A little history on the Rose Garden: In 1935, the Rose Garden idea originated with H. C. Schuppel who was a chairman of a Mens Garden Club called the “Cut Worms.” It was restricted to 20 members and only had 2 rules: no women and no publicity. Each member brought their skills to the planning of the Garden.
June, 2008 Archive
These results sponsored by:
Old Idaho State Pen-Part 2
The kids immediately noticed stone turrets atop each corner of the walled prison. I informed them that armed guards with rifles looked out over the prison to prevent escapes and maintain order. A sign on one turret read: “WARNING! Guard Dogs on Duty!”
At one point we came across some concrete steps and wall with some lettering which read; “Line up in single file.” It made me think about how restrictive an inmates movements were controlled.
Ben the Wayward Elk-2
It’s been about a month, since I first wrote about Ben the Wayward Elk. Almost everyday since then, I pull off to the side of the road, just before the old Barber Park Road and just West of the Eckert Road/Harris Ranch intersection to watch my old friend.
Several weeks ago, ol’ Ben exchanged his light colored winter coat for one of a darker shade. The “nubs” on his noggin’ have expanded quickly. It appears that my once bald headed companion will grow up to be a magnificent four point bull elk!
Old Idaho State Pen-Part 1
I had been wanting to take my grandkids on a tour of the Old Idaho State Pen for some time. But during early spring I had been hiking some of the trails behind it. In particular I had scoped out Quarry Trail to take the kids on first. I wanted to show them a birds eye view of the penitentiary and show them where the sandstone rocks came from to build the prison. They had a blast hiking up the trails, looking over the wildflowers and seeing the great view of the valley!
The Penitentiary is open all year, daily from noon to 5:00PM. Admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 bucks for seniors and $3.00 for children 6-12. It only cost $11.00 for me and the two eldest children, which I thought was pretty reasonable. Old Gramps has a fit if prices are too high for family adventures. (Since the two youngest got in for free, he would have been a happy camper)!
Discovery Park - Boise, Idaho
Last week, I made a visit to Diversion Dam on the Boise, River. I had made a decision then, to avoid crossing four lanes of traffic to enter the dams parking area. Instead, I drove the several miles downriver to Discovery Park-located just below Lucky Peak Reservoir and approx. 10 miles from Boise. There, I made a U-turn back toward Diversion Dams parking area.
Barber Park - Floating the Boise River
Floating the Boise River, from Barber Park Bridge to Ann Morrison Park, was an annual event for those of us who grew up in the early 60’s. Back in those days, there wasn’t much more than a place to pull your car off the road.
Us kids, were relegated to buying large semi-truck tire inner tubes from local tire shops or service stations. It’s hard to believe nowadays, but for a buck or a buck and a half, you could purchase an old inner tube have it patched and filled with air, ready for a cool river adventure.
Eagle Island State Park - Eagle, Idaho
A few weeks ago, my daughter-in-law and I grew bored and decided to get the kiddies out of the house and into the great outdoors. I don’t usually have a problem finding something or somewhere to go, but two weeks ago, I didn’t have a clue.
My daughter-in-law-Liz, mentioned Eagle Island State Park, which is only about a half hours drive from our home in Boise. Although I had been to the park often as a young man, it had been at least twenty something years, since I had been there.
