The Inland Empire ACBS wrapped up the 2025 boating season with a classic: the annual fall run up the St. Joe River from Harrison, Idaho, to St. Maries. For a while, it looked like the trip might not even happen—Harrison woke up to an Air Quality Index of 165 thanks to Montana forest fires. But the crew decided to give it a go, and as luck would have it, the smoke cleared just as the boats pulled out.
Five boats and a few extra passengers made the 21-mile upriver journey. Petyr and Karin Beck brought their trusty Boston Whaler; Alan and Lynn Thompson cruised the Glen-L (with Jan Keener on board and an outboard as backup); Alan and Liz Wardsworth teamed up with Paul and Kerri Rodkey aboard a 1963 Belmont; Doug and Roberta Brooke piloted their 1961 Tollycraft; and Burt and Mary showed off a reimagined Cobra—jet-powered, no less.
The group launched from the Harrison city docks and hugged the south bank near Chatcolet before slipping into the wide, meandering St. Joe. With calm water and plenty of wildlife to watch—including blue herons—the trip stretched into a leisurely two hours. A highlight was cruising under the old turnstile bridge, a timeless photo-op.
St. Maries welcomed the crew with new, improved docks right along the boardwalk, just a short stroll to their lunch stop. Burger Express owner (and ACBS member) Michael Boge treated everyone to complimentary huckleberry shakes—a sweet finish to burgers and boating chatter.
The return leg was smooth and quick—just an hour and a half back to Harrison. A couple of minor hiccups gave everyone a laugh: Alan’s rudder picked up weeds (quickly shaken off), and Doug’s Tollycraft rolled over a patch of floating leaves that acted like boat brakes.
With boats hauled out and trailers hitched, the crew called it a wrap on the 2025 IEACBS season. Warm weather may tempt a few more unofficial outings, but the official trips are in the books. Until next year—happy boating!
