The Pioneer Fire has been raging for at least four weeks. The roads were open to the cabin, so we decided to see what was happening and go home for the weekend. We had been up briefly three weeks ago, and been evacuated out. But the rating where we are was at a level 1, and the fire was headed in a different direction from the house.....
So, we headed out and decided to go the Banks/Lowman Highway. It is our favorite route, very scenic, very rustic. Once we got past Danskin Station and headed into the canyon, we knew .....the canyon was charred all around us. No wonder the road had been closed. The fire had jumped the river, and then crossed the highway into the steep sides of the canyon. Closer to Lowman, there was more devastation. Pine Flats was taken out, and they had closed that camp ground. There was evidence of the fire right down into Lowman proper, but no structures had been compromised. We did see some places that were still smoldering. It saddened me deeply.
The cabin was fine, but you could see where the forest service had been in and cut down some of the trees, cleared some of the brush in the lots around us. Our neighbor was having a wedding at their property, and there were people in campers and RVs all around.
It was raining so the smoke was minimal. To our surprise, the neighbors started a fire in the fire pit and kept it going all weekend long, despite the evidence of fire. Definitely added to the smoke issue.
On Saturday we headed to Stanley to check out how they faired in the recent events. The fire there was not as bad, very little smoke, and a large crowd of campers in the area.
The Valley started to fill with smoke on Saturday afternoon, and stayed with us to our departure. Needless to say we did not go out much, and were not able to take the Jeep into the back country....probably will not be able to until next spring.
All in all it was a good weekend, a little crazy with the festivities, and the noise, but we were home, and grateful the area had been spared.
Monday, September 5, 2016
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
4th of July...What a whirl
We traveled to Soda Springs Idaho for the 4th of July weekend. Took the scenic route for part of the journey from Star. Old Highway 30 through Hammett, Glenn's Ferry, and a few others.
While in Soda we went to the Wizard of Oz play. What a treat!!! For a small community play, the acting was wonderful. The actress that played Dorothy was amazing, and has a beautiful voice. I say she is a dead wringer for the original Dorothy in the movies.
The witch was ever bit as good, and this was her first time in a major production of any kind. Even though the play lasted 3 1/2 hours, it was well worth the price of admission.
Soda Springs, Idaho is only a little over 60 miles to the Wyoming border. We actually took an evening drive around Bear Lake's North Beach and back home. On the way to the Lake, we passed the bird refuge at Mud Lake. I have never seen so many pelicans, and their size amazed me. Spent a little time watching them fish...what a great view.
Ended up getting ice cream at the Bear Cove, just outside of St. Charles, Id. Homemade ice cream...yumm. We left Soda late morning to travel back. Drive was uneventful.
When we got home, we unloaded everything and relaxed until time for the fireworks.
This year we did something different. Instead of joining the croud at the Park in Star, Idaho, we actually climbed out our upstairs bedroom window and sat on the roof of the house.......What a view!
Since the City was putting on fireworks at the park, and our neighbors were lighting off the same type of fireworks, we really had a display surrounding us. Really beautiful display. We sat and laughed, oohed and awed until all of the displays were done for now.
There were actually fireworks being lighted well into the night, but I had to be up and ready to go to work at 5:00 am. Still had a fabulous weekend.
While in Soda we went to the Wizard of Oz play. What a treat!!! For a small community play, the acting was wonderful. The actress that played Dorothy was amazing, and has a beautiful voice. I say she is a dead wringer for the original Dorothy in the movies.
The witch was ever bit as good, and this was her first time in a major production of any kind. Even though the play lasted 3 1/2 hours, it was well worth the price of admission.
Soda Springs, Idaho is only a little over 60 miles to the Wyoming border. We actually took an evening drive around Bear Lake's North Beach and back home. On the way to the Lake, we passed the bird refuge at Mud Lake. I have never seen so many pelicans, and their size amazed me. Spent a little time watching them fish...what a great view.
Ended up getting ice cream at the Bear Cove, just outside of St. Charles, Id. Homemade ice cream...yumm. We left Soda late morning to travel back. Drive was uneventful.
When we got home, we unloaded everything and relaxed until time for the fireworks.
This year we did something different. Instead of joining the croud at the Park in Star, Idaho, we actually climbed out our upstairs bedroom window and sat on the roof of the house.......What a view!
Since the City was putting on fireworks at the park, and our neighbors were lighting off the same type of fireworks, we really had a display surrounding us. Really beautiful display. We sat and laughed, oohed and awed until all of the displays were done for now.
There were actually fireworks being lighted well into the night, but I had to be up and ready to go to work at 5:00 am. Still had a fabulous weekend.
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Our last day! We spent the day in Virginia City Montana. What a treat!!! It is an old mining town that has Main Street as replica of the old town. We could have wandered around all day, but only spent a few hours. There is an old railroad that runs from Virginia City to Nevada City, but runs on the hour and we just didn't have enough time for both towns. There was an Irish Parade in town while we were there. What fun! Had lunch at Bob's. Everything was in the old town décor. We did drive the mile to Nevada City and it looks to be even better than Virginia City. While we hated to leave, we had one more evening as hosts, and needed to start cooking. Our last day, the weather did not hold out...it was cold and raining, but we pressed on, set up the canopies, and served dinner. We had over 60 again tonight. Our niece and Nephew came with their families. It was wonderful to see everyone. Had a great time...now for the drive home tomorrow. Hope the weather cooperates. I don't care if it rains...just don't want the awful winds.
Friday, June 10, 2016
Wow...time seems to be flying. We took the day to go into Yellowstone...what a treat. There were bison everywhere, saw an elk, but that is about all of the critters. Went to the Old Faithful Lodge, it always seems to fascinate me. We only had time for the inner loop, but that was enough for this trip.
Had 68 for dinner...made us feel good that we had such a turn out.
Weather has been perfect, we were able to take the tops off the Jeep and see the sky...awesome.
Didn't even set the smoke detector off ....we took the battery out. My Husband is now confused when breakfast is because it does not go off!!!!
Had 68 for dinner...made us feel good that we had such a turn out.
Weather has been perfect, we were able to take the tops off the Jeep and see the sky...awesome.
Didn't even set the smoke detector off ....we took the battery out. My Husband is now confused when breakfast is because it does not go off!!!!
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Day 2 at Hebgen Lake. Beautiful day. Rained last night but cleared up for us. We spent the day today at the Lake, it was our hosted dinner so spend a large part of the day dicing chopping, cooking, serving. On the menu was Elk Stew, salad, rolls, Tennessee Honey, huckleberry shortcake, & strawberry icebox dessert. We had 45 for dinner, four generations. Too bad we had planned for 70 because we have leftovers and then some, however, we will give some to the Park Managers, and a few others so it will not go to waste. After clean up, we finally made it back to our rig about 8:00. Just in time to put together tomorrows Texas Caviar for Mexican night as it needs to marinate for 24 hours. A cocktail, some down time and off to slumber land.
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
West Yellowstone Adventure
Our latest adventure began yesterday when we hooked up our small trailer and headed out. We stayed overnight in Arco, ID at Mountainside RV Park. Nice little place, full restaurant. water and electricity with a dump station available. We left Star at 100 degrees, when we got to Arco, it was in the 80's still at 8:00.
Today we started out to Hebgen Lake, West Yellowstone, Montana. Our adventures always avoid the freeway if at all possible, so we moseyed from Arco to Idaho Falls, and then up to Island Park, past Henry's Lake to the cut off for Quake Lake and Hebgen. Beautiful. The mountain flowers are in bloom, the meadows were awash with yellows, purples, and white flowers. We did see Antelope, but really no other critters out and about except for a few birds.
Arrived around 3:00, saw some of the family, and then went into West Yellowstone for Pizza at Wild Bill's. Really good food, awesome service.
The mosquitoes are out in force, so we are hanging out inside. Tomorrow will prove to be a big day. We expect 70 people for dinner the first night. If everyone comes that says they are, we will have four generations here. Amazing. The Matriarch of the family is in her 80's...the last of 15 children that was my fathers family. She is quite a character, and I love her dearly.
Today we started out to Hebgen Lake, West Yellowstone, Montana. Our adventures always avoid the freeway if at all possible, so we moseyed from Arco to Idaho Falls, and then up to Island Park, past Henry's Lake to the cut off for Quake Lake and Hebgen. Beautiful. The mountain flowers are in bloom, the meadows were awash with yellows, purples, and white flowers. We did see Antelope, but really no other critters out and about except for a few birds.
Arrived around 3:00, saw some of the family, and then went into West Yellowstone for Pizza at Wild Bill's. Really good food, awesome service.
The mosquitoes are out in force, so we are hanging out inside. Tomorrow will prove to be a big day. We expect 70 people for dinner the first night. If everyone comes that says they are, we will have four generations here. Amazing. The Matriarch of the family is in her 80's...the last of 15 children that was my fathers family. She is quite a character, and I love her dearly.
Sunday, April 24, 2016
Our first outing
We took our little travel trailer out for our first time this weekend!!. Destination: Bruneau Sand Dunes, Idaho.
We arrived on Wednesday afternoon. Check in is 1:00. Beautiful sunny day. Got settled in the campsite. This particular park has 2 RV sites, we had chosen the Broken Wheel, and were really glad we did. The site has electricity and water, dump site across the road. The other part of the park has RV sites really close together, looks newer, but not a spacious, and no shade trees.
Got the awning out, sat outside and enjoyed the surroundings. When we arrived there were very few people in the park, so it was quite.
We explored our surroundings, there is a community bathroom and shower facilities nearby...clean as a whistle. In fact the entire park was really well cared for. There was a picnic table and grill in each site, some had a small wooden enclosure around them. We thought that was odd until the wind came up later that day....made sense. Had to take the awning down.
Thursday we adventured out to see the sites. Went to the observatory, but found it is not open until Friday and Saturday nights. $5.00 fee to get in. So we went down to the picnic area and lake. The dunes are really something else. We sat at the dock only to discover the Carp in the water around us. We saw some rather large ones near the shore. No one was on the lake.
While wandering, a local snake came by, I decided it was time to go.....dogs and snakes do not mix, and since we had our dogs with us.... It was interesting because we had the area to ourselves, saw very few people. The sunset was really colorful, and the full moon appeared to be larger than life and a golden hue.
Friday dawned overcast, dark clouds on the horizon. We had forgotten a few things, so decided to drive into Mtn. Home Walmart for some items. It was a fun drive. The storm clouds came in later that evening, so the observatory was not open, darn, we were looking forward to seeing the night sky.
The Park filled up that evening, people everywhere, rigs, tents, kids, dogs. It seemed they all got set up when the wind came through, we could see bags, and tent parts rolling past our campsite as the wind carried them across the ground. Very happy to be inside our little place to say the least.
Saturday we awoke to gale force winds and rain. Really cold and wet. We were really glad to have put up the awning, chairs and our fold out table the evening before. Time to break camp and head back. This was no easy task as the wind made it hard to open the door to the trailer or our Jeep. Rain was pouring down, not only soaking us, but stung our faces as we hooked up. On to the dump station!
Needless to say, our trip home was cold, wet, and the wind was extreme. Our Jeep did well, but the elements made it difficult to stay on the road. We came close to being blown off the road in a couple of spots that made me sit on the edge of my seat. Never so glad to get home and out of the storm!!!!!
We arrived on Wednesday afternoon. Check in is 1:00. Beautiful sunny day. Got settled in the campsite. This particular park has 2 RV sites, we had chosen the Broken Wheel, and were really glad we did. The site has electricity and water, dump site across the road. The other part of the park has RV sites really close together, looks newer, but not a spacious, and no shade trees.
Got the awning out, sat outside and enjoyed the surroundings. When we arrived there were very few people in the park, so it was quite.
We explored our surroundings, there is a community bathroom and shower facilities nearby...clean as a whistle. In fact the entire park was really well cared for. There was a picnic table and grill in each site, some had a small wooden enclosure around them. We thought that was odd until the wind came up later that day....made sense. Had to take the awning down.
Thursday we adventured out to see the sites. Went to the observatory, but found it is not open until Friday and Saturday nights. $5.00 fee to get in. So we went down to the picnic area and lake. The dunes are really something else. We sat at the dock only to discover the Carp in the water around us. We saw some rather large ones near the shore. No one was on the lake.
While wandering, a local snake came by, I decided it was time to go.....dogs and snakes do not mix, and since we had our dogs with us.... It was interesting because we had the area to ourselves, saw very few people. The sunset was really colorful, and the full moon appeared to be larger than life and a golden hue.
Friday dawned overcast, dark clouds on the horizon. We had forgotten a few things, so decided to drive into Mtn. Home Walmart for some items. It was a fun drive. The storm clouds came in later that evening, so the observatory was not open, darn, we were looking forward to seeing the night sky.
The Park filled up that evening, people everywhere, rigs, tents, kids, dogs. It seemed they all got set up when the wind came through, we could see bags, and tent parts rolling past our campsite as the wind carried them across the ground. Very happy to be inside our little place to say the least.
Saturday we awoke to gale force winds and rain. Really cold and wet. We were really glad to have put up the awning, chairs and our fold out table the evening before. Time to break camp and head back. This was no easy task as the wind made it hard to open the door to the trailer or our Jeep. Rain was pouring down, not only soaking us, but stung our faces as we hooked up. On to the dump station!
Needless to say, our trip home was cold, wet, and the wind was extreme. Our Jeep did well, but the elements made it difficult to stay on the road. We came close to being blown off the road in a couple of spots that made me sit on the edge of my seat. Never so glad to get home and out of the storm!!!!!
Sunday, March 27, 2016
It's hard to believe, but we decided to take a drive yesterday and check out the cabin! It was suppose to be a sunny day, and for the most part it was. The temperature was in the low 50's so it made for a warmer day.
On the way from the Banks to Lowman Highway, we found a beaver along the highway. We saw a few Elk and Deer along the way as well.
To our surprise, when we got to the Cabin we would drive right up! There is still snow in places on the ground, but nothing like we anticipated. It always amazes me that the house it just like we left it, waiting for us to come and stay again. We should be able to open up in mid-April for the summer season. It was sunny, around 40 degrees. Can't wait to be able to set up house again.
The road on the way up was bumpy with some falling rock, and the road itself had a lot of winter damage. It really does need to be re-surfaced soon. Even the bridge in Lowman proper is in need of repair.
We decided to take the highway to Idaho City back. It is a windy road, and we saw evidence of a few rock slides, but the snow appeared to have a fresh coat, pristine, just beautiful.
What a wonderful way to spend a day.
On the way from the Banks to Lowman Highway, we found a beaver along the highway. We saw a few Elk and Deer along the way as well.
To our surprise, when we got to the Cabin we would drive right up! There is still snow in places on the ground, but nothing like we anticipated. It always amazes me that the house it just like we left it, waiting for us to come and stay again. We should be able to open up in mid-April for the summer season. It was sunny, around 40 degrees. Can't wait to be able to set up house again.
The road on the way up was bumpy with some falling rock, and the road itself had a lot of winter damage. It really does need to be re-surfaced soon. Even the bridge in Lowman proper is in need of repair.
We decided to take the highway to Idaho City back. It is a windy road, and we saw evidence of a few rock slides, but the snow appeared to have a fresh coat, pristine, just beautiful.
What a wonderful way to spend a day.
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Winter Adventure
It is a grey kind of day, but we decided to take a drive and check out our cabin in Lowman, Idaho. We are never sure what the weather will be like there, could be sunny and bright, or grey like it is here.
The drive up was uneventful to the Banks/Lowman highway turn off. Not a great deal of traffic. Road conditions were great through Garden Valley and until we started up the canyon. There were some spots of ice and slush, and of course signs of rock slides but all in all not bad. The grey remained with us, but it was in the 30's. We saw Elk and Deer on the way up, and quite a bit of snow. As we climbed further the snow got deeper. The road to our cabin was open, but the snow was about 4' on the level, not able to walk up from there. Our neighbor had plowed a path in the field next to their house towards the back of our property, and we were able to get to the house from there.
WOW...there is a lot of snow up here, some drifts were up to the windows in places. Definitely a good snow pack this year so far. House was wonderful, really wish we could stay, but of course it is closed for the winter.
Stopped at the Sourdough on the way home for lunch...talked to the owner. Temperatures have gotten down to 10 below up there in the last couple of months, but today they were warm. Wish the sun would have been out, but oh well.
On the way home, there was Deer, Elk, a spotted Eagle, a Bald Eagle, and a gathering of Wild Turkeys!! Always fun to say hello to the other neighbors!
The best part of the drive is the scenery, and how it changes from one section to the next. Some will have no or little snow, and others covered in white.
The worst part are the drivers we have to share the road with....some just do not know how to handle mountain roads. We came across a truck in the middle of the highway, stopped. No lights on, blind curve, just looking out the window!!!!! Good thing no one was coming and we could avoid him. Makes you shake your head. At least we had a great adventure, and arrived home safe, ready to go again.
The drive up was uneventful to the Banks/Lowman highway turn off. Not a great deal of traffic. Road conditions were great through Garden Valley and until we started up the canyon. There were some spots of ice and slush, and of course signs of rock slides but all in all not bad. The grey remained with us, but it was in the 30's. We saw Elk and Deer on the way up, and quite a bit of snow. As we climbed further the snow got deeper. The road to our cabin was open, but the snow was about 4' on the level, not able to walk up from there. Our neighbor had plowed a path in the field next to their house towards the back of our property, and we were able to get to the house from there.
WOW...there is a lot of snow up here, some drifts were up to the windows in places. Definitely a good snow pack this year so far. House was wonderful, really wish we could stay, but of course it is closed for the winter.
Stopped at the Sourdough on the way home for lunch...talked to the owner. Temperatures have gotten down to 10 below up there in the last couple of months, but today they were warm. Wish the sun would have been out, but oh well.
On the way home, there was Deer, Elk, a spotted Eagle, a Bald Eagle, and a gathering of Wild Turkeys!! Always fun to say hello to the other neighbors!
The best part of the drive is the scenery, and how it changes from one section to the next. Some will have no or little snow, and others covered in white.
The worst part are the drivers we have to share the road with....some just do not know how to handle mountain roads. We came across a truck in the middle of the highway, stopped. No lights on, blind curve, just looking out the window!!!!! Good thing no one was coming and we could avoid him. Makes you shake your head. At least we had a great adventure, and arrived home safe, ready to go again.
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