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.

South Fork Boise River - Anderson Ranch Dam

A fantastic fly-fishing destination that doesn't get much attention (not bad), but after reading about it in a couple of fly-fishing mags, decided to try it. And we were not disappointed! Another one of those imposing high-dessert canyons, down a steep, dirt, switchback road, to the oasis at the bottom. Even if there was no intention of fishing, we would have had a great time. Had a little time to observe and contemplate life, but as you will see from the views from all angles, not too much to think about other than being so blessed to be able to do what we are doing!

Shoshone Falls

Canyons, mountains, waterfalls - so many, so spectacular that you quickly run out of superlatives to describe them. Shoshone Falls are higher than Niagra Falls, just over a mile up-river from where Evel Knievel failed in his attempt to "jump" the Snake River canyon. The smoke that engulfed the area was so thick that although appearing as a cloudy day, it was actually clear and sunny, with the smoke providing the shield from the sun - and creating a kind of eerie quality to the atmosphere (and the pictures). If you are ever out this way, you need to see this area - as mentioned, there are many other waterfalls, etc. to see, but we had to move on to get to cleaner air.

Snake River Canyon

Similar to the White River in Missouri and Arkansas, the Snake River crosses the entire state of Idaho and in to Montana. Offering so many scenic canyons and countless quality fishing opportunities, an entire vacation and more could be spent exploring this river. Our first encounter was while heading to the Boise area and knowing that we were going to do a side trip around Twin Falls area to see Shoshone Falls, as recommended by our relatives in Ogden - and are we glad we did! The pictures will look a little hazy due to the smoke from dozens of lightning-sparked fires all across southern Idaho. We didn't fully explore this area as some samll towns on our route were being evacuated and the smoke was pretty intense (everything in our truck smelled like campfire). Not so many wildflowers around here, but there are always trains, so to satisfy Charlcie's fascination with them, we will always include a picture.

Scout Mountain campground

Not wanting to spend another long day driving, we settled for a Forest Service campground outside Pocatello. Nice campground with nice views of the mountains and valleys, but no fishing and no wildlife to view other than free-range cattle. This area is apparently well-suited for winter Nordic skiing, based on the designated areas we saw, but we had to be content for doing a lot of walking (probably good for us), and just plain relaxin' (probably too much). And the second night could be properly designated as one of the most disgusting nights of camping we've ever experienced - several groups of rowdies partying and chopping wood all night, vehemently arguing and threatening the camp hosts and camping neighbors - puncuated as we were leaving with 3 sheriff's cars and Forest Service enforcement officer issusing citations and hopefully with a few arrests. A somewhat scary night for us, but the real disappointment was the fact that they had several very adorable children with them that were being exposed to terrible behavior and language (constant "F" words) exercised at decibel levels heard all around the canyon. We were glad to be moving on.

Bear Lake UT/ID

After a fantastic week with Eva, Barney, Della, Parker, and Danielle in Ogden, we headed up Logan Canyon with the intention of camping for a few days at Bear Lake. Reluctantly passing up the opportunity to fish in the enticing Logan River, or stopping for a fresh raspberry shake that the area is known for, we spent considerable time trying to locate a campsite. The idea was that we would get settled in and then treat ourselves later. We tried numerous campgrounds (some very appealing ones) without success - sadly,they either had no suitable vacancies, were poorly maintained, or otherwise unworkable for us. So we ended up traveling all the way to Pocatello and checking in to a motel for the night. We were disappointed that we weren't able to enjoy Bear Lake - aptly nicknamed the "Caribbean of the Rockies" because of the color of the water. Although the pics don't realistically reflect the true color of the water, if you were to view them without being told, you could easily conclude that it is a spot in the Caribbean.

Smith and Morehouse Reservoir

Another road trip to take in the scenic beauty of northern Utah. After stopping to take a picture of the "Devil's Slide" just off the interstate, our destination was the Smith and Morehouse Reservoir and Campground,a favorite and frequent Utah camping destination of Eva and her late husband Owen. They had taken my parents there in the past and were lucky to see a momma bear and cubs on that trip. There had been recent bear and moose sightings in/near the campground, but we didn't luck out - we were there in midday, which is not the optimum time for spotting wildlife. It is a gorgeous area and we enjoyed driving, and hiking around the campgrounds. We had a unique lunch experience at the Road Island Diner. The diner was pulled from Rhode Island in 2007 and placed in Oakley, UT. It is meticulous - specially constructed and completed in 1939, it was displayed at the World's Fair. Featuring Italian marble countertops, tile floors, and many other very handsome architectural details. The only additions to the original diner are air conditioning, jukebox units at each table, and the flat screen televisions. And the food was quite good to boot! Eva knows the right places to show us and we are having a hard time keeping up with her!