June 12 - 18

Summer finally showed up with excellent flows! We even had some beginners this week but it was a super game group and everyone seemed to love the whole experience (way to rock it Sara)! Kristy and I joined the week late after attending Alli's graduation from UCSC. Great seeing Steve Fredrick again as well as Rob and Linda and Leslie. Stellar folks who have been here so many times - how we love you! We were joined on Margarita night by a number of OB guides and their significant others. Jason Arbetter and Rachel were a delight to see as well as Grum and Ellissa, Peter and Vicki, Dave farkas and Tawny as well as Alli Sturges and her friend Sam. It was the Salmon River at it's very best with crystal clear days and temps in the low 80's and Rex Richardson with his fine tunes for the finale. Some great new folks this week, as well, and we enjoyed meeting Robert and Linda, and John and Denita. THANKS FOR COMING peter

June 5 - 11

Wonderful flows once again. We somehow have managed to make it this far without unmanageable flows! Fun to see the father/ son team of Kurt and Tristan - they rocked. Ty and Michele (on their honeymoon no less) as always kept us rolling. Thanks to Joanne and Bob for returning for so many years and keeping us alive and having so much fun here! We had lots of new people this week and it is so appreciated. Carl Reuter especially distinguished himself by helping the boss big time with lots of new info re alternative power systems. The weather is finally beginning to be summer and it is a joyous thing. Fantastic instructional crew this week and Kristy and I really appreciate their help while we were off at Alli's graduation from UCSC which was a total blast (even Rush showed up). They were truly on top of everything. Dano and Jackie and Kendra rocked it in the kitchen and this was heavily mentioned in in the guest comments. I posted their food pics album on the fans page so check it out. Very cool and fun to have a record of all those meals. Thanks to you all for making this another great week. cheers peter

May 29 - June 5

This was a solid group in all ways! The entire staff really enjoyed this week as you guys were game and never complained about the shitty weather, surly staff and marginal food - just kidding. The food was, well, off the charts and that helped. Juxtapositionings of note that added spice included the "Grahams" / South African wine guy versus kiwi kayak icon. The banter was rich and the wine certainly flowed! Loved seeing Bella and Jeff rock it on the river and speaking of rocking it, Steve Carnale certainly stepped up to the plate. Andy Bright and Janet Russel were a pleasure and, of course seeing Henry Louderbough hang tough was a treat. Greg Simmons and Bruce Wear did not disappoint once again! Bruce Fang was new on the scene (thanks for the shuttle) and George Ruff's level of commitment is exceptional. So I know I always wax effusive on these but... you guys ROCK! Speaking of rocking, our chefs Kendra, Jackie and Dano are setting a new standard of culinary excellence at OB. Oh, and the kayak instruction was OK too with Benny, PK, Grum and Dave Farkas spinning their webs. THANKS for coming guys! p

May 22 - 28

This one goes down in the OB history book. Such a fun and cohesive group. Things started out wonderfully with stunning but coolish weather and fantastic reparte. But family matters began to intervene causing a number (the most ever) of people to have to leave (6 out of 15) over the course of the week. We loved meeting "The Fergs" good buddy Mel Hammer and while his hot water heater skills may need sharpening he was a hell of a hand and the boss enjoyed having him around immensely. Pippin and Mikeska were in fine form and the Johnson clan truly rocked the place this week. Talk about a dynamic bunch - Sandy and Kashia only have one speed (all ahead FULL) and Paul was his usual uneffusive, understated self who just can't seem to focus on the positive in life. Cool having Sean make a cameo and great to see Mark Service and John Carmen, although we think john needs a bigger truck. And yes, we did kayak our brains out this week and the rivers were as emerald and perfect as they ever get. Idlewild was a highlight for some and Mike Forster and PJ got the style points up there. Peterson was his cuddly and lovable self and couldn't resist telling us (again) that his 27 visits here have financed everything we have. Really enjoyed seeing Gordon Bainbridge after many years and the inclusion of Janet Zalewski was perfect for group dynamics. The food was truly off the charts with Kendra and Jackie and Dano holding court in the kitchens. The guide staff was nothing short of A plus with Graham C, PK, Zak and Bin leading the charge - kudos to them! I hope all the family disasters that people had to leave for are OK and we were truly sad to lose each and every one who had to leave! cheers and THANKS for coming p

May 8 - 14

We had a great group of people this week with strong skills. Very nice weather and while it was a little coolish it kept a lid on the flows. The levels were optimum, the food was off the charts (Dano, Jackie and Kendra are world class chefs) and the guides delivered a superb product. We have a lot of fun running this operation it is is so rewarding to have our second week go off as well as the first! Great having so many repeat clients. Clifford Schostal made an appearance after many years and paddled well. Great to see Merida, and Rhiem and Chris Hest all of whom ripped it up out there. Paul Popovich pegged the meter and stayed for another two weeks entertaining the guests with fashionable headware complete with 15 stiches (loved running out to the valley w/you, Paul). Fun to see Steve Rottman who was ever shy and rarely had a comment (thanks for the shuttle Steve). Michael Welch was strong and steady and we enjoyed seeing Dan and Luis after many years. Our only new guests this week were Beth and Len and they were a nice addition to this group. Thanks for keeping us alive here, guys! Keep on paddling p

May 1 - 7

Week one 2011. We all had a blast! This was an incredible first week with a super fun group (admit it guys - it was so good) with amazing food, stunning sun, and perfect flows. You guys pegged the meter and I loved this week. But only because I got my hoe where I needed her (see stunning model pictured with her). The boss was a bit preoccupied with his new backhoe but the combination of happy guests and a number of fantastic new staff and old made for a five star week for all of us. I blew it with the photos but will post a few on the "fans" page anyhow. Thank you all so much for being here and we wish Cat and Tim the very best on their trip around the world - we will miss you next year! Our thirtieth year and weeks like this make us realize how much we love what we do AND the people who come here! cheers peter

Feb 21 - Photo above was taken today. Great skiing this winter with tons of early rain and snow in the high country. We had a dry spell for most of January and Kristy and I went to Utah to see Rush's premier of DREAMRESULT at XDANCE as well as attending OR. Instead of going home I spent a month "intercontinental" skiing in CO and Utah. Back at it here now, though as we had a 4 - 5 foot storm and the pow has been off the charts for the last week. Just found two new areas, "Ultimate Ridge" and "Shangri La" both with 1,400 feet of vertical. Loving life. May have to go back to my real job soon. We will have the newsletter out shortly. cheers p