Tripod Meadows, Idaho Campground

We spent the holiday weekend camping up at Tripod Meadows Campground. It is in between Sage Hen and Smith’s Ferry (for those of you familiar with Boise, Gem and Valley Counties). The campground is a free, dry camping area in the Boise National Forest. There are several large sites which can easily accommodate 7+ large RVs. There are several smaller sites that are suitable for a small travel trailer, camper or tent campers.We camped up there 3 weeks ago to try it out and realized how popular it is there. We knew we wanted to camp over the long weekend and with most of the forest burning down behind us, we decided to go back up there again.

Dreamy Eyes and Braxton left on Wednesday afternoon to secure a choice spot. I have to say he did not disappoint, we had a very secluded site, down a very washed out log road. He has some serious towing skills! Bennett and I joined them on Thursday late afternoon. He had camp set up when we arrived, so we went right to playing in the meadow.  We were surrounded by 2 large meadows. One meadow had a very large boulder that was the perfect place to launch our balsa wood planes, Frisbee and football throwing as well as just pretending you are king of the hill. The meadows gave us privacy from the road, as well as the other campsites as well as giving our dogs a place to roam.

We fished at Tripod Reservoir while we were there. There are trails around the lake that Brax and I explored. There are huckleberry bushes along the trails too! Dreamy Eyes and Bennett fished in multiple spots on the shore. The guys caught some fish, but threw them back. The lake is smaller, pretty, and very kid friendly. There are tent camping sites right next to the lake that you can walk or bike to.

Tripod Meadows has been a great find for us so far. We really enjoy the location, the camping spots, the hiking trails and old skid roads, the meadows, and the fact it is just about an hour from our house. If you are looking for a new camp site, check it out, but be advised, these fill up fast.

Thanks for taking time to read my article on Tripod Meadows. I hope you have a great week and don’t forget to take time go outdoors and make an adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

Heavenly Huckleberries

We went for a good walk this weekend and took the path less traveled. This 2 mile climbing and winding path took us to a haven of huckleberries that are just now ripe! The path dead ended into a multiple patches of huckleberries. The first time we were there, we had nothing to put them in, besides Braxton’s mouth. We went back this morning with a few containers and filled them up. Chet, Bennett, Brax and I picked for about 3 hours. I should say that Chet and I picked them, Bennett and Brax ate far more than they put in the bowl. I can’t blame them though, they are so delicious. I have to say, this was one of our best adventures so far, most likely because we came home with treasure. It was also so fun to have time as a family doing something as simple as picking berries. Here are some pictures of our little adventure:

 

We found 2 additional patches that are about 1 week from being ripe. I think I know where we will be next Sunday! Thank you for taking a moment to check my post out. Remember to get outdoors and make your own fun.

Josephus Lake

The man clan and I found a wonderful secluded lake while on our camping adventure last week. While camping at Beaver Creek we found a road that said Josephus Lake 14 miles. It was late afternoon and we thought, why not? It was quite the ride there, to say the least. The drive took us just about an hour! The road was, rough, rocky, bumpy, narrow with a steep drop off on the right hand side. When we arrived at the lake, we realized it was more than worth the ride. This lake was one of the most beautiful I have been to.

There is a very nice tent camping area next to the lake, complete with fire rings and picnic tables. Then we took the trail to the lake and took in the beauty. The lake has one stream feeding it and it then feeds another stream at the other end of the lake. The water is crystal clear. You can see the fish at least 25 feet out. The trout were jumping , putting on a show just for us. I fished with the boys and Chet explored the creek, a great log jam, the lake shore and played with the Bumpus Hounds.

On our way out we decided that next time we camp at Beaver Creek, we will pack a lunch and spend the entire day at the lake fishing and playing. Thank you for checking this out and remember to go outside and make an adventure.

 

 

 

 

 

Camping Adventure 2016

The man clan and I went camping for our vacation this year. We left on Sunday midday and came back Thursday evening. I had some fears about camping with a very active 3 year old, 13 year old teenager (enough said), and the 2 Bumpus Hounds. My fears were unfounded. We had the best time! We actually were going to come home on Wednesday and extended our trip by one day. I most enjoyed being removed from technology, there was not wifi or cell service where we were. It was wonderful to be completely present with my family, enjoying the sounds, sights and experiences.

We recently purchased a cute little RV to camp in and this was our first trip. I could honestly write a piece on what I learned about stocking an RV, but that is for another time. I told Dreamy Eyes I had the first week off in August and he said we should go up to Beaver Creek. He and his brother in law had camped there in 2010 while archery hunting, before the big fire in 2013 burnt quite a bit of it down. He was really excited, so I was excited too.

Bennett our 13 year old found our campsite and I have to say he did a great job. We were about 200 feet from the creek and had a tiny little pond near it. There were was plenty of room for our RV. There was a lot of evidence of the fire that swept through the area a few years ago. There were swaths of burned down trees, ground with very little foliage and a lot of ashy dust. There are a lot of small trees that are just starting out their long journey in life. I took a picture of a very reluctant Braxton standing between 2 small trees. We will go back every year and take the same picture to measure the growth.

Brax between 2 small trees

Regrowth in it’s infancy

The area is teaming with wildlife. We had a few bucks and does visit the campsite every evening. They were not overly concerned with me or the man clan, but once the dogs caught their scent,  it was an epic game of chase. We heard wolves howling near our site one night, that was so cool. We had a cute frogs living in our tiny pond. We saw a sage grouse with her 3 chicks one evening too. The trout in the creek were beyond my expectations. They seemed to range 8 to 16 inches. There was one that was so large his fin stuck out of the water most of the time.

We went on adventures every day, seeing Cape Horn Lakes, Stanley Lake, and Josephus Lake. Each lake was unique and captivating. One morning while the older guys were doing serious fishing, Brax and I took a long walk to Bear Creek and did some exploring. I found a great spot for family pictures in September.

Everyone who knows me well, knows that the first half of the year at work has been crazy, chaotic, fun, stressful, rewarding and exhausting. This break was much needed. Every day I could feel my tension level lowering and lowering. By the time we left I felt fairly recharged. It was amazing. I can say it was my best time in years.

The man clan had so much fun. They enjoyed the lakes, fishing, swimming, campfire, adventures and the dirt. They all are asking when can we go again? My answer… next weekend!

One of our creek views

Dreamy Eyes and Brax on a morning stroll

Bennett fishing at Cape Horn

The “man clan” right before we left

Blooming Blooms

I had the biggest smile on my face when I returned home from traveling last week. When I woke up on Friday morning, everything was in bloom. When I left the Sunday before, no blooms had opened up yet. This is one of my favorite sights of spring. Below are some of the pictures I took today while exploring…

These are the blooms on our almond tree. They are so pretty and I adore the little honey bee I was able capture.

This is our plum tree. My boys love to eat the sweet directly from the tree in the summer. Come to think of it, my dogs and chickens like the sweet fruit too. Good thing we have two of them.

Lilacs are my very favorite spring flower. The beautiful color, the shape, and of course, the smell. Nothing smells more of spring to me thank a blooming lilac. These buds are not ready, quite yet, but they are getting close.

My sweet pink creeping phlox. I love seeing these little pops of color in our yard.

Tulips are so vibrant and beautiful. They just make me smile when I see them open up. The inside of the flower is so full of contrast. 

I hope you are enjoying the beauty of the season you are in, wherever you are. Have a wonderful week and thank you for reading this.

The Elk Herd

We are so fortunate to live in a place the Elk migrate to in the winter and spring. The resident herd is back to sunning themselves on the surrounding hills in the warm spring sun. I was lucky enough to click some good shots tonight while I was out exploring with the Bumpus Hounds. Here are some of my faves.

I hope the weather is grand wherever you are. Take some time to enjoy the beauty of spring!

Spring Sunsets

It is that magical time of year, the sunsets last a longer each evening, the grass is becoming vibrant green, the leaves on the trees are coming in and the canals are filling up. This is one of my favorite times of the year for taking pictures.

This was last night at Duck Alley in Eagle, Idaho. 

Vacation! Part 1

I am sitting here in my house on my last official day of vacation. I am thinking back to how fun this one was. My parents came down from Washington last Saturday evening and stayed through Wednesday morning. On Sunday, my Dad, Chet, and Bennett worked on building the fence along the west side of our property. I took my mom and Brax up to the Boise National Forest. We took a scenic drive through the mountains. I am always amazed at how we go from high desert to true forest in less than 15 minutes. My mom was amazed at the views. Then we went into Horseshoe Bend and visited the White Horse Mercantile and picked up some supplies.

One of our wonderful views

Following the bend in the road to new destinations

On Monday, my mom and I took Bennett and his buddy Karson to Roaring Springs for the day. We dropped them off and then her and I had a great day, shopping, talking, having lunch and just having a wonderful day. We picked up the boys in the early evening, they were tired, hungry and smiley. They had such a great time. I am so glad we had the chance to take them before school started.  My dad worked on the fence while we were out, then Chet joined him once we did the Braxton pass off. These guys were all about the fence.

Tuesday was spent in Emmett with my mom and Brax picking up some supplies for dinner. We then stopped by the best local produce stand in our area, Volcanic Farms. If you are driving through Horseshoe Bend, stop by and pick up some fresh, hot corn on the cob or one of their glorious pies. Trust me on the pie, it is so worth it. I actually take two up to my parents house in Washington when we go there for Thanksgiving.  We had Chet’s parents up for dinner and our neighbor Dave. It was such a fun evening for everyone. Chet and I both feel so happy that our parents genuinely get along and like to hang out together. While we were eating dinner, Chet and I sat at the bar while everyone else sat at the table. It was like we were on a date in a restaurant. Then we took a drive to the top of the property, just the two of us. I saw the progress of the fence. Holy smokes, those guys worked non stop and they got the fence 85% completed.

Smoky sunset

Wednesday came too soon. They had to leave in the late morning. The boys were bummed. Braxton kept saying he wanted to go to Mema’s house. It was very cute.I am so grateful they were able to spend part of the week with us. We had the best time with my parents and look forward to doing it again, sooner than later. This was Part 1. Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday had some great highlights as well. I will post those later today.

the boys with Mema and Papa

Exploring in the Boise National Forest

We have been taking some time to head up to the mountains and do some hiking and exploring. We have found some wonderful old log roads, trails, creeks, meadows and outstanding views. Braxton has had so much fun exploring the forest floor, creeks and bugs. He is very into cows right now and lucky for him the cows are grazing on the endowment and national forest lands for the summer.

We have been driving up the main forest service road and finding a spur road that looks passable, driving down it and then getting out, putting Brax in the back pack and heading up the old logging road or trail to a destination unknown. Here are some pics of our journeys.

The view from the top of an old log road

Adventure is just over the hill.

He had fun riding me up the road to the meadow.

The tree shaded road was lovely

Some type of fungus/mold spore. I thought this was the coolest.

Brax was enjoying some rest by exploring a pretty little creek.

This was a beautiful spot

I hope your summer is going well and you are making your own adventures. Thanks for stopping in to check out my blog. Have a great day and remember to take a moment for gratitude.

Spring into Summer type of Weekend

This past weekend was one of the best I have had in 2015. We started Friday evening at the in-laws, visiting with Dreamy Eye’s Aunt who was visiting from California. Braxton rode on the riding lawn mower and tractor with Papa, Bennett self entertained with baseball, then I pitched to him while he practiced hitting left handed and we all had a good visit.

Saturday we planted a lot of plants into our landscaping. I love gardening! I painted some more trim in Bennett’s room and started on 2 project for each of the boys rooms. Then we got ready to go to a graduation party for our friend’s daughter. The party was so much fun. Their property is amazing and I adore the view from their front yard. Bennett ended up staying the night there with his buddy. Everyone had a great time!

A gorgeous view of Dry Buck Mountain

Brax having fun on the trampoline

Warm evening, a beer and this beautiful view. I am not sure it gets any better than this

Love the shadow tractor and cloud formations

Sunday was a day of lounging and water play. Dreamy Eyes got up with Brax and let me sleep in. I love this man! We had a slow morning of music, cooking shows and coffee. Brax was missing Bennett so much. He kept asking to see pics of B on my phone. I am not sure how this munchkin will do when Bennett is gone for 3 weeks this month. Once B was home and Brax was up from his nap, it was outdoor water time. B really wanted to slip and slide so Dreamy Eyes set up up with some black plastic and sprinkler. Both boys had so much fun. Dreamy Eyes and I had fun just sitting back and watching the action.

He was slipping and sliding too. Whatever Bennett does, Brax does too.

Love this! Head first all the way to the end.

When you want to slip and slide but don’t live near a store… you improvise

Because Dad and Bennett do it, Brax needs to drink from the hose too!

Next weekend is filled with a birthday BBQ for both boys, finishing B’s room, and getting B ready for 3 weeks of fun with Mema and Papa in Washington. Thank you for stopping in to check out my latest post. Have a wonderful day and remember to pay it forward.