About this time every year I sit down and go through all the photos, ‘thank you’s’, and testimonials from the season. Sometimes (like this year) it is the first time I have really slowed down and looked back at the year and the trips and all the wonderful, wonderful people. As I sift through the emails and the photos it never fails to give me goose bumps, it never fails to make me happy (and a little sad), and it never fails to remind me of the power and beauty of our wild places and, even more importantly, of the unique and remarkable people we are lucky enough to spend time with on the river every season.
I truly want to thank you all.
Below are a few of the testimonials from the 2011 season.
Kind Regards,
Pete and the Staff of Momentum River Expeditions
“Most fun I’ve had in a long time! I truly cannot say enough good things about our experience with Momentum. My 12 year old daughter and I went on a 3-day trip down the Rogue River in OR. The guides were phenomenal – friendly, experienced, interesting. The other guests were so much fun to be around. The rapids were thrilling but I never felt scared. Our guides cooked delicious meals for us and did not let us lift a finger. I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt so happy and relaxed. Now we want to take the rest of our family on a trip with Momentum.”
“We’re a family with 5 boys, ages 23-9, and we were on the 3 day lodge to lodge trip… They have never been so enthusiastic about a family vacation before (even topped Disneyland). Our two younger boys were challenged but safe in the kayaks and rafts. Safety and professionalism was paramount to the guides which allowed the parents to relax a little knowing we were all in good hands. Our older boys were stuffed silly with excellent food, the younger boys have lots to put in their “summer vacation” essay (bears and eagles!), and mom and dad feel 20 years younger… “
“Over the top… This trip exceeded our expectations, which were high, given what we’ve been told about river trips. Our guides were superb: totally professional, trained, friendly, competent. The food was fresh and tasty, cabins and lodge were comfortable, and the river rafting and kayaking were a thrill of a lifetime. We were in good hands with Momentum and hope to do the trip again. Worth every penny…”
“This river company is awesome–great guides, great food and great time! We chose Momentum because of their philosophy–local, organic food, small groups and professional guides. The trip on the Rogue River–four days and three nights, had all of that and more. The service was incredible–we felt so well cared for and safe. We also had so much fun–the kids loved it. Combining wilderness with adventure is magical–add into that accomplished guides, delicious food, bald eagles, fun whitewater and you’ve got a first rate trip.”
“White water expedition at its best. Knowledgeable, safety minded an absolute thrill. Peter and Eric are amazing great skill in guiding the raft and navigating the river, friendly, knowledgeable and by the way the food at camp was gourmet level 5 stars.”
“A life changing experience! – We went on a four night rafting trip along the Rogue River. My husband, myself and two sons (7 and 10) were very excited for the journey, but still the experience exceeded our expectations. The Rogue was breathtaking. Our guides found fabulous lunch stops and campsites for our group. The food was delicious – from breakfast to hors duerves to dinner. The guides made sure we were never hungry, but, even still, I could not turn down the offer of their freshly made meals (dessert too:)!”
“Our guides made the trip special for each and every one of us. Arden, Jeff, Rebecca and Mike worked together to create our river community for the 5 days we were all together. My two boys have wonderful individual memories of each guide – they treated us like old friends. We miss them still:)”
“Momentum = Wow! From the pre-trip checklist, to arrival at camp, every spot along the river, and until I left camp, Momentum made my trip a memorable experience. This was my third river-rafting trip and nothing compares to my experience on the Salmon. First rate guides made the experience memorable by being very personable, sharing their rafting and local knowledge, as well as ensuring a safe trip through some insane rapids. I didn’t realize how intense the rapids were until I saw the pictures of me under many 3 foot walls of water.
“5 days, 4 nights on the lower Owyhee – really something else. It was snowing the day we arrived. The guides had extra wetsuits for all of us. We figured they were going to pay us not to go, but, no problem. We went, the weather improved all week, and we had an awesome time. The point is that these folks know what they are doing and they are thoroughly prepared to take care of you and insure you have a great trip. Friendly, low key, and professional in the best sense of the word.
The scenery was fabulous (the Owyhee River has some pretty amazing geology!), the food was first rate, and, well, it was just really fun.
Kudos to Team Momentum. Masters of whitewater, cuisine and logistics. We had a terrific time and look forward to future trips.
I’m still smiling and living up on Cloud 9 from our awesome trip! This was the best trip I’ve been on with Momentum! You all never let me down. I love being able to confidently bring all my friends and know they are going to have a trip of a lifetime! THANK YOU!! You guys ROCK!! Heather
Thank you!!! Hey Pete, I just wanted to thank you, and the Momentum staff, for an amazing trip last weekend. I’m still trying to get over how completely beautiful a river the California Salmon truly is- it definitely deepened my love of whitewater rafting. You know it’s been an incredible trip when you’re already planning your next one on the way home. I think you may have created a monster. Thanks a lot, Pete!! 😉 You were an excellent guide, host, and hiking partner. Your knowledge, patience, passion for what you do, and good sense of humor made my trip an experience ‘ll never forget .I’m already looking forward to my next trip with you and Momentum. Thanks again!
Dear Alan! You are one of the precious memories of a wonderful weekend with Momentum River Expeditions! Thank you for the special fun you and only you could create with our raft by having us “ride the bull” and . . . will I ever forget the Circle of Trust we six created?!#@? That was the Bestest!!! You are the Bestest! I had such a great time, and I’ve been “blabbing” away with friends at how an otherwise could-have-been-crappy weekend was instead extraordinary for me! Thank you for being YOU, Alan! Hugs–at LEAST three ;-)))))))))
The best one day vacation ever. Upper Klamath rapids did not disappoint and Mike , our guide, was awesome. I will be back for more adventures through Momentum!
Above and beyond our expectations! Hi Erik… We had such a fun time!! It definitely went above and beyond our expectations. You guys are all very professional and down to earth and your passion shows with the quality of service you provide. Like I said before, you have an amazing company!!
It was an amazing day – I just wanted to express how much we enjoyed our trip with Momentum River Expeditions. It was an amazing day, and completely exceeded our expectations in every area. From the moment we entered the van in the morning, we felt welcomed by the whole Momentum crew. You were all so friendly, relaxed and professional we knew we had a great day ahead. ….
Dear Arden, Pete and Mike, It’s been over a month since we adventured down the Rogue with you all, yet we still drink coffee from our beat up Momentum mugs and talk about our late summer in Oregon. Rudy grew in inches, strength and soul during our trip; somewhere in the midst of the white water, the mouse in our dry bag and the games of bocce ball along the river great things happened for him and for all of us. As Arden well knows, I was so hesitant at the beginning of the trip (hesitant? No – petrified) having had a bad white water encounter before. Arden’s skill, reassurance and compassion, warmth and outrageous sense of humor helped me to let go of that experience and open up to this one. I can’t emphasize enough what this did for me, and as a result, what it did for our family. It meant so much to us that we were able to take this kind of trip together – that Rudy have an experience that challenged and thrilled him and that we all were able to get so far away from our day to day at home. …
In a 4-star rating system, Momentum gets 5++++++! Our guide, Simon, was wonderful, gave us clear instructions (so important for beginners), and provided us with a memorable and exciting experience. Thank you, Momentum, for introducing us to the Rogue and rafting!
Pete, Rachel and all: We just returned sun-drenched, soggy and extremely happy from our 3-day adventure on the Rogue. It could not possibly have been any better! Anthony is a true pleasure to be with (my second time, same as first experience last May) and Simon was so wonderful. The lodges were great. My sister does NOT want to return to El Paso (108 degrees today), but wants to spend the rest of her life on the Rogue, and plans to return in a year or two to do another river with you. My wife, who has a fear of water and dislike of anything that happens fast, is actually talking about taking another trip with you next year!! As for me, well, you already have a fervent disciple, and a return customer!
One of our most memorable family vacations! Our family of four did a four day trip on the Rogue River with two other families. Everything about this trip exceeded our expectations. My urban teenage daughters were not too happy when I told them what our summer vacation trip was going to be. By the end of the trip they were ready to sign up for the next rafting trip. Our guides Mara and Rebecca were top notch. Experienced, skilled, knowledgable, and so much fun to be with. Owner-outfitter Pete accompanied us and set up camp every night. The food was healthy, varied, and delicious. The camp gear was all deluxe. The Class III and IV rapids were thrilling. The scenery and wildlife were as good as you might expect in a national park. Go for the camping experience rather than the lodge trip. Very comfortable and you can enjoy the outdoors much more. We chose a smaller company and I’m glad we did. The personalized service and attention was what you would expect from an owner-operated small business. We will be encouraging our friends to try this adventure and go with Momentum! C
I truly cannot say enough good things about our experience with Momentum. My 12 year old daughter and I went on a 3-day trip down the Rogue River in OR. The guides were phenomenal – friendly, experienced, interesting. The other guests were so much fun to be around. The rapids were thrilling but I never felt scared. Our guides cooked delicious meals for us and did not let us lift a finger. I honestly can’t remember the last time I felt so happy and relaxed. Now we want to take the rest of our family on a trip with Momentum. Elizabeth
You should go with these guys because:
GREAT food. Really, these guys could cook in nice restaurants. Healthy, organic, and tastes great. (well, mostly healthy–chocolate fondue, bananas foster….)
GREAT GUIDES. Period. The best out there. Friendly, happy, experienced all over the world, just crazy good.
They spoil you–tents are set up, pads & sleeping bags installed, c’mon up in an hour for happy hour & appetizers, nice chairs, wine & cheese tastings on the river…
Used them three times now. They’ve spoiled me for anyone else. Erik the guide is masterful and expert in all sorts of things–climbing, rafting, and wrangling 4-year olds. Pete is a great owner, and the other guides are just plain fun to be around. You’ll have a good time–if you want BIG water, try the Cal-salmon and Scott trip…
Been with Momentum on the Klamath, Illinois, Cal Salmon and the Futaleufu in Chile. l wouldn’t have gone to all these places if they weren’t great. Momentum, and its owner Pete, are as good as it gets..
We 3 white water enthusiasts have had the pure pleasure and privilege to travel with Pete, Alan, Anthony, Adam, Eric(s), Rachel and Derek 4 times now in some impossible to get to places where safety is not “just a good idea”. Pete and the crew never fail to exceed expectations, deliver superb service, extreme talent and the food is as good as it gets..anywhere. If you have ever wanted to experience a fantastic adventure and activity, try rafting!! If you want to do it with some of the BEST people on the planet, sign up with Pete and momentum rafting..I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Amazing. Pete, If I had to pick one word to describe our trip down the Illinois River last week (with Mike and Mara), the subject line of this email would be it. I knew going in that it was likely to be a good trip, and that we would have fun. I didn’t realize that it would be one of (if not THE) best trip/vacation/experience we’ve ever had. Mike and Mara were nothing short of phenomenal. They were friendly, great guides (Mara’s safety instructions would later come in handy to me when I became a member of the Illinois Swim Team), good cooks and now – counted amongst our friends. Mara went above and beyond to make sure our anniversary was celebrated (seriously – a private romantic dinner for two at the Klondike Creek camp? how awesome is that?!), Mike kept all of our gear dry and intact and both kept us safe and wholly entertained. I can say for certain that Ann and I *WILL* be back to run more rivers with your company – and we really hope to cross paths with Mike and Mara again in the future. Ann actually cried as they drove off after dropping us off. We miss them. (Feel free to share this with them, even if it will inflate Mike’s ego 😉 ) On a scale of 1-10 we’re rating this a perfect 10. We’ve never done that before. Thanks again for an amazing run down the gorgeous Illinois – it was one experience I know I won’t forget. Oh – and Tell Mike and Mara we miss them!
