Whitewater, wellness and total solar eclipse

Boundary Expeditions offers weeklong adventure retreat on Middle Fork of the Salmon

By Sarah Gianelli EBS Associate Editor

BIG SKY – The stars will align Aug. 21 to make an already stellar whitewater experience on the Middle Fork of Idaho’s Salmon River even more special. In addition to riverside yoga, massage and transformative workshops, guests of Boundary Expeditions’ Aug. 21-27 rafting trip will be treated to optimal viewing conditions of a rare, total eclipse of the sun.

Visible from only a narrow corridor of the U.S., which serendipitously encompasses the pristine wilderness through which the Middle Fork flows, the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse will be the first of its kind visible from the lower 48 states since 1979.

While large-scale sky-watching celebrations are being organized across the country, the 15 guests of the Boundary Expeditions whitewater adventure retreat will be flown into the remote heart of the Frank Church Wilderness to enjoy the cosmic event from the riverside banks of the luxuriously rustic Middle Fork Lodge.

After enjoying the lodge’s five-star accommodations, the next day begins the on-river portion of the trip—a thrilling whitewater experience led by Boundary’s team of expert, personable guides and enhanced by the company of three diverse wellness practitioners who will lead daily yoga classes, soul-healing workshops and provide massage therapy.

Joining Callie Stolz of Big Sky’s Santosha Wellness Center, is mother and daughter team Carol and Ariel Mann from Jackson, Wyoming.

Ariel Mann, an award-winning instructor at Jackson’s Inversion Yoga, will be leading daily all-levels classes that fuse the strength- and heat-building aspects of Ashtanga yoga with the therapeutic elements of Iyengar yoga. Ariel is particularly excited to witness the eclipse outside of the crowds anticipated in Jackson on Aug. 21.

“I’m beyond excited about it,” she said. “It’s super exciting to be able to

Invigorate mind, body and soul on a special whitewater adventure retreat led by Boundary Expeditions Aug. 21-27 on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. PHOTO BY CAMERON SCOTT

experience it in a pure, natural and relaxed setting rather than one that’s been hyped up.” She also said that adding a spiritual element to the river experience, with the added bonus of the eclipse, is a once-in-a-lifetime combination. “You’re getting the whole deal,” she said. “And it’s a big deal.”

Ariel’s mother, Carol, author of the Planet Jackson Hole column “Cosmic Café,” brings a soulful dimension to the trip. Throughout the week, Carol will lead mini-workshops on topics such as reincarnation and past lives; the art and science of forgiveness; uncovering your life’s purpose; as well as karma and soul mates.

Carol uses guided meditation techniques, experiential exercises, as well as her psychic gifts and many years of life-coaching experience to encourage individuals to connect with their soul’s inner wisdom. She believes that eclipses offer a prime opportunity to look within.

“In the momentary darkness of an eclipse you’re invited to go in rather than focus on externals,” Carol said. “The combination of being unplugged from technology, of being in the magnificence of nature when the [eclipse] energy is inviting people to go inward and do inner work is a delicious opportunity.”

Stolz, a multifaceted wellness practitioner who specializes in Ayurvedic medicine, brings 20 years of experience in holistic healing to the trip in the form of yoga, body work and a wealth of wisdom about health and diet.

Joining forces, the unique gifts of these women will ensure a complete mind, body and spirit experience—all set against the backdrop of the Middle Fork’s awe-inspiring natural beauty.

In addition to healthy and satisfying meals, outdoor yoga, meditation, massage and spiritual workshops, guests will have plenty of leisure time to explore and reflect, fish, hike, soak in natural hot springs and reap all the benefits that full immersion in the splendor of the natural world has to offer.

For more information about the Aug. 21-27 solar eclipse whitewater adventure with Boundary Expeditions and to see a full schedule of 2017 trip dates, visit boundaryexpeditions.com or call (888) 948-4337.