Middle Fork of the Salmon River

Based on recommendations from several friends back home, our intention was to camp at Boundary Creek campground on the Middle Fork of the Salmon. This is a popular launching area for the multi-day rafting trips down this most amazing river/canyon, but we had also been told that it offers hike-in access to some great cutthroat trout fishing. Disappointedly, the campground was closed due to the several fires in the area. This was after we had driven on 24 miles of dirt roads to reach this remote and desirable area, and passing the base-camps for the dozens of firefighters and the airstrip in Bruce Meadow. From talking to the locals and checking the local news, the lightning-sparked fires are an annual occurrence in the west, and particularly in Idaho in the hot, dry summers. Too bad we had to move on because the water that courses through this spectacular canyon is so clean and clear and fishy-looking! Dam somewhere between Boise and Stanley

Last shots from Caldwell, ID

Jack the pot-bellied pig. I told you the food was outstanding and plentiful! Jack is the pride and joy of Kelly and Jeremy. Cropduster Hops. Unique crop and growing system. Perrenials for the locals to adorn their arbors One of the several wineries/vineyards in this very diverse agri region: "Treasure Valley"

Eat, Eat, Eat

We're going to have to stop visiting friends and family if we are to stop gaining weight. All our friends and family we have visited along the way have excelled in serving us scrumptious meals. And the trend continues. Karen and Jim have already spoiled us with the home-cooking and then this morning Norma and Clarence fixed a hearty and delicious country breakfast. To top off the evening, Kelly and Jeremy had a cook-out at their house. They have a very nice place with a great view of the valley and the Owyhee Mountains. I worked on the blog while the rest engaged in a rowdy session of poker. The stakes may not be high, but this bunch is quite competitive - but in a nice way! Jeremy, Kelly, Larry, Charlcie, Tami, Karen, Norma, Jim, Clarence Tami and Charlcie with their uncle Clarence The cousins Jeremy and Kelly

Bonus fishing trip to Oregon

In the afternoon, we drove over to the Owyhee River in Oregon. Jim took off early for work and he and Clarence graciously gave up their afternoon to see to it that I had an opportunity to fish. Charlcie and I had heard of this incredible brown trout fishery from a fellow fly-fisher before we arrived here and then the relatives were touting it, so I was intrigued. I was able to land nine fish in about three late-afternoon hours in this very attractive stream running through another dessert red-rock canyon. All brown trout, most in the 14-15” range, and perfect specimens. And disappointedly, I didn’t have my camera and didn’t want to leave such good fishing to walk back to the truck to get it. Take my word, they were gorgeous. Did manage pics of the reservoir and canyon.

First full day in Treasure Valley

While the ladies went shopping for the day, Clarence and I toured the valley area here because I wanted to learn and see more of the area. We drove the back roads for over two hours to see all the land that he had farmed, places lived, and the current crops that are producing. Of course we all know of the potatoes (spuds out here) from Idaho, but I was amazed at the variety of other produce/crops: onions, beets, turnips, mint, corn, wheat, alfalfa, peaches, apples, plums, hops, black beans, pinto beans, carrot seeds, onion seeds, seed corn……………..pretty cool, not to mention the horse farms, dairy farms, etc. And a most unusual and surprising sighting we stumbled upon in the corner of a cornfield – two very attractive and photogenic peacocks! Also a very active population of hawks that patrol the fields for the abundance of prey that seem to be flushed from their hiding places by the harvesting machinery.

Boise to Caldwell, ID

Finally had a chance to take Charlcie out for her birthday dinner at the Cheesecake Factory - was very good and we ate way to much. We did however take 2 pieces of cheesecake with us for later. Met Tami at the Boise airport at 11:00 pm, and then went to the motel room to share the cheesecake. The three of us could only finish half, and had to finish them for breakfast; coconut cream on chocolate macaroon and fresh blueberry w/white chocolate – about 2 million calories and so worth it. The next morning we went to Caldwell, where we are staying with Charlcie and Tami’s cousin Karen and her husband Jim. Next door are their uncle Clarence and Aunt Norma. And down the road a few miles is Karen and Jim’s daughter Kelly and husband Jeremy. We’re truly enjoying the family and learning all about the richly diverse agricultural area that Clarence and Norma have farmed for over 35 years. Charclie’s birthday celebration was extended – Karen had baked a great tasting chocolate cake with coconut icing, minus a few candles.

Smurf Turf

Since we were just down the road in Boise, we wanted to get a picture of the famous (or infamous) blue football field at Boise State University. Their football team is a pre-season pick for national championship contention, so when they say their practice is closed to the public, they get pretty protective. We had asked a fellow about just getting a pic of the field, and he seemed to think if we did it quickly, it would be OK. As soon as we approached the glass observation area with our cameras, a couple of staff members exhibited concern, and one left the football field to "greet" us. We told him our story, and let us take one quick shot, and after a little less than cordial small talk, we were on our way. It seems like it would be a very fun place to watch a college game.