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.

Reptile scare

So the guy camped next to us is a local that has been coming here for 35 years, back when the place was called Rattlesnake Canyon. He relates that this place holds more rattlesnakes than any other that he has seen. So when the wife lets out a shriek as we're folding up the tent, you wish you had warned her as you had thought about and intended to do. At first glance, the little reptile discovered under the tent corner caused a brief scare. But he was lethargic enough to get a pic - I then picked him up and set him up on a rock in the sun where I was able to snap another picture before he warmed up and scooted off.

Charlcie's Birthday present

Although Charlcie had already picked out her birthday presents, we were not where we could go out to dinner to celebrate. She just wanted me to catch a suitable fish for her to photograph for her birthday. So there are several different images that show just how special the rainbow trout are that reside here - besides the brilliant colors, they are defined by very pronounced spots, which set them apart. I only caught one - an 18" beauty that made my day.