In 1972, I was a poor college student looking for a job. Through a long convoluted series of circumstances I ended up getting a job as a river guide on the Grand Canyon with Western River Expeditions. Little did I realize at the time that I was beginning a love affair that would carry on for the next thirty-five years and change the course of my life. With a double major in Economics and International Relations, I was planning on a career either in government or international business. After my first river trip in Grand Canyon my whole attitude changed. All I thought about was having my own company and being and outfitter.As with most people in love, I wasn’t making too many rational decisions but I was persistent and I had more than my share of good luck. I finally ended up graduating from college and being able to to buy the Idaho operation of Western River Expeditions. Since that time I have been able to share the river with literally thousands of customers who, once they come on the river, also become friends. My good luck got even better when I met and Later married a beautiful girl who also loved the river and didn’t care if I made a lot of money or wore a suit and tie to work every day. Over the years we have managed to fit seven kids in between river trips and they are all true River Rates.( As a proud dad, I need to mention that they are all ‘A’ students.)