(EMAILWIRE.COM, February 16, 2009 ) GRANGEVILLE, Idaho—Quality time with friends and family is as important as ever, especially when other things are tough. Recognizing this, Idaho Afloat is offering families a "Recession Adventure Family Discount" of 10% off for adults and 50% off for children (5-13) on late summer departures of the Lower Salmon Rafting Trip, when water levels are at the appropriate level for younger children. Or, guests on any other Hells Canyon or Lower Salmon departure can take a 10% “Recession Adventure Discount.” In order to take advantage of the discount, all trips must be be booked before May 1, 2009.
The Lower Salmon Rafting Trip (one-, four- or five-day options) is offered from June to September, but only trips departing July 15 or later are eligible for the "Recession Adventure Family Discount." In the late summer, the Lower Salmon River is perfect for families with younger children who have never rafted before because the rapids are spaced along the river. (Earlier in the season, the water level is higher, which increases the difficulty of the trip and the minimum age for the trip is increased to 12.) Nobody will be bored — days are spent on (or in!) the water, rafting the rapids or swimming, and families will truly connect with each other without TV, cell phones, or video games to distract attention from the conversation. Nights are spent around the campfire (if weather conditions permit) before retiring into roomy tents and cozy sleeping bags set up by the guides before you pull into camp. There is no upper age limit for these trips - so it doesn't matter if a guest is a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent, as long as a he or she is in good health and is comfortable around water and willing to have fun.
Families may choose from three itineraries along the Lower Salmon River — the one day trip, a four day trip, and a 5 day trip. On the one day trip, rafters spend 12 miles in the water, starting at Hammer Creek. The scenic route includes Indian Pictographs, settlers' homesteads and early Chinese mining sites. Lunch will be served and enjoyed on a white sandy beach, and the adventuresome can try out inflatable kayaks. The four and five day trips offer a 71 mile outdoor experience. Guests spend 53 miles on the Salmon River, which then merges into the Snake River, where rafters continue on for another 18 miles. The Lower Salmon River has four spectacularly colorful canyons and is the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states. Along the river are white sandy beaches and clear, cool river pools — perfect for overnight camping under the stars.
But families aren't the only ones impacted by a recession — friends, groups, and even coworkers can take advantage of the "Recession Adventure Discount," as long as the trip is booked before May 1, 2009. Enjoy 10% off any available launch date on the Snake River through Hells Canyon or the Lower Salmon. The discount applies to the already discounted youth rate, for a total of 22% off the adult rate. This discount is not combinable with any other offer. Trips depart weekly beginning in May, and start at $85 for a daytrip on the Lower Salmon. An Idaho Afloat trip is more than a vacation — the company strives to make each trip a life-changing experience that enriches all aspects of clients’ lives, and strengthens their love for their families, friends and the outdoors. The staff and guides at Idaho Afloat make this possible by sharing their passion for rafting and teaching guests how to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced river environment. For more information on the 2009 offerings, visit www.idahoafloat.com, e-mail info@idahoafloat.com or call 800.700.2414.
