Post #38: James Kipp Recreational Area Sunday, June 8

Speed: 6-7 mph

Miles: 18

Time: 6:00 am to 9:15 am 

Campsite location:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/47%C2%B037'26.0%22N+108%C2%B040'38.8%22W/@47.6239,-108.67744,12z/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x0?hl=en

Around noon, John is already at James Kipp Recreation Area, where supply packages await him. Ellen 

Before noon on Sunday, I was in sight of the Fred Robinson bridge at James Kipp Recreational Area. There was a large number of people under the bridge cleaning their day's catch. They had setup numerous RVs in the campground and cooked, drank, and enjoyed each other's company late into the night. I was in the tent area where it was quiet.  

While I napped inside my tent, a pontoon boat arrived and was hauled up the boat launch and parked across from the tent area. It looked like four different families. The kids and men stayed as the wifes left the area. The kids began setting up their tent in the area near my location. While I forced cold black rice down for dinner, Todd and his daughter, Brooke, visited with me. The crew had floated from near Coal Banks on a three day float to James Kipp. Todd has a ranch near Opiem, Mt. just south of the Canadian border. Brooke could hold a conversation with anyone and had great eye contact.  

The other there men were preparing dinner and I was invited over for food, beer, and great stories. They were for friends that were having a great time on the river. It was enjoyable being around such down to earth people. They made sure that when I left for my tent, I was full.  Beer, pop,  home made sausage, chips, and hot dogs were on the menu. 

As I finished reading my Kindle, they built a fire so the kids could have their s'mores. Soon the entire crew retired to their sleeping bags. The kids were inside the tent and the men found flat areas outside on the hard packed ground. They were all asleep before I drifted off. It was a great day. It was a much needed mental health day for me. The people I meet on the river are amazingly helpful and friendly. I am humbled by their kindness.