Our last stop on our 2021 tour of the John Day started the morning after our last stop ended, with an early morning launch at Service Creek. Near as we could tell we were the first boat on the river, shoving of right at 8 a.m. just beating the crowd that was showing up as we were finishing up the last bit of loading. It was a beautiful sunny and calm morning. Weather perfect, the only question remaining was were the bass biting? The short answer – yes. Perfect weather was in the forecast, fish were biting, and the crowds were cut by the permit system, which was not in effect last time we were on the river. You can try it both ways, but I’m here to tell you, the river was immeasurably more enjoyable this time around. Could we ask for anything more? Maybe, but let’s not get greedy.
Our first day was a short float to the first group of campsites, and we were in camp by 10. We had the rest of the day to watch the river go by along with Neal, the lizard who joined us lazing around camp.
We did get a hike in, along with trying to hook the big bass that was continually jumping in the eddy across the river. We’ll just say the hike was more successful.
The next morning was our long day on the river and we spent most of the day floating, fishing, fighting the wind, floating some more, before finally pulling into a camp after making our way through Twickenham, Priest Hole, Burnt Ranch and listening to pheasants and blackbirds sing us down the river.
It seems there is a new scene around every bend as you float down the John Day.
We didn’t pull off the river until after 5, and we had the best grilled cheese with a hot dog sandwich, with the perfect amount of Anderson Valley Brewing mustard and, sriracha ketchup that has ever been known. It could have had to do with all the rowing in the wind, but I still think we could sell those suckers for a few bits. Yum.
Due to our long float the day before we had a layover day where we could hike, sit in the shade, listen to the chuckars chuck and watch the rock faces. It just so happened we had droopy dog rock, along with a squirrel rock and a gnome that changed expressions as the sun moved across the sky. And you really want to go to work for a living? I’m so sorry for you.
The next morning we were on the river early to beat the wind and allow enough time to get the ribs nice and tender upon arriving home. We were once again serenaded down the river by the blackbirds singing “I want a poh-tayy-toe”
The light on the basalt was nice, but it was bittersweet to leave the canyon behind and return to “civilization” after a week on the water. When do those permits come available for next year?
