Montana’s Smith River offers a cool, scenic spring float

The phone call was awkward, but Mom understands how permit rivers work – you go when you get a chance because the dates are inflexible.

Then there was the matter of floating 59 miles and four days on a Central Montana river in April. You could encounter any kind of weather. Not only could you, you could expect it.

I called Strong: "This plan is so stupid it’s almost irresistible. I’m in."

I wasn’t alone.

By STORY AND PHOTOS BY ROGER PHILLIPS

Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/05/08/3173803/soaking-in-the-smith-river.html?sp=/99/1687/&ihp=1#storylink=cpy