A last minute plan was hatched to float the Deschutes from Trout Creek to Maupin. Recent reports of late steel coming into the system kept the stoke high – but unfortunately at the put in the water was as high as the stoke.

That was also about the time I realized my wading boots were drying off in front of the wood stove back in Bend. My neoprene covered feet fortunately were able to squeeze into my hiking boots though. High water and hiking boots – bring it!

Things happen in threes of course and when we floated by the Warm Springs River and saw it streaming chocolate milk into the Deschutes I realized the trifecta was completed.

Even though it was high and blown – spending a night and day floating through this amazing place and not seeing another person is something I will cherish.

Not a bad view to wake up to.

My first fish of 2015 were brought to hand, but the views and solitude were the real catch.

Packing the boat under a cloudless January sky.

One last view from Nena