Road Map as River Guide

A good river map is downright essential equipment for a proper voyage, right? Yeah, but there’s always the AAA Road Atlas alternative for finding your way by boat. It’s not ideal. Or all that safe. Or recommended, really. At all. But this story I’m linking you to is recommended. Warning: the ending appears to not be a happy one. But this is well worth the read. Particularly for the river-minded. There’s even a map of the Salmon River in Idaho tie-in from our territory. It’s quite a tale.

Ben McGrath does a dandy job with ‘The Wayfarer,’ writing about long-distance canoe traveler Dick Conant. Big fella in bib overalls charming folks on riverbanks – from police officers to librarians to residents of rough parts of towns – on a big long paddle trip from 20 miles shy of the Canadian border, down to North Carolina where his canoe and belongings were discovered, but no Dick.

The Salmon River Idaho portion of Conant’s river time involves a kayak he has “fashioned” … sounds ominous … in which he set out to reach the Pacific, via the Midddle Fork of the Salmon. Made it 350 miles, shy of the ocean but described it as “a learning experience.” I’ll bet it was.

For reasons not clear, I very much enjoyed the description of Conant drinking capfuls of soy sauce on a riverbank, alternating with sips straight out of a Tabasco sauce bottle. Huh? I don’t know, but this guy is my kind of kooky and without any more ado-ing, I’ll plop the link here with a hearty recommend for the best big-ol’ story I’ve stumbled on while walking around the internet in some time. It’s in the New Yorker … which, I don’t know, I guess is OK. Me, I prefer the Old Yorker. But no matter.

Read this and enjoy. If you don’t, I don’t want to hear about it.

Further Suggested Reading Involving Road Maps as a Navigational Aid:

 I read this years and years ago and it made a real impression, as I was a shoestring sailor living on a crappy sailboat at the time.

 I probably still have my copy of Cruising World stashed somewhere with the original article. Upshot: It’s cold up north. Guy in a rough spot buys a crappy boat for $500. Makes homemade sails from blue tarps. Navigates down to the Florida Keys using road maps. Somehow makes it. Whoah. Would like to know what Capt’n Freddy is up to now. Story is still floating around online, but just barely.

Capt’n Freddy or Dick Conant, if you’re reading this, get in touch. Although Dick, you should probably just contact that New Yorker guy.

All the rest of you, safe travels to your Christmas get togethers and we’ll see you on the river.

UPDATE (Not a good one): Attentive reader Hal Morello sent this update , from August 2015, which suggests Capt’n Freddy is no longer with us. Damn.

The Rivers That Guide Us

Navigating with a map of Idaho rivers brings clarity to any journey. Whether you’re exploring the Main Salmon, floating the Lower Salmon River, or tracing the Middle Fork Salmon River Map, every twist in the current becomes a story worth telling.

We often recommend using the Salmon River Rafting Map or as a companion to your river adventures. These help you pinpoint incredible features like Hells Canyon Snake River Map.

Plan With Purpose: Maps Make the Memory

A proper River Map Idaho gives you more than geography. It gives you perspective.

At Winding Waters, we know every bend in these waters. Whether you're navigating the Oregon River Map for nearby floats or plotting a course down the Salmon River Experience, it all begins with knowing the rivers.

• Map of the Salmon River
• River Map of Oregon
• River Map of Idaho

This includes local references like the North Fork River Map, White Salmon Rafting, and Salmon River Road.

Ready for Your Own River Chapter?

Every great river trip begins with a sense of direction. Winding Waters River Expeditions offers Whitewater Raftings that take you deep into the wild beauty of the Salmon, Snake, and beyond. From route planning with custom maps to guided experiences through rugged Idaho, we bring your river journey to life.

Book your Whitewater Raftings adventure with Winding Waters today and discover the rivers that make stories.

Don’t just take our word for it—visit our Google Business Profile Reviews and see why Winding Waters white water rafting trips keep guests coming back!