From the south well into Nevada to north of Rome, Oregon, Bonnie Olin and her husband/photographer, Mike Quigley, have explored the reaches, side canyons and tributaries of the Owyhee River many times over many years. Olin has recorded their adventures in The Owyhee River Journals, and will be presenting her book in the Smart Classroom in the Halfway Elementary building on Monday, April 14 starting at 7:00 p.m.

Olin’s book reads like an old friend describing a favorite activity. Her prose is relaxed but detailed, and allows someone not quite as fit as Bonnie and Mike to join them as they discover the beauty of the remote Owyhee backcountry. It should also interest river runners, as she includes flow, river miles, river maps, portages and the challenges of many of the rapids.

Olin records the evocative remains of past attempts to tame, or at least earn a living, from that rough country. Farmers and miners, as well as river guides, poured work into the land beside the river, and she reports some of the history.

Quigley’s photos generously illustrate the text, and go further. For many, he must have stood on the highest point around, as there are wonderful long shots of the river. There are also plenty of pictures of the narrow canyons, rapids and hot spring pools, as well as the animals and plants of the area.

Friends of the Halfway Library is sponsoring Olin’s talk, and hopes it interests the many in the Panhandle with a love of and curiosity about the Owyhee country.