Father-Son River Adventure

July 13 - 18, 2008

John-Nuri and Barry in front, Joyce behind Barry, and Rami rowing. (2005 photo by Scott Newell)

One of the deepest regrets of my own childhood is the lack of bonding adventures with my father. How I wish he would have taken me camping rather than sending me off to camp by myself. Determined to make up for this, my now 19 year old son, John-Nuri, and I have many wonderful memories of father-son adventures where a special bonding took place. Now that he is away at college, we both realize how much these bonding adventures have enriched our relationship.

Since John-Nuri is a fully trained river guide, and I have spent many years rafting and canoeing, we both feel inspired to offer a unique bonding river adventure this July 13-18 for fathers and sons, adult sons and fathers, and grandfathers and grandsons. How I wish I would have taken my father on one of our river trips before he died!

Looking back on 22 years of river trips, I realize one of the most important aspects of these trips is the quality of initiation. We have tremendous fun, but there is important spiritual renewal from going through physical (as well as mental and emotional) challenges, celebrating nature’s simplicity and beauty, and the mentoring that happens between men and boys.

For adults and children 6 and older. Our 22nd annual Klamath River trip. We’ll journey for 5 days and 4 nights on Northern CA’s wild and scenic “middle” Klamath River. Most of the whitewater is class 2-3 (mild-moderate rapids) with one class 4 (Dragon’s Tooth) that is optional and easily walked around. There will be father-son games, challenges, and ceremonies. 25 participants max, so please plan ahead to avoid missing out on this truly unique trip. July 13-18. Cost: $675/youth; $795/18 years and older. Please call our daughter and office assistant, Mira, who has been a river guide for 9 years and is very knowledgeable about this stretch of the Klamath River. Or, I’ll be happy to answer your questions myself. 800/766-0629 or 831/684-2130.

A blessed summer to all of you.

Barry Vissell

Hanging out in a Klamath River eddy.

Barry enjoying being drowned.