When the mother of a school student that had some challenges, especially when it came to strangers, noticed who was driving the bus going past their home, everything changed.

That mom had been transporting her daughter to and from school. Her daughter liked people, but not strange people, making it a little technical to ride a school bus. But now, the mother felt there wouldn’t be any problem.

CTC driver Suzanne Bolin had been that girl’s preschool teacher. 

When A.J. Nestor’s former brother-in-law convinced her to apply at the bus company where he worked, she did so, but she also applied at Caldwell Transportation.

Caldwell Transportation called back first.

Being between jobs, A.J. didn’t plan to drive a bus for long. In her mind, she was there temporarily. That was back in the nineties. We’ve been lucky enough to have kept A.J. around for a good while.

“Bus driving is just second nature now,” says A.J., “the more you go, the easier it gets.”

Driving has been a huge part of our lives for generations. From the first, grumbling old cars to place tire on the road, to the modern-day sports cars that purr like kittens, automobiles have grown and changed with us; they are undeniably part of who we are. Who doesn't remember the joy of getting a driver's license, the thrill of buying a first car, the quiet longing with which we all stare at shiny new cars in car lots? It's true--driving has shaped not only our nation and our world but our lives.

Transportation has changed the way we see and interact with our world. Not so very long ago, we were at the mercy of the vast and untamed oceans; we traveled only across our own continents, and oftentimes not even that. The world was hardly a world--more like a puzzle with pieces spread out, lonely and quiet, across the carpet. Entire lives were lived without once seeing the lights of a grand European city, the glow of a thousand southeast-summer fireflies, the dance of the Northern Lights, or the majesty of a rain forest.

The Salmon River in Idaho offers amazing rafting experiences. It's a favorite Idaho pastime to raft the Salmon, but if you're planning your first experience, here are a few basic tips to know before you go.

The Right Outfitter

Choosing the best place to take you on your adventure is key. Ask around for suggestions, and ask the outfitter any questions you have before you book with them. Some key things to inquire about: guide training, how they adhere to regulations, and any other concerns you might have.