Days 12 and 13 (July 10)
It was a quick 5 hour, 304 mile drive from Ogen to Boise. The temperature rose from 82 at the outset to 93 in Boise when we arrived at 2:30.
Fires and smoke continue to be highlights. As we crossed the border on I-84 into Idaho, we saw a wild fire less than a mile from the freeway. I could see the flames and the smoke darkened things considerably as we drove by. Wish we would have gotten a picture, but the camera wasn’t handy.
After checking into the hotel, we met my old friend Butch at a local brew-pub. Then headed to his house to catch the all-star game.
A little later some other friends dropped by for a chat. We went outside, watched a racoon ramble through the neighborhood,and caught up on each others’ lives.
From left to right we have Shannon, Butch, Tom, Nancy, and Carla. I’ve known Shannon, Butch, Nancy since 1970 or 71. Tom is married to Nancy – a wonderful guy – I know because he likes trains too! Shannon’s husband, Bruce, couldn’t make it. He and I were in a small foreign literature class together at the College of Idaho (now Albertson College) back in the day. And when I say small, I mean small; he and I were the only two students in the class.
We got back to the hotel around 10:30 and crashed (figuratively, not literally). We woke up, went for a quick walk along the river, then met Brent and Robin for breakfast at a nice little cafe in downtown. They are both school teachers; Robin teaches 2nd grade and Brent teaches high school psychology, American History, and what-not.
We came back and I got the blog caught up. That brings us up to the minute. Tonight we’ll meet some other friends at the “Alive After Five” in the grove just behind our hotel. Those pics probably won’t get posted until we get back home on Thursday.
Our plan is to continue the back roads tour and take Highway 26 through John Day, rather than I-84 through the Columbia Gorge.
What a tremendous time you are having and now a wedding to think about. Road trips are a good thing! 🙂
There's a Cracker Barrel at the Cole Rd/Overland(?) exit that's a pretty good breakfast place. Candace and I always stopped there to and from CO. It's also a few blocks from where I used to live! Just thought you'd like to know, since you've been visiting historical spots….
Have a great trip home. I'll be anxious to hear what you think of Hwy 26.
Well Chief, I give you two thumbs up on this vacation. It sounded like Carla was not going to have much fun, nor anyone else, and it turned into a Fantastic adventure. And to put the perverbial “Cherry on Top” you are soon to be a proud Father-In-Law. Ready to wear a new hat? Look forward to your return to work although I am sure you are not; vacation go by so quickly dont they. See you soon.