The Beauty of Idaho

I am from Alaska. It is a land known for its vast wilderness and beautiful landscapes. When we moved to Idaho 8 years ago, I was not particularly impressed by the sagebrush and the color brown. I wondered how long we would dwell in such an unappealing place. We found a lovely spot to live in the city by the river, but once you venture outside of the city, it seemed to be endless fields of nothingness. It was a stark contrast to the mountains, trees, oceans and lakes, that I was used to growing up. I was unaware then that Idaho held some of the most beautiful landscapes on God's glorious earth. 

We have spent the last few days camping in Stanley, Idaho; land of the Sawtooth Mountains. We traveled with our family friends, the Harlins. One of the purposes of the trip was for Tyson Harlin to take the kids on the hike that Charles and Tyson had planned on doing the summer after Charles died. Charles had been so looking forward to the trip, he had mapped it out, dreamed, hoped, and longed for that trip with Tyson and the Sawtooths; unfortunately, that trip never happened. 

Last year Tyson took the boys and some friends to hike in the Sawtooths and pay tribute to Charles. They were rained out and had to come home early. This year he tried again with the kids, and almost made the full loop to the elusive Alice Lake -- but they ran into snow, rain, and had to turn back before dark. Once again, the trip was cut short; I am starting to think it is symbolic of Charles' life journey. Of course that won't stop them from trying again next year. 

We had a really great time on the trip. It started out with a trip to Pioneer Cemetery in Idaho City, where Charles is buried. We were going to fix up his gravesite a little, because the last time we were there the dirt had started to sink over his grave. When we got there it was packed down a little better, and so no work was necessary. We payed tribute to Charles, and the kids climbed on his headstone. It really is such a beautiful place. My spot is waiting right next to Charles'; bought and paid for. I am not planning on ever using it, however. 

We continued on the twisty mountain roads to Stanley. They were very twisty roads, as Henry was so kind to remind us by throwing up. After pulling over to clean up some nastiness, we were on our way again. Carsickness is gross. 

We arrived in Stanley. The girls stayed in a cabin, and the boys stayed in a tent. With the young toddlers, it just worked better that way. We hung out together at the campsite, and then we would head to the cabin when the little ones (and moms) needed a break. Keeping toddlers out of the river, the fire, and just generally safe is no small feat out in the wilderness. Camping and toddlers are not the best combination I have decided. We had two of them running around. It made it exciting. 

The first night we had some amazing dutch oven food provided by Tyson and his camping culinary skills. My favorite was the peach cobbler. I liked it even more than brownies, and that is saying something! We took a drive out to Red Fish Lake, just to check it out, and then off we went to try and sleep. The boys slept well, and quickly. Rachelle and I stayed up until 4:00am talking. Time flies when you are lying in the dark with two minds spinning wildly in conversation. Sammi was trying to sleep, though I think she heard the whole thing. We also heard bats outside, and they kept us awake with their screeching noises. We finally sort of drifted off to sleep, but it was restless sleep; I am used to that though. 

In the morning we got everyone ready to head out for the hike. Tyson took the 4 oldest with him, and Rachelle and I kept the 4 youngest with us. We stayed back and hung out on the beach at Red Fish lake until a storm rolled in and cut our visit a little short. There was intermittent rain and storms all throughout the trip. It was kind of nice, actually. I enjoyed the variety of weather in the skies, it made it more fun. While we kicked back at the lake, the others were working it hard hiking in the wilderness trying to conquer the full loop. I will have to let a child give a full report on that experience. 

After the lake, the moms and littles took a break at the cabin for a bit, and then went back out to a park in Stanley so the kids could play. We made it back to the campsite just a few minutes before our hikers returned from their journey. They were cold and tired, but excited from the adventure. We spent the evening eating Smores and gathering around the campfire for stories. 

It was late when we girls made it back to our cabin, we were lucky the little ones fell asleep quickly. We managed to get to sleep around midnight too, which was good, since we were super tired. It felt good to really rest. 

The next morning we packed up camp, and decided to go back to Redfish Lake so everyone could play in the water. The kids had so much fun splashing and enjoying the lake.  I loved that it was so clear and you could see the bottom. 

After the lake, we all took off to head home by way of Sun Valley; another beautiful Idaho location. The Harlins stayed for food at Sun Valley, and we headed home. Our journey home was also beautiful, we ran into rain and a thunderstorm, which made the trip more exciting and enjoyable. 

We had a great trip, and it was great to be home, except that it was super hot in our house, but we got it cooled down well enough. We unpacked, got cleaned up, and then we relaxed with the movie McFarland USA. If you haven't seen it, you should. 

It really was a pleasant and enjoyable trip for everyone. It was a much needed change of pace from the normal stuff. I can't say it was super relaxing, but you don't go on vacations to relax -- you sleep to relax. Vacations are meant to be adventures, and this was a really fun adventure in Idaho, with friends that are family. 

I found it particularly nice to not have any phone service, or access to the Internet. It was refreshing, and allowed for more clarity of thought, and mind. I was able to purely search my thoughts, and my my heart. I was told to get out in nature to be close to God, and I can see why that instruction was given to me. It is so freeing to soak in God's creations and glory, it allows for a change of perspective. 

I have found that Idaho is a state full of natural beauty and wonders; if you know where to look. I am super grateful we were able to enjoy a little slice of Heaven for the last few days.  

Good times. 

Here are a bunch of pictures from the trip, in random order...