 30-minute flight to a dirt landing strip on a remote plateau in eastern Utah. How many kid-friendly multi-day expeditions can you find like that? Spend the next five days floating more than 80 miles back toward Moab, Utah where you can indulge in civilization again, if you really want to. We won't tell anyone if you decide to homestead up in the canyon like the old-timers did in the days of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Prescription #2 (with a kick): 4-Days of Cataract Canyon

If slowing down to admire the canyon's beauty, punctuated with an extra intense kick of whitewater is more of what the doctor ordered, then you're looking for Cataract Canyon. If we were to rename this one we'd call it "Crank-it-up Canyon". There are a number of rapids down deep in this canyon (in the heart of Canyonlands National Park) that are notoriously large - the largest whitewater rapids in North America during high water runoff in the spring. Big Drops 1, 2, and 3 are your prescription for being more "in-the-moment" than you may have ever been in your life! Trade epic for epidemic and you're crankin' life to eleven.

Southern Oregon Road Trip

brandon@resmarksystems.com (Brandon Lake) — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 12:40:20 GMT

Crater Lake National Park: A Wonder of Water and Fire

The Rogue River is the centerpiece of many Southern Oregon adventures, but this diverse region has a lot to offer. It would be a shame to miss your chance to explore these nearby features while in the area for your Rogue River rafting trip.

This sapphire-blue lake filling a collapsed volcano isn't just a photo op. Take time to hike around the rim for panoramic views or take a boat tour to Wizard Island, the volcanic cinder cone rising from its depths. Campsites and the historic Crater Lake Lodge make it easy to extend your stay and truly absorb the otherworldly beauty of this natural wonder.

Redwood Giants: A Humbling Encounter

The iconic Redwoods of California reach their northernmost range in Southern Oregon. Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park offers easy hikes among these towering titans. Gazing up at trees that have stood for centuries puts life into perspective and adds a touch of almost-mystical beauty to your road trip.

Umpqua Valley Wine Country: Pinot and Beyond

Oregon's reputation for quality wines extends beyond the Willamette Valley. The Umpqua region, known for its Pinot Noir, offers a landscape of rolling hills dotted with charming wineries. Plan a dedicated tasting day, or pop into family-run vineyards for spontaneous sips and stunning views.

Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor: Coastal Bliss

A stretch of the Oregon Coast known for its dramatic cliffs and hidden coves, Samuel H. Boardman provides breathtaking scenery. Hike to overlooks, explore tidepools teeming with life, or simply find a pull-off and soak in the salty air and endless ocean views. This is Oregon's wild coast at its finest.

Small Town Gems: History, Culture, and Jet Boats!

Grants Pass: Your base for river access, this town also boasts a fascinating history. From gold rush days to Native American heritage, local museums offer captivating exhibits. Plus, who can resist the world-famous Hellgate Jetboat Excursions for a thrilling spin on the Rogue?

Jacksonville: This meticulously preserved 1850s mining town transports you back in time. Sample local brews in historic saloons, attend an outdoor theater performance, or browse galleries showcasing the area's rich artistic talent.

Bonus Tip: Southern Oregon is foodie heaven.

From fresh-caught seafood in coastal Bandon to artisanal cheese and farm-to-table restaurants inland, be sure to leave space in your itinerary (and your stomach!) to savor the local flavors.

This is just a taste of all Southern Oregon has to offer. Build your Rogue River road trip with these stops, and create an adventure that will leave you hungry for more of this unique and captivating part of the country!