My college roommate Jim Crystal worked in summers as a river guide. We would hear great stories of his adventures over the years, but I did find the time to go until I was 50. Jim has the opportunity to save the company he worked for from closure by buying it a decade ago, so he did. Its called OTT (Orange Torpedo Trips)
My partner Brad Mehl, who grew up on the Rogue River rafting with his dad and brother, joined Patrick Lumber around the time Jim bought OTT. Brad had guided for OTT in college too and was a big fan of the Rogue River. After we all worked ourselves out of the depths of the great recession we began to find bigger trips for our trading group to use as bonding experiences. Brad suggested the Rogue Lodge trip OOT offered, and we booked our first trip in 2014. Patrick or portions of the group have been on the river every year since.
Last summer after a good friend Jimmy Mac passed away a group of us did the lower Salmon river 4 days camping. A few from Patrick came, but most were OSU Beavers. Jimmy’s son came along and we were able to share good memories and build some new ones. This was in the summer of 2017, and six of us did the Salmon right after the Rogue. Jim calls this the “Hostage Crisis”, being on the river 7 days straight. I did not really understand or have perspective of the name until on day 6 when Cris Schureman told be “at least in jail you get a phone call”. Its true, no phones work in that canyon and you have to go with the gang.
This summer I took my boys Nick, Jack and Zack down the Rogue. I think they loved it as much as me, its wonderful to see them develop a strong relationship with each other. Another fantastic trip, good food, super water conditions and great company. One notable point is that Jim, Brad and Cris have been on every trip with me, its a great way to strengthen your bond. Thank you my friends!