Along about Thursday, I looked at the forecast and called my parents to see if their trailer was equipped with a parachute, considering that 30-40 mph winds were being predicted. My mom didn’t really like the sound of that, so carried the phone outside to inform my dad, who was getting the trailer ready. The response I heard in the background was basically, “Yeah, so what?” Obviously, he was planning to go come what may, while I, the overly-cautious one, was imagining myself blown into the Snake River on the drive up, or lying like a marshmallow ready for roasting when a tree limb came impaling through the trailer roof. My husband, who can never stay warm in cold weather and was still trying to thaw out from working outside on one of our unusually cold evenings just shook his head and said dubiously that he hoped we had fun.

Since I had responsibilities Saturday morning, my parents took my daughter on Friday and my son and I drove up about noon on Saturday. (This was the Saturday a week ago when the headline on the Idaho Statesman blasted the news that Boise had had its earliest measurable snowfall and showed a picture of a bicyclist riding downtown in a snowstorm). The wind was blowing pretty good by the time we left, but I tried to convince myself it was worse than it sounded, loaded up the amazing amount of stuff we needed for one night of cold weather camping, and headed out.

Obviously since I’m still here to write about our adventures, we didn’t land up in the bottom of the Snake or meet any other calamities. In fact, we had a very nice time. Saturday was too windy to spend much time outside, although it didn’t phase the kids much and they were able to work off some energy by running around the campsite.
We also managed a walk down to the river for a favorite activity: rock throwing. Grandma entertained us all with stories of miniature children one-inch tall who lived in the burr forest and had all sorts of adventures. The burr forest was hundreds of little plants growing prickly, oblong burrs that stick to your clothes. These were mostly green still so not very sticker-y. Normally they would have been at the water’s edge or even under the water, but the river was exceptionally low. The stories had begun that morning before I arrived as a distraction tactic for my daughter, who was sure that she and Grandma were going to fall off a cliff (imagination of dire events must be hereditary!) In reality, there was no danger—hardly even a cliff.

We also checked out the two cabins that are available for rent. Although we couldn’t get inside, one of the drapes was open enough we could see a set of bunks as well as another full or queen-sized bed, and a table with chairs. The front porch sported a nice bench and looked right out over the river. An RV site is connected next to each of the cabins as well.

Back at the trailer, we entertained ourselves with puzzles, coloring books, and silly times with Grandpa. That evening we made s’mores in the oven, since it was still a bit breezy for a fire. The guys camped next door brought over a steak they had bbq’d. While we were walking they had come looking for toothpicks which my dad supplied. The steak was a “thank-you” gift, and really tasty.

These guys were very nice and were on their annual trip over from the Oregon Coast to go Chukar hunting. We gathered that Chukars were birds, and a quick look at Wikipedia when I got home revealed that it is a game bird similar to a pheasant. Another man we met on Sunday had been blown in from Eugene (in his words, the wind was brutal on the trip over). He put his boat in the water to fish and anticipated catching some good-sized Catfish. He told us there are all kinds of fish in the river at various times of the year, including Crappie, Trout, Salmon, etc. Not only did we find it interesting to learn about wildlife in the area, it was comforting to know we weren’t the only ones crazy enough to camp in a mid-October windstorm.

Sunday morning broke chilly, but with much less breeze. My dad built a big fire that we enjoyed, even roasting a few marshmallows for an after-breakfast treat. We decided since they were acceptable for garnishing hot chocolate, what’s the problem with roasting them for breakfast? The kids wanted to walk to the river again, so my mom and I took off with them to some paths that go down to the boat ramp and docks, and to a lookout equipped with mounted binoculars. At the docks we sat on the end and listened to more adventures of the miniature little girls, and my son almost dove literally head first into the water trying to poke a stick down as far as he could. Luckily, I had a feeling this might happen and had a firm hold on the back of his zipped-up coat. Still it was a little disconcerting to suddenly realize he was hanging upside off the end of the dock.

Finally heading back to camp, I decided it was time for us to pack up and head home. My parents decided that since they are retired, they could choose to stay another night if they wanted to, and that they did want to as the weather was finally getting decent. The kids and I got our stuff and headed out, stopping at the entrance to take pictures of the covered wagons and to roll down the grassy hill, which was tons of fun for the kids to do and me to watch!

I was completely impressed with this Oregon State Park that is right in our backyard, and wondered why we have never explored it before. In the middle of the summer heat, I think it would be a bit uncomfortable simply because it isn’t at any elevation. There are quite a few trees around the park, and you could always cool off in the river, but I would probably recommend it as an early summer or late summer/early fall camping destination. There are lots of campsites, including everything from tent sites to RV hookups with electricity. The restrooms I visited were very nice and had showers.

From Caldwell it took us just exactly an hour to get there and it’s all freeway so an easy drive. The park is also open to day-users for picnics. Of course being a state park there are fees but that is to be expected. I believe it also closes in the winter, although I’m not sure of the dates. For more information, check out this website.

Once we got to the stadium parking lot, we were impressed by the mosaic of orange and blue canopies erected to shield prized pasta salads and cold beer from the heat of the sun. Tailgating parties ranged from the basics (yes, some people actually still tailgate on their tailgate) to the works (huge flat screen TVs in the backs of trailers—needless to say these people had the most friends!). We stopped by to see some friends from high school and eat some hot dogs. Their tailgating spot along University Avenue provided prime people watching opportunities and even the chance to mingle with fans from the opposing team. I’ve gone to two games this season—both the opener against Idaho State and the second home game against Bowling Green—and was impressed by the sportsmanship of fans at both games.

Inside the stadium the view is stunning. Our seats face east and sit in the shadow of the impressive new addition of suites on the west side. Our seats get the afternoon shade (which won’t be so great in a few more games when the temperatures start to dip!) and beautiful views of downtown and Table Rock, especially in the orange evening light. The sunset made me think of a bumper sticker I saw the other day that went something like this: If God isn’t a Bronco fan, why are sunsets orange? It gave me a good laugh, especially since I’m an Oregon State Beaver. So even if, like me, you didn’t attend Boise State, wear your orange and blue, support the home team, and be a part of the greatest thing about the fall season: Game Day.

“I want to show you something.” I forgot the title, but it was of the history of the 164th FA Battalion. Don proceeded to carefully thumb through the book, showing me pictures as he went along. As it turned out, his friend had written the book, with Don’s help-or as Don put it; “I gave him most of the information and he wrote it!”

From what I gathered, his friend wrote the book for the remaining members of the 164th FA, as a reunion gift. Informing Don that I would be interested in purchasing it, he told me bluntly: “It’s for members only, not for sale!” I guess he didn’t quite understand my question, as I wanted to purchase a copy, not the original. I gave up the question, when I couldn’t get an answer as to whether it would be up for sale in the gift shop, at some point.

The most interesting part of his conversation had to do with the Missouri Mules the 164th used to traverse the dangerous mountain trails of Burma. At one point, Don pointed to a 75mm cannon nearby and informed my son and I that they had to dismantle the artillery piece into 9 pieces and pack it on a mule for transport. (Mountain troops testing the merits of the mule, LC-USW33-000337-ZC).

Another story told of how  150 mules were offloaded from their ship in Calcutta, India. Seems Indians were to be stationed at all cross roads so the Army fellas could herd them to the corrals. At one point the Mules scared several of the boys guarding the intersections. Don and his men spent the good part of a day and night chasing mules all over Calcutta!!

From the looks of the non-descript exterior, we didn’t think much about it as a museum. In fact, the interior holds a lot of very important memorabilia, and displays showcase every war.

As described above the World War I and World War II displays held the most interest for my son-from uniforms, to armament, to medals and the like. I was even able to show him some of the medals I have for my granddad, my dad, and even some of my own. After I showed him my ribbons, he wanted to see the 60’s display of Vietnam. Although I didn’t serve in NAM, the display reflected the times and the war in pretty good detail. (He now wants all my military stuff)!
(Military Jeep Image, Copyright grandpavee-2008)

Other areas detailed the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. There were exceptional displays of WWI, WWII, (Pearl Harbor), Korea and Vietnam. The ceiling was abuzz with various large models of WWII aircraft. The West end held simulators for an F-4 Phantom and another jet, and there was a display of an ejection seat, complete with pilot. (Ejection Seat Image, Copyright grandpavee-2008)

Both of us were in awe of the array of military weaponry from both sides. The WWI display was particularly interesting, and even the Vietnam section was outstanding in the array of materials available to look over.

For any history buff, the Idaho Military History Museum is a must see. Although their website says to figure an hour to look things over, we spent a good half day. That included of course, at least an hour or more with Don Leech!!

To get to the Museum, we took I-84 East and used the Orchard Exit. From there, we turned right onto South Orchard which turned into Gowen Road. There are brown signs which will guide you, but go slow, as the turn-off comes quickly. Just before you enter the large bend in the road and head East again, you want to turn left onto Harvard Street. Follow the road East to a large chain link fence and enter through it. The museum and parking lot, will then be located to your North.

If you get lost, or just want to confirm that they are open, you may call the Museum at (208) 272-4841. The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. Other times or special appointments can be arranged, for large groups, such as school children. They have a wheelchair available if so needed.

We arrived at 2:00PM. The parking lot was all but empty expect for a few vehicles scattered here and there. My son and I decided to pass up the static military displays outside and go inside first. (Tank Image, Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

Passing a small American flag flying from left of the doorway, we entered the spacious and well lit interior. As we made our way inside we immediately came upon the small gift shop to our left. We looked about, but there didn’t seem to be anyone to greet us. (Museum Image, Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

The Museum operates on the generous donations of visitors. I spotted a clear plastic box full of cash, and deposited our contribution. I believe the suggested donation was a buck for kids and two bucks for adults. (Pretty good deal nowadays)! As we made our way forward, an elderly gentlemen came out of a back room and greeted us. I hope I got his name right, Don Leech(?)

As my son left to view the displays, I conversed with Don and found out he was a WWII veteran. I quickly learned that he had been with the 164th FA Battalion-Field Artillery unit in Burma.

I informed Don that an RAF buddy of mine, had fought in the British Army during the Burma Campaign. His immediate response was that he hated working with the British as all they did was stop to drink tea! In my day, they did the same thing!! It may be a slight exaggeration, but those Brits do love their tea time!!

Don excused himself and disappeared into a back office. While he was gone, I caught up with my boy and we took note of a side room, which displayed the history of Gowen Field. I had always thought of the airfield as having only fighters, and was amazed to learn that they also trained bomber crews in B-24’s and B-17’s. A fascinating fact was that Jimmy Stewart,the famous actor, had trained at Gowen!

A special treat was a glass case, which contained various tools of the trade for WWII Navigator’s. It was especially poignant for my son, who knew little of his granddad Jack’s military history. It was the first time he learned that his grandpa had taught Navigation in such aircraft as B-24’s, B-17’s, B-29’s and CAT’s-Catalina Flying Boats! (JackV Image, Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

One of the most exciting aspects of a trip to this farm is the hayride to the pumpkin patch. Kids of all ages enjoy piling on a tractor-pulled trailer for a bumpy ride through the fields. Arriving at the destination, the hunt is on for the perfect pumpkin. Last time we went (which was with a group) they said the kids could take whichever pumpkin they liked as long as they could carry it, but there were those kids determined to prove they could lug a pumpkin half as big as themselves. My kids chose a nice, manageable one, although about 100 pumpkins had to be inspected before one was decided upon. Then it was back to the tractor for a return trip.

Back at the “barn,” more fun awaits. A kiddie hay bale maze provides a wonderful way to get the wiggles out while moms and dads can look over the top and help provide direction when necessary. There are also a few tables where we have picnicked on peanut butter sandwiches that we brought along. Concessions are also available for a reasonable price.

Our family tradition is to send out a “Thanksgiving Letter” every year (rather than a Christmas letter) and more than once, photos taken while on a trip to the pumpkin farm have provided a great choice to include in our autumn greetings. In other words, if you go, make sure you take a camera to capture all those Kodak moments.

Linder Farms also provides field trip opportunities during the day for groups. In fact, our only experiences there have been when we went with our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) group. When you go with a group, they also provide a small “craft” project . You do need to call ahead and schedule with them if you want to take a group.

We have not done the big corn maze there, but if you have never done one, you should try it at least once. (It even makes a pretty good date night activity, if you can find someone to watch the kids.)

Linder Farms is located on Linder between Lake Hazel and Columbia Roads in Meridian, just about 1 mile west of the Meridian-Kuna Highway. This year (2008) they are open September 19-October 31. All of the details about prices, directions, hours, etc. are on their website: www.linderfarms.com.

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)!

We took three of our very young grandchildren to the last one, which I believe was back in 2005. They enjoyed it immensely, until one of the Air Force Thunderbirds, Flight Demonstration Team happened to crash right in front of us. Even with that, the little guys had a blast. (Image Thunderbird Crash, Public Domain)

This year, it was just my youngest son, Bob and I who went. We left home early, and headed out I-84 toward Mountain Home. Rather than going through town, we used a little known shortcut to the back of the base, called Simco Road. About halfway to the base, we spotted a huge Golden Eagle next the road. I should have stopped and taken a photo, as it was the largest Eagle I have seen in many years. Other than the eagle, it was a lonely, desolate drive from Simco road and the freeway to the airbase.

Within a half hours time, we arrived at a main gate near the West end of the airfield. A security guard checked us in and we drove slowly to a parking area on the east end of the base. Once parked, we hopped one of the many shuttle buses which dropped us off at a security point. (Parked Thunderbirds, Image Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

After that we wandered down the flight line. In past years, I would have taken a spot, along the rope line, and just in front of the parked Thunderbirds. This year though, I opted for a shady spot under an aircrafts wing. We quickly set up our chairs, then headed off to view the many static displays. (Note to future shade seekers…We camped out under a C-130‘s wings, only to be moved back under the heat of the sun, because of a leaking tip tank on the aircraft….Overflow from the heat, as it was explained to me. (F-15 Eagle, Image Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

Being a long time aircraft nut and Air Force guy, I took pictures of every aircraft on display. Some of the aircraft we saw, were a Marine Corp’s F-16 Flying Falcon, a Navy F-18 Super Hornet, an A-10 Warthog, (Similar to those stationed at Gowen Field in Boise), a C-17 Cargo Jet, and the newest member, a F-22 Raptor-the newest stealth jet fighter in the Air Force’s inventory.

But perhaps my best aircraft was a B-25 Mitchell-rescued out of a salvage yard in San Antonio and rebuilt to flight status.

If you’re not aware of aviation history, a flight of B-25’s launched from an aircraft carrier during WWII were the first American bombers to attack Japan after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Or maybe the name Jimmy Doolittle and the Tokyo Raiders may ring a bell! (B-25 Mitchell, Photo Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

The show started with stunt pilot, Suzanne Ashbury in her Oliver, DHC-1. The morning progressed with a Gunfighter F-15E flyby, a Navy F-18 Hornet flight demonstration, which was awesome by the way, and even better Gunfighter Airpower demonstration with jets attacking a mock enemy.

Another awesome demonstration, was a flight of AH-60 gunships covering a Blackhawk, as it swept in to make a mock rescue. The noise was deafening and the acrobatic maneuvers of the choppers swooping in and out of the battle were something to see.
(Blackhawk Image, Copyright, GrandpaVee-2008)

Other stunt pilots performed feats of daring do, as loops, stalls, and rolls. A special show was the Wings of Blue-the Air Forces version of the famous Army Golden Knights. (Wings of Blue Image, Copyright GrandpaVee-2008)

The show concluded with several events. One of my favorites was the Heritage Flight. It included a flyby, with a formation including an F-15 jet, a now retired F-4 Phantom and a WWII, P-51 Mustang. The old WWII B-25 made several passes for us camera buffs, then came along the newer C-17 Cargo Plane which has short take-off and landing capability. Did I mention that the C-17 can go in reverse!!

Of course the cream of the crop was the USAF Thunderbirds. The last time we saw them, the show was interrupted by a crash and subsequently canceled. This time however, the show went off without a hitch. I have to say it was probably the best I have seen in all my years of air shows!



The rolling hills above Lewiston, were dotted with miles upon miles of flowing, golden wheat fields, on each side of a newly paved and well maintained highway. I remarked that our road system in Boise should be in such good shape.

Passing through the small town of Genesee, we wound our way up US-95 towards the town of Moscow. If we would have had time, I would have liked to drive through the University. The park like grounds were abloom with a full abundance of bright flowers and other foliage.

The town of Potlatch was next. The once great “Company Town,” grew out of attraction of “Lumber Barons,” to harvest the massive White Pine timber of the region. As with other areas of the early west-the once great Milltown, is now a shadow of it’s former self. (Public use Image, Potlatch River, Idaho-Photo Credit, USFS)

We passed through Potlatch and over the March Hill Summit, and through the tiny towns of Sander, Desmet and Tensed. Plummer was next, then our final destination for the evening, Worley, appeared around a bend.

Expecting to see an Indian Casino, we were pleasantly surprised to see the lush green grass of an 18 hole golf course, surrounding a fairly new 6500 sq. ft. clubhouse. It seemed almost out of place in the landscape-more like it should be located in Boise, than in Worley, Idaho. The awesome view of the area certainly fit it’s name–The Circling Raven! (Image CircRavenHole8b Copyright Circling Raven Golf Course, Used with permission of Idaho Div. of Tourism)

Just past the golf course, I spotted a large parking lot, then the Cour D’ Alene Hotel & Casino. In a matter of minutes we had signed into our reserved rooms and freshened up. It was late morning when we arrived, probably around 10:30AM or so. (Image CDaCasino1.jpg, Copyright, Idaho Tourism. Photo Credit: Ron Gardner. Used with permission of Idaho Div. of Tourism).

We had left Lewiston without eating breakfast, so by the time we arrived at the casino, we were pretty hungry. We found a place inside the casino called the High Mountain Buffet. Both ladies declined to eat there, more out of bad past experience with buffet food, then anything else.

I inquired about a regular restaurant and was directed to the Sweetgrass Café. As it was in the midst of a remodel, all they were serving was pizza. A friendly waitress, directed us to a Food Court. Like the café before it, all they had for breakfast was hotdogs or sandwiches.

Observing that the gals were getting frustrated, I cornered a cashier and asked if there was a good restaurant or café in town. She advised me we didn’t have to go that far.

“The Twisted Earth Grill, over at the Circling Raven Clubhouse, has the best food!” She stated.

She escorted us outside large glass double doors to a waiting golf cart.

“Please take these folks to the Twisted Earth Grill,” She informed the driver.

We thanked her profusely then clambered aboard our fringed topped ride to the Circling Raven. In a matter of minutes, we were seated at a table, adjacent to a large window, that gave a view of the surrounding landscape. The hostess and waitress were friendly. Our breakfast was served fast, hot and with plenty of great coffee!

My aunt left to look for a gift for her golfing nephew, but returned quickly. “Out of sight!” She said, referring to the unusually high prices of the gift shop. Like many other golf courses I’ve been too, they cater to a very upscale clientele!

Unable to raise a return trip to the casino, I cornered one of the young golf attendants nearby. In a matter of minutes he escorted us to a luxurious Lincoln Navigator and gave us a ride back to the casino. Needless to say, we tipped both the driver of the golf cart and our young Navigator pretty well!

To read the previous post in this series, go to Idaho Adventure Part 4.

The park hosts artists from all over the Northwest who sell their wares at this 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. (Julia Davis Rose Garden, Image in Public Domain)
After watching the news for an hour, I decided to make a dry run of my shuttle route for Art in the Park..

At 5:30AM, I left home and headed down the hill towards Chinden Blvd. As I turned east towards town, I noticed a throng of people off to my left at the fairgrounds. As is the case every year, the balloonists of Boise had arrived early and were in launch mode. (Balloon Launch Image Copyright 2008, GrandpaVee)

Since I had a half hour to kill, I pulled into the fairgrounds parking lot. Several families with small children were also there. We all watched in amazement, as the balloons were filled with hot air and started to rise, in the midst of a cool morning breeze.

One in particular-a Mickey Mouse balloon, with huge ears, rose slowly in a cloudless sky, to the delight of the children standing nearby. Other balloons took off, including one with the BSU Bronco logo. It wasn’t quite the show, that we once had with the Boise River Festival, but it does still attract a crowd. (Micky Mouse Balloon, Copyright 2008, GrandpaVee)

After a fascinating show of balloons it was time to leave and make my rounds.

Art in the Park is one of those annual events that no Boise resident or for that matter, visitor to our great state wants to miss. Many locals turn out, especially in this economic environment, just to have something fun to do on a weekend in the city.

This day, however found me driving a bus round and round the downtown area to shuttle visitors from locations to and from Julia Davis Park. Although I didn’t get a chance to walk around the park and enjoy the festivities, I did get to meet a lot of great people, from elderly residents, just out to have something to do on a beautiful day, to families with babes in arms, and teenagers just looking to have fun from a week of schoolwork. All in all it was an enjoyable day. If anyone wonders why Boise is such a great place to live and work, all they have to do is talk to one of the many long time residents of this great city!. (Balloon Launch Image, Copyright 2008, GrandpaVee)

It was a beautiful early fall day and while my husband was involved in something else and couldn’t join us, the kids and I loaded up for an adventure. Arriving at the Idaho Botanical Gardens sometime early afternoon, we paid our entrance fee and found ourselves in Alice’s Wonderland.

Enchanting activities abounded within the gates—face painting, food, music, Alice and her friends, and of course, hat designing, all beckoned. We started by meandering through the place to get an idea of all the options, ending up at the hat designing tables. It is the Mad HATTER’S tea party after all, and how can one attend such an event without the proper head attire? A plethora of hat decorating materials glimmered, gleamed, and fluttered from several tables. These could be applied to hats that had been brought along, or to paper hats that were provided. We had not brought hats along so we nabbed a couple of the paper ones and my daughter went to work with her three-year-old artistic skills. I made one for her 9-month old brother who was mercifully non-critical of my lack of artistic abilities. Remembering his antics at that age, the hat probably got crumpled and one end stuck in the mouth anyway

 
The main event, a tea party, was scheduled for a certain time and we made sure we had the proper tickets to have a seat at the table. I have fragmented memories of a wild hare and a mad hatter entertaining the kids, and I think there was cake and possibly some type of craft. You would think I would remember this but there were a lot of kids, a.k.a. chaos, and I had a baby in a stroller to manage while assisting my daughter at the same time.

After the party, there were pictures with Alice, face painting, and meandering through the booths of things to sell. I managed to get out of the shopping area with only one purchase of less than $5 which was pretty good, all things considered. Finally we decided we had seen everything and headed out, where we found some live animals in portable pens outside the main gate. That was good for another few minutes of entertainment, and then we were ready head home, tired, but happy.

If you have kids, you’ll want to check out this annual event which happens this year (2008) on Sunday September 21 from 10:30-4:30. Tickets to get in are $7 for adults and $5 for kids 4-12. You might want a few extra dollars for miscellaneous things inside. I can’t remember how much was included in the cost to get in and how much was individually priced but I’m sure I didn’t spend much for this enjoyable afternoon. You can find more information at www.idahobotanicalgardens.org.

Hop on out and don a hat for this fanciful frolic.

We first passed the historic Lewiston Depot-formerly the Camas Prairie Railroad Depot. It’s a magnificent two story brick building, but on this day it seemed all but deserted, except for a lone scraggly mutt looking for his master. One could imagine a horse and buggy arriving any minute, to dislodge it’s occupants. All that was lacking was a steam whistle, announcing the arrival of a train, headed to Portland. (Jack Delano, 1914-LC-DIG-fsac-1a34699)

All of the buildings we noted on our drive seemed to be of the same era. A lot of them were brick and showed signs of a bygone era. Downtown Lewiston it seemed, had been left in the dust of time. As we neared the end of the downtown strip, I saw a sign that said museum. I turned back towards the river and several blocks later, came upon a small wood structure. A sign outside stated it was the Nez Perce Historical Museum. (Street Scene, Lewsiton-104965 U.S. Copyright Office.
Copyright by F. Palmer, Spokane).

We took note of it’s location and planned a return trip after lunch. Finding what few eateries downtown were packed, we opted to head back towards the Memorial Bridge. Just as we arrived, my aunt happened to notice a Shari’s Restaurant sign, located above the Nez Perce Grade. Who knew she carried Shari’s coupons in her purse!! For anyone looking for a great meal, a terrific view and good service, try Shari’s in Lewiston!

After lunch, we headed back to the Art Deco wooden building that was the Nez Perce Historical Museum. Almost immediately upon entering the doors, I was surprised to see the extent of a massive collection of local history. The tiny building housed more items than I have seen in museums twice it’s size!

Each room was a look into a different era. Lewiston as a trading post-with canvas covered roofs over log walls. A hint that permanent structures of that time were illegal on Indian lands.

Another told of the seventy some year rain of steamboats on the Clearwater and Snake rivers. (LC-DIG-ppmsca-17964, No known Restrictions) For years they brought miners to Lewiston looking to make a fortune on the placer gold of Idaho. Along with them, came the ruthless, looking to make their fortunes, by relieving those minors of their gold dust.

Other rooms told of logging operations, Lewiston’s attempt to become Idaho’s permanent capital-losing out to Boise in the end, and a litany of events into the 1900’s- including a WWI display of a local soldier.

After nearly two hours inside this amazing museum, we left for our next trip, which was to Moscow and points North.

To read the previous post in this series, go to Idaho Adventure Part 3.