Mayhem on the Middle Fork

Jon Boling sang as he steered his cataraft down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River on June 3.
His little ditty parodied the tune of an old Toys-R-Us jingle: "I don't want to grow up; I'm a Middle Fork kid!"
He was giddy.
These were the moments he lived for -- a beautiful river, a cooler full of good beer, the company of friends.
Life doesn't get any better.
As a Southerner who migrated west in pursuit of a life lived to the fullest, Boling relished the moment.
But less than two hours into a five-day trip, Boling's boat flipped in a rapid.
His hulking frame was no match for the icy waters. His heart gave out.
Boling was 34 years old.
This is the story of his final voyage.