Genetic Salmon - No Thanks

How many chromosomes in Salmon?  No worries about genetically engineered fish if casting a line in the Salmon Rvr.http://tinyurl.com/2dy5uxa

However, the FDA is considering approval for a genetically engineered fish grown in a lab. If this approval occurs on a product called Aqua Advantage, it will be the first time a genetically engineered animal has been given the green light for human consumption.  However, as reported by Alison Faibrother in Politics Daily, consumers are shaking their heads ‘No Thanks’ to salmon eggs produced in Canada, and then grow them in controlled facilities in Panama before shipping to the U.S. for consumption. Apparently this fish is a triploid - three sets of chromosomes, not two - a genetic condition that makes the animal sterile. Yikes.  It grows twice as fast as a Chinook or other natural Salmon. No thanks!

Anglers at our campground here in Idaho along the banks of the Salmon River -  from Salmon in the Spring run, to Winter Steelhead, or any other fish -  have no worries about genetically created fish or fuss over chromosome counts.  When a beauty is at the end of your line in the River of No Return, just reel it in and pop it on the barbie.  Your only concerns might be the temperature of the grill or which seasoning to use. 

Winter Steelhead fishing is ongoing for the months ahead, and there are always a few spots open here in our Idaho campground for overnight guests, in addition to our Winter Storage guests.

Steelhead Fishing on the Salmon River

Cold temps & rising water = outstanding steelhead fishing! This am’s 38 degrees on the Salmon River coupled w/ recent downpours ensure a good run.  Are you here yet?

Steelhead count over Lower Granite Dam as of Oct 11 is a whopping 168, 557 YTD, and another 50,336 for wild, according to http://www.fpc.org/currentdaily/7day-ytd_Adults.htm . Already, the count is better then the ten year average.

The recent turn in the weather to cooler temperatures, this is going to be another great week for steelhead on Idaho rivers. Anglers can be spotted up and down the Salmon River, in boats and from the banks of the river.  A recent report from Idaho Fish & Game reads: "Anglers are doing well using brad's lighted squigglers at night and hot lip lures or mag warts during the day. Bobbers with ducktail jigs and shrimp is another good set up."

All Idaho steelhead are summer run fish, which means they leave the ocean in the late summer, with most of the fish arriving in Idaho by early fall. These fish will then spend the winter in the Snake, Salmon and Clearwater Rivers, and spawn the following spring.

Here at the park, we still have camping and rv-ing availability for spaces along the River, AND the good news is that spaces for Winter Storage are still available.  Give us a holler, and we'll get you in!

Love our Guests!

Ken and Jen under the Willows

 Ken and Jen stayed with us in early September as tenting guests.....they are on a 7000 mile trike trek to raise awareness for organ donation in memory of Jen's daughter Alex. Frequently, our tenting guests get a thrill from staying beneath the willow trees near the Gazebo, which is on the banks of the Salmon River.  Waking up to the sounds of a gentle river - but mighty - lapping onto the shores is one of those memories that lingers a while in one's mind.

We were delighted with the photos they emailed a few days ago... and their statement which I just have to share:  LOVED staying at your park!   Being the modern travelers they are - and Adventure Cyclists -  you'll also find a ton of pics loaded to their online live online journal which is capturing the text and fabric of their travels.  Check it out!  http://www.kenandjennc.blogspot.com/.  Thank you Ken and Jen for sharing your story.  Safe travels and the best of luck throughout your adventures.

Get Ready for Fall

Cooler Idaho weather on the Salmon River is good for fishing!  Steelhead season opened up Sept 1st, and 'tis expected to be an excellent season.  Today's weather forecast will bring sunshine and warmer temps - into the high 80's or low 90's - but cool nights (50 degrees or so).

A grandparent's best camping pals

We've had wonderful guests this summer...from Germany, Florida, Montana, to local families from Grangeville, Cottonwood, Boise and Spokane.

We will get back to regular posts and keep you informed on local happenings, and beyond!

Road Trips!

RoadTripsForFamilies.com editor appeared on Seattle Fox TV station talking about the Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies. Check it out at: http://tinyurl.com/28hj9ay

White Bird, Idaho, is part of the Nez Perce National Historic Trail, which is a non-traditional park managed by the National Park Service, covering 38 sites in Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The White Bird Battlefield is a great self-guided interpretive hike, located about 4 miles north of Swiftwater RV Park.  Learn more at: http://www.nps.gov/nepe/index.htm

Road Trips for Families is an online magazine covering family travel from the road trip perspective.  Learn more at http://www.roadtripsforfamilies.com 

The Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies include some of North America's most scenic lakes, rivers, mountains, charming towns and historic places.  The Drives connect 19 spectacular National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas via nationally designated Scenic Byways and Historic Trails.  Learn more at http://www.drivethetop10.com

Swiftwater RV Park is a small, exclusive private campground on the banks of the Salmon River in north central Idaho, and only 17 miles from Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. Learn  more at:  http://www.swiftwaterrv.com

 

Salmon Season to Close July 7th

Idaho Fish and Game will close Chinook salmon fishing in the Pine Bar, Hammer Creek and Vinegar Creek sections of the lower Salmon River at the end of fishing Wednesday, July 7.

There you have it...get out that pole, license, and all the other gear and head over to Swiftwater RV Park, pitch a tent...and GO FISHING!  Catch a Salmon...anglers are reeling them in droves, and here on the soft & sweet banks of the Salmon River, you have room to stretch your legs and cast your line without bumping into another person doing the same thing.

This little Idaho campground is the best in the west, with great showers to to soothe the soul before you enjoy that evening refreshment, plug in the laptop to check emails on our free wifi service, and then get up and do it all over again before the season closes!

Cycling the Transamerica Bicycle Trail with Heidi

Okay...it's been a while since a post, but no worries...we're here.  There was so much rain in May and June, I think I drowned, but now I'm saved by awesome Idaho sunshine!

A very nice young woman, a Colgate graduate, cycling from coast to coast on the Transamerica Bicycle Trail Route - Adventure Cyclist - enjoyed a great tenting experience by the banks of the Salmon River at Swiftwater RV Park on July 1st.  Dear to my heart, rural community development - focusing on recreation in the Northwest - is a focus in her life.

Check out her blog as she writes about travel experiences, even the Silver Dollar Bar in White Bird, Idaho...yahoo!

Heidi, we wish you safe, speedy, and friendly cycling.  Thanks for staying at Swiftwater RV Park, and writing about the area.  Good  luck, and keep in touch!

Happy 100th Birthday to Glacier National Park

Congratulations to Glacier National Park, celebrating their 100th birthday today!

In honor of the many guests who stay at Swiftwater RV Park on their way to Glacier National Park, we happily share with you the commemoration of this prestigious and beautiful national treasure.  Today, May 11th  - the exact day 100 years ago of the Park's dedication - buses will start transporting people from West Glacier to the Community Building at Park Headquarters to get things rolling around 9:00am.  Rededication to start at 10:30am. Birthday cake to follow. Historic walking tours and activities in the pm.

All year long, there are special activities planned at Glacier, so check out the activities at their website: http://www.glaciercentennial.org/Home.html.

On you way to and from, remember to reserve a riverside camping spot at your favorite Idaho campground, along the awesome Salmon River - and even save some time to experience that awesome Idaho fishing activity.  The 2010 Chinook Salmon Season is here, and the river is bulging with fish, ready to jump on your line :-) .....well...almost!

Salmon Are Still Flying!

Yeah...this might be old news, but honestly, this is HOT! Those Chinook Salmon are still bound and determined to make it up river to give Idaho anglers a fantastic season fishing in the Salmon River. The 2010 daily count over Lower Granite Dam (the last dam and closest to our stretch of the river) is 41% of last year's total count by this date on the calendar.  Check out the graph too for a spectacular visual of the fish count.  

Got your fishing license yet? Got your camping space reserved?  Idaho fishing, and Idaho camping are the BEST (and you know the best little RV Park to pitch your tent or hook up your trailer for a river-side view of the awesome Salmon River!)

(source: Idaho Fish and Game)

Salmon: 3198% Increase Over Last Year !

Yep...just have to keep the news flowing about the incredible 2010 Salmon Fishing season on the Salmon River, in north central Idaho.  Here at Swiftwater RV Park, the fishermen are beginning to dot the banks of the river, enjoying the wonderful Idaho fishing, along with Idaho vacations, and Idaho camping. Yeah!  Take a look at these counts over Lower Granite Dam, as provided by the Idaho Department of Fish and  Game (In my math book, this is a whopping 3198% increase!) :

         

Salmon Fishing - Incredible Season

 Unbelievable fish count over Idaho's Dams for this season's Chinook Salmon, as provided by the Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game.

Fishermen are catching Salmon  now in Lewiston, Idaho, and the g-zillions they didn't catch will be in White Bird by this weekend, ready for you in the beautiful Salmon River.  Cool weather is in the forecast, so dress warm, but come prepared to catch those awesome, healthy Chinook Salmon this weekend.

What is your favorite way to prepare fresh Salmon? Share a recipe with us....c'mon....I'm not asking for the location of your favorite fishing hole, just a recipe!

RV Rentals and Swiftwater RV Park

RV USA, the website touting 'Your Guide to Everything RV - http://www.rvusa.com - is a good online place to tuck into your bookmarks.  They have just added RV Rental units to their website: http://www.rvusa.com/rv-rentals.  It's pretty cool for those RV Dealers using the RV USA Rental Manager, their rental units can now be viewed on their listing by clicking the RVs For Rent link on the right side of their Partner or Member listing with them.

There are 4 RV Rental places listed in Idaho, sprinkled throughout the state, so that's handy:  Sandpoint, Coeur d'Alene, Caldwell and Chubbuck.

For guests planning a trip to Swiftwater RV Park - www.swiftwaterrv.com - who want to plan a road trip with a group of friends, but a few folks may not own an RV...they can still join the caravan!  At Swiftwater RV Park, on the banks of the Salmon River in north central Idaho, we have plenty of space for pull-throughs and any size trailer.  Plan a trip, come stay with us!

May the Luck of the Irish Be With You!

Celebrate Daylight Savings Time this weekend & enjoy pics of Willow trees leafing out along the banks of the Salmon River!  Spring is in the air!

The City Council meets Friday evening, and the Women's Social is planning their annual trek to the IOOF Hall on Saturday to turn 160 pounds of bulk Southfork Sausage into patties.  What for?  The 3rd Annual St. Paddy's Day Sausage Breakfast on Sunday!  Served family style, with the Old Time Fiddlers performing their magic on the stage, this is a community event not to be missed.  Sunday, from 7:30 am to 12:30 pm, PST, for only $6/donation....hope you'll be there.

A fairly strong breeze this afternoon gave the new foliage a nice shake.  This particular lime/yellow green of Spring's new willow foliage always signals turning the corner from Winter to Spring...at least for me.  Doesn't the water look crystal blue?

Saluting the 'green' in new leaves sprouting from the willow trees, may the Luck of the Irish be with you always! 

Fishing Tips ! (Ha Ha)

More daylight hours means more fishing hours. http://tinyurl.com/yh98zmn 
But if stormy weather keeps you indoors, enjoy this funny collection of bloopers that happened to guys promoting fishing!  Enjoy the laugh!

On an entirely different note, and just plain horrible - as opposed to the light-hearted bloopers from the fishing guys, is about a sad situation that occurred in the last few week in Hells Canyon.  Graffiti was spray painted paint over ancient Indian pictographs near the Lewiston, Idaho Hells Gate State Park.  Read about it here: http://tinyurl.com/ydczzb4     

In late February, we have sunny, even balmy (62 degrees today) on the Salmon River.  Everything is in shipshape at the RV Park, so come on by and stay a while.  Through your line in the water, and come home with a steelhead trout :-)

Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies !

Did you know that Swiftwater RV Park is on the Nez Perce National Historic Trail?  The National Park Service White Bird Battlefield is only 3 miles away and this historic trail is one of the key connecting trails that comprise the new Top 10 Scenic Drives in the Northern Rockies.

The Top 10 Scenic Drives recently announced the launch of its new Web site (www.drivethetop10.com) to provide domestic and international visitors with an organized online tool. The Top 10 Scenic Drives was recently unveiled as North America’s newest destination for travelers who seek an authentic experience with scenic beauty, wildlife and recreation that delivers a connection with the environment, American Indian cultures and North American history. The Top 10 Scenic Drives connect 19 National Parks, Monuments and Recreation Areas via nationally designated Scenic Byways and connecting historic trails.

The new online tool features a personality and drive matcher that matches users with specific Top 10 Scenic Drives based on their interests. The site also provides an expanding list of the destination’s diverse offerings, as well as a story-sharing section with photos and information from previous experiences on the Top 10, to help travelers plan their trips.

You can find a link on this new website to Swiftwater RV Park at http://tinyurl.com/y9myn3a. To become listed on this new destination website, any supplier appearing there supports the principles of green tourism and are committed to encouraging visitors to practice sustainable travel during their Top 10 Scenic Drives’experiences.

When you travel anywhere in the Top 10 Scenic Drives reigon, including our beautiful RV Park, we hope you'll take a moment to share your travel experience on a special designated page: http://www.drivethetop10.com/Share-Your-Top-Ten/Read-Travelers-Stories

Fun on the River......the Other One!

The Salmon River still reigns mighty, but once in a while, 'ya gotta give 

 credit where credit is due....and I'm not talking about fishing! 

 

Those Rebekahs in the little burg of Clearwater - you guess it, near the Clearwater River - know how to serve a great Sausage Breakfast!  It’s hard to say what is better – the food, or the great people in that community.  I've been enjoying their annual fundraising breakfast for the past years, and I always pop into the kitchen to visit with the volunteers.  It's like greeting old friends!     Jimmy Hunter, flipping the hotcakes has been doing this for 45 years, while Dixie Harden mixes the pancake batter. The two sausage grillers – Dennis Bishop and Dale George - together have over 40 years at the grill. Jim Fuller and Dixie Lynn are always cooking the scrambled egg, assisted by Sandy Carrier cracking the eggs.  The ‘Pearl Divers’ - also known as dish washers - are such patient and steadfast workers, and this year at the sink were Louise and Marlene, assisted by newcomer and 8^th grader, Zack Todd.  Over 8 food servers (Wendy, Christy, Chantilly, Sierra, Kirsten, Kaylee, Michelle and Cindy) stand in line to fill platters with steaming food and race out to the dining tables.  Then there’s Patsy!  She is a ‘chief’ organizer and if you want to talk with her, it’s necessary to chase her around ‘cuz that gal’s always on the move!  By 10:30 when we left, they had gone through 50 dozen eggs, were opening their last few gallons of syrup, and had served over 341 meals.  A stunning hand-made quilt, sewn and donated by quilter Jerrie Bishop, was a major raffle prize and hung on display. Small towns have great traditions, and after 47 years, this one is a superb.  They'll serve nearly 500 breakfasts by the time the event is over, with the funds going to help maintain the IOOF hall during the next year. The sausage is provided by the Southfork Sausage Company, just down the road from Clearwater.  Good news...the White Bird Sausage Feed is just around the corner!  It's planned for March 14, so stay tuned for more news...pssst....we go to Clearwater to learn how the experts do it! 

Downtown White Bird - Changed

Historic Gas Station destroyed in recent fire demolished by community volunteers.

This downtown building has been in the Lee family for generations and the cinder block building was burned out completely on Jan 18, started from a wood stove.

Community spirit and helpfulness removed the unsafe building, block by block and demolished it entirely.

By the next day after the fire, Lonnie had received more food and household goods/clothing then he could’ve imagined.  This past week, more people than we can count helped remove the unsafe cinderblock building structure, and cleared the area, creating the now vacant lot.  People from nearby, and far away, lent equipment - big and small track hoes and dump trucks – provided gas and diesel at no charge, donated hours of labor - from the meticulous removal of each cinder block to scooping up salvageable materials to haul away for salvage – and hundreds of dollars in donations.  Every piece of scrap that could be sold for salvage was hauled away to Kamiah, with those monies used to cover cost for diesel and hydraulic fuel etc., to make the multiple drives. To list everyone who helped, from tiny to large contributions, of any kind, would take a full page, and then I’d probably still inadvertently leave someone out!  This has been a great community rally, and everyone’s efforts are sincerely appreciated.

YouTube - Idaho's Hells Canyon...and More!

YouTube - VisitIdaho's Channel

Motorbikes & ATVs

Check out this site from Idaho Parks & Rec regarding registering OHV's in Idaho:
Motorbikes & ATVs

Apparently OHV recreation is booming in Idaho with more than 100,000 OHVs  registered in Idaho today and 10,000 additional OHVs are registered each year. A new 'Stay on Trails' campaign and website has been created to help recreation OHV riders by providing a wide range of information.  Visit www.idaho-ohv.org to learn more. 

Clearwater Fishing Report

Idaho Fish and Game just issued their Winter 2010 Fishing Report and they start off by talking about steelhead fishing: "Just because it's winter and the weather is cold doesn't mean you have to put your steelhead gear away. In fact, some of the best catch rates of the year come in the winter as fish stop migrating and swim for deeper, slower water. Winter steelheading also means less fishing pressure as fair weather anglers hang it up until spring."  http://tinyurl.com/yaysbkf

I couldn't agree more!  Our sunny and balmy weather (45 - 50 degrees) has motivated many anglers to hop in their drift boat and get outside for the day, casting lines into the Salmon River.  In a drive to Riggins, Idaho the other day, there were a half a dozen different anglers - drift boaters and bank fishermen - spotted enjoying the sport.  


As you probably know, Steelhead run records were broken last year with 312,000 steelhead counted at Lower Granite Dam, the first downriver dam on the Snake River below Lewiston, Idaho. The reason this is so significant is that it was double the average for the last 10years!

For our area, this Winter run is predominately the A-run fish bound for the Snake, Salmon, and Little Salmon rivers!

Artists Galore!  Local artists belong to the Salmon River Art Guild, which celebrated its 45th year in 2009, and January 2010 begins the second year the guild is holding business meetings in White Bird.  This June, the Guild will have their 2nd art show during White Bird Days on June 19th at the IOOF Hall.  Member, Mary Bakker, created this oil painting...isn't it great!  For more information about the Guild please call 839-2493 or 839-2808.  Check out more paintings and neat Antler lamps at Mary's Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swiftwater-RV-Park/234753222505?ref=ts#/pages/Paintings-By-Mary-Bakker/239764956871?ref=ts

Boise State Broncos win Fiesta Bowl 2010

Besides fishing, camping, hunting, 4-wheeling, and rafting, nothing says 'Idaho' better then the 2009 Boise State Bronco football team, that proudly pounced onto the field in Arizona at the 2010 Fiesta Bowl and flipped those darn TCU frogs on their head to win 17 to 10!

Don't ya just love those Bronco lads!  Fourteen - yep...14 straight wins - for this team lead by coach Chris Peterson.  Just couldn't resist dropping in a post about this great Fiesta Bowl win.  Congratulations to the team, fans, and all of Idaho. 

White Bird Gun Club News

The White Bird Gun Club Winter Shoot officially begins this coming weekend, January  9 and 10, with practice occurring on Saturdays, and  official scores shot and recorded on Sundays.  If you’re interested, but haven’t tried trap shooting before, come on by the White Bird Gun Club.  It is located within the City limits, on the road over White Bird Creek, that runs between the Carlins and Kronke's.  There's a small sign, but if you're unsure, go to the Silver Dollar Bar, and they'll help you out.  Better yet, roll down the windows on your rig and listen for the sounds of trap gun shooting, and then just follow the noise!  

There are novices, intermediates and experienced shooters, and everyone in this Club is always willing to offer advice and thoughts on the skills of this sport. 

For Winter Storage guests from McCall to Cascade, this is a great reason to get away for the weekend.  The White Bird Gun Club is only 2 miles from Swiftwater RV Park and the Winter Shoot runs for 10 weeks.  Even if you miss a few weekend, the White Bird Gun Club members will always welcome you, and membership to the Club is VERY inexpensive!

We usually have great winter weather, though this first weekend might be a tad cold.  No worries!  The heat from the indoor wood stove will keep you hands nice and toasty in between shoots.

The kitchen is always open on Sundays, and Gladine will be serving hot dogs and flipping burgers.

Pittsburgh Landing, in Hells Canyon

Thanks to a FB post from Hells Canyon Visitor's Bureau, this great picture of Pittsburg Landing, in Hells Canyon, is an excellent viewscape of this beautiful region.   The photographer, 'mrh', writes: The flat area at the lower right is Pittsburg Landing, which is the only place a road reaches the river in the interior of Hells Canyon. A small campground there is the only designated camping spot in the area. This photo was taken from high on the Wild Horse Ridge. June 2009.  Read more and see tons of more photos by mhr at this link:

http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/584182/wild-horse-butte.html

Happy New Year!