Do you love to paint?

Or have you always wanted to learn how to paint?

Do you love the outdoors and jaw-dropping scenery?

“Imagine yourself on the bank of a wild and scenic river corridor. You have just spent the last four hours rafting through some of the most beautiful and majestic places you have ever seen. Your knowledgeable and experienced guides have set the adventurous, creative and lively tone, while you are still awe-struck by this place. The sounds of rushing water and the fragrance of warm grass and clean air soothe your soul. Then your guide points out a black bear at the river’s edge. She is skittish and risks being seen to stay a moment longer and snatch a wild salmon to feed her hungry cubs. The Bear has broken your concentration but you immerse yourself again, and put the finishing brushstrokes on what you believe to be your most satisfying and moving work.”

Well I have an offer for you of a trip of a lifetime that combines all of those and more. James Sampsel, artist from my last post, has combined forces with Row Adventures (the company that he offers his fly-fishing tours through) to offer a

5 day, 45 mile Wilderness Plein Air Adventure on the Rogue River!!!!!

Where is the Rogue you ask? It is one of the most scenic rivers you will ever see and it is located in the state of Oregon. Unlike our massive rivers in the South you can see across it and the water is crystal clear and teeming with trout. But don’t take my word for it, check out these pictures:

Ok, so how does this work?

 

You fly into Medford, Oregon and then make a scenic 50 mile drive up Interstate 5 to Merlin and the beautiful Morrison’s Lodge which will be both your starting and ending point.

Worried about going hungry? Don’t be. Here is a sample menu from my beloved Morrison’s Lodge.

Day/Date	Entree
	Prime Rib or Char Broiled Sword Fish with Lemons and Capers

Pork Chop with Rosemary Dijon Demi-Glace or Shrimp Scampi

Filet of Beef with Green Peppercorn Demi-Glace flamed in Courvoisier
or Salmon Filet with Lemon Dill Sauce

Pan Seared Halibut in Lemon Butter or Char Broiled Flat Iron Steak

Beef Wellington or Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Dill Sauce

Save room for their famous orange rolls. Oh my!

Each  day will include a hearty breakfast at 7 am followed by a raft trip down the river a bit. Some will be lazy river floating and some will be class 4 rapids. If you are a chicken like I was let me put your mind at ease. The guys are not only great fun but they are pros and after the first “whoa!” you will be screaming for more.

The first day will take you to Rainie Falls where easels will be off loaded and paints spread for some crazy colorful fun. Receive as much or as little instruction as you want. Each evening you will have a chance to see what everyone else painted and learn new ideas/techniques from each other. Most groups have a wonderful range of experience levels from beginners to accomplished.

Paint your heart out then enjoy a riverside buffet lunch while you are lulled by the sounds of the river.

The light diamonds glistening on the water might induce a nap.

Finish your masterpiece and head upstream to Black Bar Lodge to shower and share hors d’oeuvres at sunset before moseying in for dinner.

Day 2 it’s off to Rogue River Ranch and Marial Lodge

Day 3…Mule Creek Canyon and Paradise Lodge

Day 4… Blossom Bar

Day 5.. Back to Morrison’s

You might be able to sneak in a little of this if you are careful.

 

Want to get to know your guide a bit before you commit?  Enjoy this video:

 

If you can swing it, The Writer and I highly recommend extending the trip for at least at day. It is criminal not to experience Crater Lake while in the area. You will also be driving distance from Redwood National Forest.

Ready? Grab a few friends and plan to unplug and recharge. There are two dates available and only about 12 places open. June 1, 2014 and August 30, 2014.

You are responsible for getting to Merlin then the trip cost is all inclusive: lodging, 3 meals/day, guide, rafts etc. It is a steal at @ $1600 for all 5 days!

For more information or if you have questions please leave a comment and I will give you the direct link that you need to use.

 

Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, just personal experience talking!