“Adventure is not outside man, it is within”   George Eliot

Stanley, Idaho: Elevation 6,253 feet; Population 63

Steve was happy anywhere, but there were a few special places that he really loved.  Stanley, Idaho was one of those places.  Every year the Andrews family made at least one trip to Stanley, and it seemed as though the pine scented high mountain air energized and amplified Steve’s already sunny disposition, positive outlook, and optimistic nature.  Anyone who was lucky enough to accompany him on an adventure in the breathtakingly beautiful Sawtooth mountains and snow fed lakes and rivers of the area was left with more than one memorable story.

Members of the Andrews-McEwan blended family were some of the fortunate ones.  They had many adventures with Steve. While some in-laws merely accept and tolerate their relatives-by-marriage, the families of Steve and Julene genuinely welcomed each other as their own.  Each summer, over the long 4th of July weekend, a large group of the blended family would gather in Stanley where they swam, kayaked, fished, biked, hiked, ran, and then enjoyed wonderful social hours, meals, and fireworks.

The small town of Stanley is tucked between the rugged Sawtooth Mountains and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.  For their annual gathering, the Andrews-McEwan family loved to stay at the Redwood Motel in the Lower Stanley area, which sits on the banks of the Salmon River, about a mile north of the main part of the small town.  From Lower Stanley, the vistas of the river, the rolling meadows, and the majestic peaks are nothing short of awe inspiring.  It was from that base camp that the family launched their many adventures.

One memorable outing took place in the summer of 2000 during the annual gathering. Five of the hearty souls loaded their backpacks to hike into Walker Lake, one of the Boulder Chain Lakes in the White Clouds of Idaho. It was a three generational family outing. Steve, his father George, ten year old son Michael, mother-in-law Sharon, and his sister-in-law JeNelle were all ready for a grand adventure.

JeNelle was an experienced backpacker and the most familiar with the area, so she took the lead. They started their six mile hike very strong, and all went well for about the first four miles.  Then the group came upon a fast flowing stream. The skinny trunk of a native lodgepole pine had been repurposed to serve as a bridge and was the only way across the frigid mountain stream.  This presented a big problem for the little band of adventurers!

They stood for a while at the edge of the narrow little bridge, considering their dilemma, and no doubt wringing their hands in distress.  And then fortune smiled upon them and an honest to goodness Boy Scout troop came into view around a bend in the trail. The boys, trained to be always prepared “to do the right thing at the right moment”, knew just how to help.  They took the packs across first, then came back for the hikers.  They took George and Sharon – one at a time – across the log, with one scout leading and holding a hand in front and another scout holding the other hand behind.  Steve and JeNelle then followed the lead of the scouts and safely helped Michael across in the same way.  They had successfully conquered the first major obstacle!

From that point the trail started getting very steep. Soon JeNelle was carrying Sharon’s pack plus her own and Steve was carrying Michael’s pack plus his own, and much of the time he also piled on George’s pack. After a very slow and steep climb they eventually arrived at the beautiful, crystal clear, high-mountain Walker Lake. They made their camp and were all thrilled to be there.

Once their camp was ready for their overnight stay, Steve and JeNelle instructed Sharon, George, and Michael to go behind a huge nearby boulder and sit down.  They had a little surprise planned.

Sharon, George, and Michael did as instructed and waited, wondering what was in store for them.  Soon there was a loud commotion and all three jumped up and peeked over the boulder – just in time to see Steve plunge into the water!  He had put a bottle of wine in the snow-fed lake to chill for a special ‘happy hour’, but the wine had broken loose from its protective nest and was floating out toward the middle of the lake.

Without hesitation, Steve jumped in and swam halfway across to rescue the bottle. When he came back he wore a huge grin, but his usually dark and deeply tanned skin had a distinct tinge of blue from the icy water.  He was chilled to the bone, but very proud to have saved the wine.  Steve, with his upbeat personality, perseverance, and determination, wasn’t about to let cold water and a long swim get in the way of a party.

Steve’s father-in-law, Doug, hadn’t joined in the Walker Lake backpacking adventure, but he and Steve had plenty of their own memorable outings.  Outings that also involved close encounters with the chilly waters of the region.

On one memorable day, Steve and Doug headed south out of Stanley, along Highway 75 and the Sawtooth Scenic Byway to an area called Decker Flats.  From there they hiked about a mile to the Salmon River and found an empty fishing spot.  After several casts into the clear and gently flowing water, Steve hooked a beautiful 14″ rainbow trout. The fish made several nice runs and put up a good fight. Then, during the struggle, it ran thru some snags on the far side of the river and the line got caught up.

True to character, Steve refused to give up and waded in to save the fish. When he was chin deep in the water, Doug started to get worried and encouraged him to let it go, all the time thinking to himself “what in the world do I tell Julene?”   However, Steve would not give up, would never give up. He finally freed the line, and the fish knew it was over.

A father- and son-in-law kayaking outing on the Salmon just below the Redfish Lake Creek confluence provided another great Steve story.  Shortly into the trip, Steve ran into a bit of trouble and dumped his kayak in the rapids.  Doug helped Steve get safely to shore and retrieve his kayak, and they managed to get through the threat with no injuries, however Doug was left feeling pretty exhausted.  After a short rest, they decided they were strong enough to continue on.  They both enjoyed a fun ride in the downstream current until the water became too shallow and rocky and they were forced to give up and cut their trip short.

When they emerged from the river, they found that it was quite a hike to the highway.  Doug, weakened from the ordeal of rescuing Steve and his kayak, couldn’t manage to lift and carry his own kayak all the way to the road. So Steve, the tough guy that he was, hoisted the kayaks and packed them both to the highway at the same time.

Once the two sportsmen reached the highway, they donned big smiles, put their thumbs out, and hitched a ride.  Fortunately, a friendly guy in a pickup truck stopped, loaded their kayaks, and hauled the adventurers back to the Redwood Motel – where Doug and Steve spent many hours telling and retelling their story.

Stanley always held a special place in Steve and Julene’s hearts, and they didn’t limit their time in the area to family gatherings. They also enjoyed spending long weekends in the area with friends, whom they never failed to introduce to a few of their favorite spots in the area.

One of those favorite spots was Nip ‘n Tuck, a narrow dirt road located in Lower Stanley.   The obscure little road rises gently out of Lower Stanley and into the hills that sit to the north of the Sawtooth Valley.  It makes for a perfect hiking, running, and biking trail and provides panoramic views of the valley and the Sawtooth peaks beyond.

In the summer of 2014, Steve and Julene made one last trip to Stanley.  Although Steve was growing frail after battling cancer for almost two years and, more recently, e-coli and chronic colitis, he didn’t let that interfere with his fun.  He took advantage of the beautiful late summer days to fish the Salmon, and he inspired his companions as he biked to the top of Nip ‘n Tuck.  And after the day’s adventures were done, he brought the wine and organized the relaxing late afternoon social hours along the banks of the river.

No matter if it was with friends or family – rafting, fishing, swimming, running, hiking, or biking  – Steve was always there, inspiring and encouraging his companions to appreciate their surroundings and grab as much enjoyment as possible out of the beautiful Sawtooth Basin area.

Range after range of mountains
Year after year after year.
I am still in love.
Gary Snyder

CaringBridge Posts

Update
By Steve Andrews — Jul 9, 2014 6:00pm

Hello family and friends,

Here’s an update.  I’ve had a setback in my recovery.   I had a scan yesterday and it shows the cancer has progressed.  Tumors are still considered small, but they are definitely getting larger.  One tumor is pressing against my spine and causing intense pain in my back and stomach area.  This progression means that the new chemo I’ve been getting in Seattle is not working.  I’ll be switching to a new chemo.  Fortunately I can get this treatment in Boise.  My first treatment will probably be next Tuesday, July 15th.  I am hopeful this will work.

I remain positive and optimistic!  I don’t know how else to be.  It’s time to roll up my sleeves and take on the challenge.  Most of my day is spent resting and trying to gain strength.  Eating is difficult and I’m drinking a lot of high calorie drinks.

Mentally I’d love to get back to work.  Physically I’m not there.  This is very frustrating for me.

On a positive note, Friday we are heading to Napa Valley to watch Michael compete in a triathlon.  Karlie will be there as well.  It will be great to have the entire family together for the weekend.

I appreciate all of your prayers and support.  My X Factor family (all of you) has been amazing.  It really has made a difference.  Thank you!  I will keep you posted.

God Bless you,
Steve

Update
By Steve Andrews — Aug 15, 2014 9:18pm

Hello everyone,

It’s been awhile since I’ve given you an update.  I’ve got several positive things going on.  The pain in my back miraculously has gone away!  Hallelujah!  I’m hoping this is due to the chemo doing its job.  Another positive item is I’m back to work on a part time basis.  It’s great to see all my co-workers at Simplot again.

The chemo drug (Taxotere with Herceptin) I’m on is brutal.  It really knocks you down.  Another negative is it wipes out your appetite.  My weight continues to be a problem as I struggle getting calories in my system.  I get this drug for three consecutive weeks, followed by a week off.  I’m optimistic that the drug is working, especially with the lack of pain in my back.  I will have a scan next month which will give us more information.

We are heading to Stanley with some friends over Labor Day for some R&R.   We have reserved a house on the Salmon River.   It should be a great time.

I appreciate all of your prayers and support.  I continue to get cards, email, text messages, voice mail, etc. from so many people. You have not given up on me, so I can’t give up either.  I will continue to battle and fight with all I have.

Thank you!

God Bless you,
Steve