Far and Away Adventures

 Far and Away Adventures‚ Rafting Holidays Accomplished in Manner of World Legends

SUN VALLEY, ID, Jan. 3, 2011 ˆ Imagine the luxurious service standard and amenities of the world‚s most famous train, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, arriving on the banks of the most pristine, free-flowing river system in the Lower 48.

But for this flight of fancy on the Middle Fork of Idaho‚s Salmon River, instead of debarking from a train guests pull to shore in rafts. Here, instead of porters, adventure guides set up and break down five-star camps and serve locally sourced, organically raised Kobe Wagyu Beef on pre-heated stoneware while pouring into crystal stemware wines selected from organic and small-source wineries. Instead of tracks, a „leave no trace behind‰ mantra prevails thanks to discreetly positioned workhorse oar boats that supply this seamless theater.

„Expect everything but black tie,‰ muses Steve Lentz, commenting that he and his wife Annie Lentz have transformed the river rafting culture to an over-five-star level that attracts A-Lister‚s Stephen Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, Mariel Hemingway, and former Vice President Walter Mondale, to name a few.

Lentz speaks for his company, Far and Away Adventures, that makes six-day/five-night rafting journeys on the Middle Fork‚s 100 miles as meaningful off river as on. With his professional river guides, the river part, he says, takes care of itself as guests encounter an estimated 300 rapids ranging from level II to V.

„The challenge comes off the river. How do we help our guests relax in wilderness which is probably an unfamiliar environment for them and at the same time sustain the crescendo that the river gives us?‰ poses Lentz.

For starters, there‚s a breakfast spread for early risers who can eat a cooked breakfast later if they choose. River music embellishes daily yoga. Moveable organic feasts with local microbrews and wines determine who will nap or hike after lunch. Formally served appetizers surface around 7 p.m. and a four-course, linen-draped, candlelight dinner proceeds before a naturalist discourses with music around the campfire. Portable outhouses with lights, solar-generated hot water for showers and state-of-art tents with elevated beds, flannel linens, carpets and nightstands ensure sweet dreams.

And for guests who might worry that their presence in this pristine environment may not be „PC,‰ Lentz assures that „from footprints to food‰ Far and Away Adventures embrace the best practices of sustainable living, including supporting Idaho‚s Bounty and Slow Food.  Seafood purchases support the Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation Seafood Watch Program. These wilderness river trips support Carbonfund.org. Guests also can engage in a voluntourism component by assisting the US Forest Service in eliminating invasive plants. Staff and guests embrace Leave No Trace behavior.

Far and Away Adventures offers interpretation of the rich Native American history and heritage in the Salmon River Basin. Numerous artifacts are evidence that humans have long been a component of the wilderness. They are the artifacts of the Shoshone and Nez Perce Indian occupations, journals of early fur trappers and missionaries, and remnants of early miner and homestead settlements.

Scheduled six day/five night small group departures in 2011 for up to 22 guests are June 6, 15 and 24, July 2, 10, 18 and 26, Aug. 3, 11, 19 and 27, and Sept. 5, 9 and 15. The per person rate is from $2,590; for ages 5 to 17 $2,300. Private charter trips are a specialty and can also be arranged.

Far and Away Adventures has been sharing the excitement of paddling with adventuresome guests since 1980. Simply, the wonders of nature and those created by Far and Away Adventures for guests plying these and other privileged waters create a new category for those who seek experiences above and beyond the ordinary. Far and Away Adventures‚ guests are moved beyond world-class into a universe where luxury and wilderness blend marvelously together. For a detailed itinerary on this and other programs on equally privileged waters, please contact Far and Away Adventures; toll free 800-232-8588 or visit the web site  http://www.far-away.com/.

[Back to Press Releases Main]