Boise, ID

If Peter Piper had planted a patch of plump picken’-pumpkins (rather than picking a peck of pickled peppers), he probably would have grabbed the attention of more children. Fortunately, many other farmers have caught the autumn spirit (and a business opportunity!) and provided families all over the Treasure Valley with a fun way to spend a little time enjoying a beautiful fall day in SW Idaho. One such place is Linder Farms in Meridian, where my kids and I have enjoyed an outing more than one year.

I have probably been to most every air show in the area for thirty plus some years. But one of the most spectacular and FREE events of the year is always held at Mountain Home Air Force Base. The last one was in 2005, so watch the papers during the summer. It’s something you won’t want to miss!!

This year, Gunfighter Skies-2008 commenced on Saturday Sept. 13th and ended on Sunday, the 14th. (Something to note on future events…(Usually the Thunderbirds only perform the full show, during the last day)!

The steep winding road above Lewiston is beautiful drive. We could see the whole valley below, from several terrific viewpoints. One could only dream of what the fledgling trading post, back in the early 1860’s looked like. Once known as “Ragtown,” for an area made up of tents-one could imagine a late night view of [...]

Saturday morning was not a good time to arise out of bed at 4:00AM, but it was my usual wake up time for my work as a bus driver. Saturday found me preparing to run a shuttle bus for the Art in the Park festivities down at Julia Davis Park. The park, hosts artists from all over the Northwest, who sell their wares at the three day event. Food and entertainment are also had and proceeds beneift the Boise Art Museum. The event is held the week after Labor Day, Sat.-Sun.

If you see a white rabbit hopping through Boise this weekend, you might want to follow him down the hole (or up the hill, as the case may be) so you won’t be late, late, for a very important date. It’s almost time for the Mad Hatter Tea Party at the Idaho Botanical Garden, and [...]

We left the Clearwater River Casino restaurant east of town and headed across Memorial Bridge to Lewiston. It didn’t take a genius, to figure out that Lewiston was named after Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame and Clarkston the reverse. Back In the 1860’s Lewiston was a thriving trading center for the mines of such places as Orofino, Peirce and Florence. Turning west at the far end of the bridge, we headed for the downtown area. The short drive was like opening a time capsule into the 1900’s.

We left Spalding, having learned a great deal about the life of the Nez Perce, and how the Clearwater river came to be their life’s blood. If your ever in the area, plan on several hours to tour the museum and the grounds of the old Spalding mission. The Nez Perce artifacts alone in the museum are worth the effort.

We had made reservations to stay at a Super 8 motel, located on the outskirts of Lewiston. But a noisy truck stop across the street changed our minds.

On our way to the Super 8, I had noticed a Casino right off the freeway. With the girls consent, we decided to drive back. As I pulled off the freeway, I noticed a sign that read, Clearwater River Casino. As I pulled around the parking lot, we ran right into the hotel.

Grangeville

We left White Bird and headed the 18 miles or so, up Highway 95, towards Grangeville. The town is unique, in that it is centrally located, offering up several routes to explore our wonderful state. One can continue up 95 towards Lewiston or take 13 towards Kooskia then US-12 to the NW Passage Scenic Byway that runs parallel to the beautiful Clearwater River.

Camas Prairie Railroad

Since we were headed to Lewiston, I continued up 95. About three quarters of the way to Cottonwood, I spotted the first wooden railroad trestle of the old Camas Prairie Railroad. Although we didn’t stop this time, my wife and I drove down to the old trestle several years ago for a closer look. A farmhouse is located nearby and we could just imagine trying to get a good nights sleep under a rumbling train load of timber!

This is the first of many reviews, of a week long adventure across Northern Idaho. The trip was conceived by my 84 year old mother whom stated; “Son, this is probably the last trip I will ever take, so lets go!”

Our trip began, with the arrival of her younger sister, who flew in from L.A. For forty some years, dad and the gals took annual trips around Idaho. Since his passing several years ago, it fell on me, to fill the void of driver.