Pooping on the Groover in Idaho
7 Couples, 6 Incredible Guides, and One Wild Journey Down the Salmon River
I’ve just returned from an extraordinary rafting trip down Idaho’s Salmon River—85 miles of wild, undammed water, one of the last great mountain rivers left in the world. For six days we floated, paddled, camped, laughed, ate ridiculously good food, and reminded ourselves that life is better without Wi-Fi.
This was no small undertaking: seven couples from San Diego (including my patient wife, Emma) all signed up. Some in the group were hardcore outdoorsy types—proud veterans of backpacking at 10,000 feet, drinking filtered river water, and pretending rehydrated meals are “fun.” Others’ idea of “roughing it” is staying at a motel without room service. So yes, it was a bit of a social experiment: put these folks together on a river for nearly a week and see what happens. Spoiler: it worked brilliantly.
Why the Salmon?
In a past life, I had been a raft guide on the Zambezi in Africa and had since rafted in Nepal, Europe, Costa Rica, and the U.S. When my children were old enough, I wanted to introduce them to multi-day rafting. A friend suggested the Rogue River in Oregon, where I first met Pete.
On that trip I asked Pete—owner of Momentum River Expeditions—what was the best white-water trip in the U.S. Without hesitation, he said: the Salmon. It’s rugged, beautiful, remote, and the largest wilderness area in the Lower 48. That stuck with me. I rafted the Rogue River with Momentum 15 years ago, when my kids were 7 and 10, and the professionalism of the guides, the food, and the sheer fun sold me for life and to this day the same qualities shine through.
This time I knew many in the group weren’t seasoned campers, so I chose the “safari style” camping Momentum offers. Think: walk-in tents, real cots and mattresses, bedside tables (with flowers!), and three-course dinners on the beach. Every evening we’d arrive to camp with a cocktail waiting, lanterns lit, and a dinner table set up under the stars. Wilderness, yes—but with style.
Let’s Talk Toilets
On any real journey—Africa, Bhutan, India, or Idaho—the first question is always: what about the loo?
Enter the Groover. In the old days, rafters pooped in old army ammo cans. They were so narrow you’d come away with “grooves” on your backside, hence the name. Tradition sticks, and river toilets are still called Groovers today.
Our setup, however, was positively luxurious: a lantern-lit path to a tent with a proper seat, toilet paper holder, a vase of flowers, and even magazines. Some of our group have Japanese toilets at home that spray, sing, and possibly salute when you’re done. This wasn’t quite that—but the view and sound of the river from the Groover beat any spa bathroom on earth.
The Rhythm of the River
Days were spent rafting, kayaking two-person “duckies,” attempting to paddleboard (with varying success), hiking, swimming, and fishing. Everyone got wet, everyone laughed. Evenings were for campfires, cocktails, games and conversations that meandered as lazily as the river.
The best part? Six days with zero cell service. No news, no email, no doom-scrolling. Just people reconnecting—with each other and with themselves. It’s amazing how quickly the static of daily life disappears when the only decisions are:
Paddle or ride today?
Beer, cocktail or wine tonight?
Read a book, fish or be social
A Reminder of What Travel Is For
I’ve worked in travel for 30+ years. And while I love a luxurious hotel as much as anyone, this trip reminded me: travel isn’t always about the price of your room or the number of Michelin stars. Sometimes the greatest luxury is simplicity—sharing experiences with good people, laughing until you cry, and letting the rhythm of the journey carry you.
Whether it’s rafting in Idaho, kayaking with whales in Baja, canoeing the Zambezi in Africa, or hiking in New Zealand, the best journeys are the ones where you unplug, push yourself a little, and connect deeply with place and people.
So maybe next time, skip the five-star hotel booking engine and think about booking a journey instead. Bonus points if it comes with a Groover.
For any information about an adventure around the world by foot, ski, canoe, bike, dog sled, raft, barge and beyond, please get in contact.