I'm sure there is a good reason that the John Day float has been changed to be an outfitter guided trip. I'm sorry to see that happen. Granted, doing it the NFA self-guided way requires enormous planning, effort, gear, and expertise to pull off. Not to mention the work required to conduct the trip. But, the benefit was the low cost. I'm really glad I got to experience doing it the NFA way, and really appreciate the work that everyone did to make that trip possible. I learned so much from the group that helped teach me to row, showed me the tips and tricks of setting up camp and feeding 14 people on the river, and did it so willingly and cooperatively. Hopefully, I'll be able to do it the guided way sometime. I really wouldn't miss the conga lines of gear hauling from the river to the campsite each day.