"Kersplash," "Whee!" "Wow" and "Cheers!" were some of the sounds heard last weekend as 23 North Idaho College employees, guests and recreation interns enjoyed a raft trip on the Wallowa and Grande Rhonde rivers in Northeast Oregon.

But the most memorable sound probably was "Kaboom!"

The group put in at Minam, Ore., with four rafts and two inflatable kayaks loaded with people and supplies mid-Friday afternoon. After an eight-mile float through almost pristine and gently rocking water winding through basalt-columned canyons, the group set up tents on the water's edge.

The peace didn't last.

After a lasagna supper prepared by the interns, a violent thunderstorm struck. The "booms" and "flashes" were so loud and close that the group shuddered together under a large awning.

The rainy night was followed by a rainier, but not stormy, Saturday float of 28 miles. The water had been changed to resemble chocolate milk by the night's violent storm. Except for a few Canadian geese, wildlife huddled under cover from the drizzle.

The group set up a pleasant camp on an island surrounded by the rushing water. The drizzle fizzled into a pleasant evening gathering with the theme of a Mexican fiesta, complete with burritos, beverages, costumes and stories.

The length of Saturday's ride allowed for a lazy Sunday float of seven miles in gorgeous weather. Many other rafters lined the length of the river. The take-out was at Troy, Ore., followed by a scenic mountain pass drive to Lewiston and on to Coeur d'Alene.

Open to the public, the college's Outdoor Pursuits program operates year-round and offers trips, clinics and equipment rentals. Check www.nic.edu/op or contact Jon Totten, program coordinator, at [email protected].

Five interns from universities around the country are finishing bachelor's degrees in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. They run NIC's beachfront equipment rental program and co-instruct recreation courses.

Reflections from participants

"The storm was comical really. It made me think of movies where the character in a storm yells to Mother Nature, 'Is this all you've got?!'" - Erin Norvell

"I loved the campsite Saturday night except for the poison ivy." - Merilyn Hardy

"The river offers time for reflection...changes gracefully and is always beautiful." - Betsy Conery

"Other than being on the river, my favorite thing is getting to know different people. A wonderful time." - Linda Bennett

"The NIC crew and interns work very hard to ensure we are well fed, comfortable and safe. Nature's challenges made the sunshine and good times all the more appreciated." - Karen Ruppel

"My favorite thing is the thrill of the unknown, the outdoors, the people, what you might see on Fiesta Night." - Holly Edwards