Since first coming to Montana in 1976, my late husband Rick and I talked about paddling down and exploring the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. It was a "bucket list" adventure that kept getting pushed back as we instead found ourselves backpacking and fly-fishing Montana's backcountry. That is until I met chef Ray Risho last fall and he described for me a culinary adventure that he hosts during a 4-day paddling trip through the White Cliffs of the Missouri River. More perfect still, Montana friends Birdie and Doc were interested in going along! |
The Upper Missouri River is a dream-catcher for memories — a place where Lewis and Clark paddled, walked, camped and wrote about more than 200 years ago. It's also a place where mountain men, fur trappers and other outlanders staked their dreams. It is a place where time moves slowly, where the forces of nature have carved their stories upon the landscape, where each bend of the river beckons you onwards; and where slot canyons seduce you to explore the inner and outer nooks and crannies of reality.