tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78621795296821428402024-03-18T02:47:34.018-07:00Stueby's Outdoor JournalRead all about Steve's outdoor trips in Idaho, including canoeing, whitewater boating, mountain biking, hiking, trail running and skiing.Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.comBlogger594125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-42389691237849170392024-01-04T11:43:00.000-08:002024-01-04T11:48:40.004-08:00No more weekly outdoor tips for Steve - Stueby's Outdoor Journal goes into semi-retirement mode <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmcqf3imWZne6Koc87QRMPKWqnqn547P0hs19CKwaN2zGptJpfj5Z6zeKIBrT4cdn0FVKr1gaj9_np-sj8-nt-Xem6Dd-YV0GpQJ66gE7XjobThw-S6IxLqkH4SMX5PORIK5SJR4OABPMJ10tNdrFFZ-0oxxtgIOCdRVuBlb8LGGKZtcKUsH2g1HuEbeo/s4032/IMG_0535.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmcqf3imWZne6Koc87QRMPKWqnqn547P0hs19CKwaN2zGptJpfj5Z6zeKIBrT4cdn0FVKr1gaj9_np-sj8-nt-Xem6Dd-YV0GpQJ66gE7XjobThw-S6IxLqkH4SMX5PORIK5SJR4OABPMJ10tNdrFFZ-0oxxtgIOCdRVuBlb8LGGKZtcKUsH2g1HuEbeo/w640-h480/IMG_0535.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cross-country skiing with Huck </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all, </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I turned 65 last summer, and I'm looking ahead to semi-retirement in Spring 2025.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And so, when this time of your life emerges, it's wise to wind down a bit and focus on what really matters in life ... </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">To that end, I'm in the process of phasing out my books and maps business, so it makes sense to phase out my weekly outdoor tips on <i>Stueby's Outdoor Journal</i>. Here's a head's up: There won't be any more weekly outdoor tips from Steve in 2024! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And I won't be sharing any outdoor tips on 94.9 FM The River on Friday morning drivetime. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmfZtC1klisuczYtbE9IRC1kDDRMmjIP6hJcKJU0xSSEbvW5tPiaotRW85MH3zxCRbrXQH1eDgLUIPOxPtn8HhguudQ5Z1lU6c6Wf8hS8Tyt5AQLFKTaUpk7zauIm5pqsjbFZ1LPuisR6AIqh_sN_uLI13F2dpMCZq_qx0Pp0dFAcYMpWR3twVnH-KwNi/s4032/IMG_0874.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihmfZtC1klisuczYtbE9IRC1kDDRMmjIP6hJcKJU0xSSEbvW5tPiaotRW85MH3zxCRbrXQH1eDgLUIPOxPtn8HhguudQ5Z1lU6c6Wf8hS8Tyt5AQLFKTaUpk7zauIm5pqsjbFZ1LPuisR6AIqh_sN_uLI13F2dpMCZq_qx0Pp0dFAcYMpWR3twVnH-KwNi/s320/IMG_0874.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve and Ron Abramovich at Brundage </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Why? </b>The whole purpose of doing my outdoor blog was to not only share great ideas about outdoor adventures in the greater Boise and SW Idaho region but also drive traffic to my web site, <a href="http://SteveStuebner.com">SteveStuebner.com</a>, so people could buy my hiking, biking and paddling books if they wished. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Back in 2008 when I started my blog and the radio gig with The River, I figured if I'm doing blogs, videos and PR outreach for my clients on a professional level, why wouldn't I do the same thing for my own side business? It made sense and it has worked. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I've been at the outdoor guidebook thing much longer! </span><span style="font-size: medium;">My first book, <i>Mountain Biking in Southwest Idaho</i> with co-author Stephen Phipps, was published in 1992. That one flew off the shelves as the sport of mountain biking really took off in Boise. Stephen and I tried to give people places to go outside of the Boise Foothills on purpose, but it turned out, that people wanted to ride in the foothills regardless! We started the Southwest Idaho Mountain Biking Association (SWIMBA) in that same year, 1992. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span></span></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFawZrg79vn6s-V5_nChyozsrucskLl72aTn22OI34o5lNS4am_pb8luSMaMcWgN-SxK6wlK6QBy1ojJCX3-qGgAGWB3bDE70Mu2j12M_zWvrXOluxlkz4IbRKXJWn4OYJHoeeehlcUD0yTjOf7tvRPhWJWZs1NZcT8pR9-uLYzE0C1Ime9Z5tdJwh5Wm/s375/ssmtnbike.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="258" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyFawZrg79vn6s-V5_nChyozsrucskLl72aTn22OI34o5lNS4am_pb8luSMaMcWgN-SxK6wlK6QBy1ojJCX3-qGgAGWB3bDE70Mu2j12M_zWvrXOluxlkz4IbRKXJWn4OYJHoeeehlcUD0yTjOf7tvRPhWJWZs1NZcT8pR9-uLYzE0C1Ime9Z5tdJwh5Wm/w440-h640/ssmtnbike.jpg" width="440" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve on his old Cannondale full-suspension Y-bike 9 (circa 1990s)<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>My first version of <i>Mountain Biking in Boise </i>was published in 1994<i>. </i>It was super fun to explore tons of trails with my friends to find the most suitable ones - the "keepers" - for publishing. I sold thousands of </span><i>Mountain Biking in Boise </i>over the years in six different versions and many printings. It's how many people in Boise learned the foothills trails before Ridge to Rivers began to get better about printing details on their maps. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I stopped printing <i><a href="https://stevestuebner.com/product/mountain-biking-in-boise/">Mountain Biking in Boise</a> </i>several years ago because the latest edition with 65 rides (still available in <a href="https://stevestuebner.com/product/mountain-biking-in-boise/">ebook</a>) just didn't sell like the others had in the past. More online mapping apps, free stuff online and an improved R2R map and interactive web site made my book obsolete.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><i></i></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D9bhKI2MM5BWVWHJphIL6dM8g_li42xJvF0PYmU6Pb3THJolg9sSH-peZCkz_2kdsWMOZEYKjpM8WL9AmLD1fvgxRM9UOEEXj963OAPsMGeQpJabunzL2Wk5cXoEBLvx-n-vIo5_k2xIulLun1qjfRff1SQVR5Ta7tdcJM-G1zZD4g7PuEMq1cFeOCt6/s3072/IMGP0368.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-D9bhKI2MM5BWVWHJphIL6dM8g_li42xJvF0PYmU6Pb3THJolg9sSH-peZCkz_2kdsWMOZEYKjpM8WL9AmLD1fvgxRM9UOEEXj963OAPsMGeQpJabunzL2Wk5cXoEBLvx-n-vIo5_k2xIulLun1qjfRff1SQVR5Ta7tdcJM-G1zZD4g7PuEMq1cFeOCt6/w640-h480/IMGP0368.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve riding in McCall <br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br />Mountain Biking McCall </i>was a great seller in McCall from the mid-90s to 2020. And then I decided to let that one go out of print out of deference to CIMBA's McCall hiking and biking map. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Working with Mike Cooley (now retired) of George's Cycles, I created the <i>Boise Road Cycling Guide </i>in the 2000s. I got in great shape doing all the 30+ rides for that two-sided, full-color waterproof bike map. I reprinted that map several times and sold thousands. And then the bike shops didn't want to buy it anymore. So I stopped printing the map. (Bob's Bicycles has the bike map on their wall) </span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHN7PWbD2t69S7CS557LDVRqgWFa3JJl94jhkZecAt7JsDlhJnNTbvDAP_ArkZpODdqL9bvpAaDQ4kinyT_K-U9ZIukZsb-GklPwaOb_NgmOT2Pw-HPM9aBF48ez1pjIIvGvaMsPtM_r5FliqVKbSiGgTrgq2MpOgqAtcEZQJg3CFE1htaTcN4yknQK72/s640/hilltop%20summit.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnHN7PWbD2t69S7CS557LDVRqgWFa3JJl94jhkZecAt7JsDlhJnNTbvDAP_ArkZpODdqL9bvpAaDQ4kinyT_K-U9ZIukZsb-GklPwaOb_NgmOT2Pw-HPM9aBF48ez1pjIIvGvaMsPtM_r5FliqVKbSiGgTrgq2MpOgqAtcEZQJg3CFE1htaTcN4yknQK72/s320/hilltop%20summit.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve at Hilltop Summit on the road bike </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Generally, the trend with trail guides is going toward everything being available for free online or for a fee online. I'm fine with that; I've seen it coming. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My outdoor books and maps always have been a side hustle for me - I've called it "beer money" - and my main focus always has been on my PR and Marketing business and client work. That's my bread and butter. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So now, by phasing out my blog and winding down my book and map business, I can work on simplifying my life, looking ahead to retirement. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENfplLTLs7QXbr5OnZYwKgTcPejOc9wI9uSiFbXLwFd-yua1nK-9rQUaX0KxgIPeCUYjxPjq7oWL7fhV3H2U2UpduduR0RbbLlQJmGJbQi94m35CC6oHMCj9GLjR4ALPe5UbCALWoS1SoaN-hm__fMn0AaZa2mV3bqbmfWHfRl_Oj7_NOEQ5YPQ8wbCfO/s4032/IMG_2039.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhENfplLTLs7QXbr5OnZYwKgTcPejOc9wI9uSiFbXLwFd-yua1nK-9rQUaX0KxgIPeCUYjxPjq7oWL7fhV3H2U2UpduduR0RbbLlQJmGJbQi94m35CC6oHMCj9GLjR4ALPe5UbCALWoS1SoaN-hm__fMn0AaZa2mV3bqbmfWHfRl_Oj7_NOEQ5YPQ8wbCfO/w640-h480/IMG_2039.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve and Wendy on the Salmon River, Middle Fork in the background </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />Hope you have enjoyed my posts! </b>There are over 600 posts on my blog that you can peruse anytime. I've averaged 8,000 views a month, and had nearly a million views on my blog since the beginning. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the future, I'll post every once in a while if I'm inspired to do so. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the meantime, you can see my <a href="https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/idaho">powder forecasts</a> on <a href="http://opensnow.com">opensnow.com</a>, and follow my adventures on my social channels, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/steve.stuebner/">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/steve.stuebner/">IG</a>. I do occasional client-related business posts on <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevestuebner/">LinkedIn</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Ciao! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">- SS</span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-26358815364025781992023-12-21T17:25:00.000-08:002023-12-21T17:32:58.033-08:00A few ideas for Christmas-New Year's break in SW Idaho - skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and hot springs! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpKD6qwlWHng2LBk8D6njUdJEqWzngwWzYq0KzqwOIomagcjppAgtaFdxijHB9CusVS_S3KTygCeZ8OfkIAowgaGLZI1o8DjajWgTF_wesiWARnkmtUBL2Xn_8f9ouMUCvD7avoOkMasEP4C-ydUCnuOOp19ZlN90T703yyYzoNfyleZDP1S2_BYZChlB/s4032/IMG_2553.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpKD6qwlWHng2LBk8D6njUdJEqWzngwWzYq0KzqwOIomagcjppAgtaFdxijHB9CusVS_S3KTygCeZ8OfkIAowgaGLZI1o8DjajWgTF_wesiWARnkmtUBL2Xn_8f9ouMUCvD7avoOkMasEP4C-ydUCnuOOp19ZlN90T703yyYzoNfyleZDP1S2_BYZChlB/w640-h480/IMG_2553.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The scene at the top of Deer Point Chair on Thursday afternoon in the sunshine. <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all, </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mother Nature has been quite stingy when it comes to delivering the snow so far this year. Ullr the Norwegian snow god may very well still be in a deep sleep!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So that makes it a little more difficult to find things to do this Christmas-New Years holiday break. Here are a few outdoorsy ideas that I've been thinking about:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Downhill skiing at</b> <a href="http://bogusbasin.org">Bogus Basin</a>, <a href="http://brundage.com">Brundage</a>, <a href="http://sunvalley.com">Sun Valley</a> or <a href="http://tamarackidaho.com">Tamarack</a>. All four resorts are open 7 days a week. Check on the latest conditions and see what runs and lifts are open to make your choices. 2-3" of new snow are forecast on Friday PM/Saturday. Sunny skies are forecast on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. </span></li><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;">I skied the front side of Bogus on Thursday, and Ridge and Showcase seemed to have the most continuous snowpack thanks to snow-making and north-facing slopes. Bogus may reopen the backside this weekend. Warm temperatures above the inversion are making things challenging. It was 44 degrees up there today. Felt nice! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxXS4-MDwjD3u2lIqAUtIP960cpMeHWuTjUgkJIddgrTDuTyf1lZkiXa7m21Xp6swXAOH92c4h7mGS5hBqIew' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Sun Valley just opened the Warm Springs side of the mountain with top-to-bottom skiing. The River Run side of the mountain was open to start off the season. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauZEca6HryaG1FZTQMirVlEkEfKo9rhUL4ZlVKg73qTj7YZ0MegKwe8wzM4LoYR5ms3HZpAtunKSegE-Z_Yoc5fnQ14vHvtFg-A1-XwyLRWtwFum2wjDYXBml693_tdBwYGM1k-5Jxif9TN5btrlMe00TgO1-6RMgJdhz7IxJOJXPPbKSPedET3D3z2ix/s786/Screen%20Shot%2012-21-23%20at%2007.09%20AM%20001.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="786" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjauZEca6HryaG1FZTQMirVlEkEfKo9rhUL4ZlVKg73qTj7YZ0MegKwe8wzM4LoYR5ms3HZpAtunKSegE-Z_Yoc5fnQ14vHvtFg-A1-XwyLRWtwFum2wjDYXBml693_tdBwYGM1k-5Jxif9TN5btrlMe00TgO1-6RMgJdhz7IxJOJXPPbKSPedET3D3z2ix/w400-h259/Screen%20Shot%2012-21-23%20at%2007.09%20AM%20001.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">People skiing on lower Warm Springs when the new lifts opened<br /> on Wednesday. (Courtesy Sun Valley) </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Brundage is waiting for more snow before opening the new Centennial quad chairlift, but it's operating 7 days a week with the Bluebird Express, Bear Chair and bunny hill. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Tamarack is running the Summit chair for 1,000 verts on the upper story of the mountain and the Discovery beginner chair. </span></li></ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Go find your own hiking adventure</b> on snowshoes, snow boots or hiking shoes and trax for gripping in the ice. Head for a mountain pass where you can find access to your own adventure. I saw that Mores Creek Summit has a snow depth of 17 inches as of today, 2 less than several days ago. It's been warm up there too ... 44 degrees today. I've seen people hiking Mt. Cervidae over by Lucky Peak (go early when the trail is frozen) </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.ridgetorivers.org/etiquette/wet-weather-and-winter-trail-use/">All-weather trails on Ridge to Rivers trails </a>or my expanded list of <a href="https://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2023/01/five-all-weather-trails-to-enjoy-when.html">all-weather trails</a> in the region. My list includes Bruneau Dunes State Park and Eagle Island State Park trails. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XDKnERevs6NiVzJVa6ILzdC-EUB0C1NwoHxwbQsLcHKt_JvW_9jYAdrffEUKLKUqpmPhyphenhyphenmy_15xjF6AIpWIKstsGKtv9Yzpq7jjN2ICU0U_UNRjsn8avTk1lw5edkeZ-zV39k28OzV-SZLaAdxNnD-0cL1dcAGKc3N9ZU2yUKTgx9gatb4Jrb4OpPbdy/s4032/IMG_0702.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XDKnERevs6NiVzJVa6ILzdC-EUB0C1NwoHxwbQsLcHKt_JvW_9jYAdrffEUKLKUqpmPhyphenhyphenmy_15xjF6AIpWIKstsGKtv9Yzpq7jjN2ICU0U_UNRjsn8avTk1lw5edkeZ-zV39k28OzV-SZLaAdxNnD-0cL1dcAGKc3N9ZU2yUKTgx9gatb4Jrb4OpPbdy/w400-h300/IMG_0702.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gold Fork Hot Springs on a quiet day. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Go soaking in a hot springs </b>... <a href="http://www.goldforkhotsprings.com/">Gold Fork </a>is accessible by vehicle (vax cards are required), you need a snowmobile to reach Burgdorf (rentals can be arranged in McCall), and there are others to consider such as <a href="https://zimshotsprings.com/">Zims</a> near New Meadows, <a href="https://www.miraclehotspring.com/">Miracle Hot Springs</a> near Hagerman, <a href="https://www.mundohotsprings.com/">Mundo Hot Springs</a> near Cambridge and the Springs in Idaho City. Reservations are required for many of these developed hot springs. And then there are other primitive springs such as Kirkham and Bonneville and others in the Boise National Forest. </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There you have it! Hope everyone has a marvelous Christmas holiday! Here comes 2024! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">- SS </span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-2088678299365880002023-12-14T17:27:00.000-08:002023-12-14T17:28:59.618-08:00My 2023 Edition: 15 Christmas gift ideas for the outdoorsy him and her <p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Hi all, </span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Christmas is just 10 days away! It's time for my annual Christmas gift ideas for the outdoorsy him and her.<br /></span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYIkgmISGJRo_fYvgbbrYNb7RzHjQjlViYcBzTmEEcoz1TsbI3UbH_zaEqnmgJOUjAEIorigXhyYtLEGOYUugfULS5pVRaRSogwr2KHlBJwBSQmCztihmui_nqaGveRbXXlnSR2M5CmP4pegE13JGMg6bl7Qt-UQv4grDqhWl3_t5In0ngi2sLetZCvo7/s822/Screen%20Shot%2012-14-23%20at%2005.44%20PM%20001.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="770" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYIkgmISGJRo_fYvgbbrYNb7RzHjQjlViYcBzTmEEcoz1TsbI3UbH_zaEqnmgJOUjAEIorigXhyYtLEGOYUugfULS5pVRaRSogwr2KHlBJwBSQmCztihmui_nqaGveRbXXlnSR2M5CmP4pegE13JGMg6bl7Qt-UQv4grDqhWl3_t5In0ngi2sLetZCvo7/w239-h255/Screen%20Shot%2012-14-23%20at%2005.44%20PM%20001.PNG" width="239" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">1. <a href="https://prosmartheat.com/collections/heated-vest">Prosmart heated vest </a>for him or her $109.99. Really! <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">2. <b>Socks</b> - <span style="background-color: #fdfdfd;"><span>Lots of color, designs and patterns, <a href="https://www.smartwool.com/">Smart Wool </a>comfort made in the USA. Everyday Compression to support people standing on their feet, and it doesn't take 3 men and gorilla to put your socks on. </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">3. <b>Camping lantern for your campsite.</b> Saw <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-CT-CAPETRONIX-Emergency-Flashlight/dp/B0B18M8R7B">this one</a> that looked pretty cool. It's a rechargeable model with a USB port for charging your phone. Capetronics is the brand. $27.99</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><span>4</span><span><b><span>. </span>Lights for your bike</b>, your head or your body. The <a href="https://www.idahomountaintouring.com/products/ion-200-rt-flare-rt-usb-rechargeable-light-set?_pos=2&_sid=1b291b620&_ss=r">Bontrager Ion 200-1000 human light ($100) </a>looks like it could light up the trails as if you're on a professional movie set. Available online via Idaho Mountain Touring. </span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #1f497d;"><span style="color: black; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUzB7cJiz_Vh0Uz5pyg3Mi7I0WcUAkElbpOgJVIZdpO3y1sEkGqRYgk6tO9PpTyhKkVWZe-lHI6Nnh7hv3E_uz_c4iY5s58lZFGFDNLQjtGQO68c364FbbEcqmR82nvL7by3y3-kFzp4F/s682/Hestra+gloves.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBUzB7cJiz_Vh0Uz5pyg3Mi7I0WcUAkElbpOgJVIZdpO3y1sEkGqRYgk6tO9PpTyhKkVWZe-lHI6Nnh7hv3E_uz_c4iY5s58lZFGFDNLQjtGQO68c364FbbEcqmR82nvL7by3y3-kFzp4F/s320/Hestra+gloves.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br />5. <b>Ski gloves</b> - It's nice to have several pairs that work for various tasks such as driving, xc skiing or snowshoeing (thinner weight), and alpine skiing (warmer). I have a pair of the Hestra Heli-Insulated gloves pictured here ($155), and man are they nice! Always keep my hands warm! Mine are mittens with a trigger finger. For xc skiing and lightweight use, look in the work glove section of <a href="http://www.mayhardware.com/">May Hardware </a>in McCall or a local Maverick service station.<br /><br />6<b>. Snowshoes - </b>It takes a lot of time and money to master the art of skiing or snowboarding, but just about anyone who can walk can strap on a pair of snowshoes and do great! It helps to bring a pair of ski poles for balance. There are many different brands available. Price range: $50-$150 for snowshoe-pole combo sets. You might be able to find a new or used pair at the <a href="https://www.outdoor-exchange.com/">Boise Outdoor Gear Exchange</a>. Chris from IMT recommends these <a href=" https://www.idahomountaintouring.com/search?q=tsl">super-light TSL snowshoes with Boa closures</a>. They're made out of carbon fiber. Prices range from $69 and up. Nice gift for a serious snow-shoer, but they also have kids models priced right at $39.95.<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></span><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">7<b>. <a href="https://www.amazon.com/AlphaBeing-Inflatable-Lounger-Camping-Festivals/dp/B07T5ST4TM?th=1">Alphabeing camping lounger.</a> </b>Great for car-camping, river trips, etc. <b>$39.98 <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyji0TY8Vu1FQXd35ZKjwPGOQB1oxSiEDrRi1tpV2DBznDi48Dx-iudVu0KIzMKaHJriwfzSdvdkUYjgy1yi84ssWGvCAN8_MjKBVVbQZom_qsw51gJLu4mpcs5XUWiyNObacgBW1tSUO-xuY59DJge6cHpXfmolC2j2Y391a61YYf-TJ8iqe6iQXwi7M/s867/Screen%20Shot%2012-14-23%20at%2005.42%20PM.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="548" data-original-width="867" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyji0TY8Vu1FQXd35ZKjwPGOQB1oxSiEDrRi1tpV2DBznDi48Dx-iudVu0KIzMKaHJriwfzSdvdkUYjgy1yi84ssWGvCAN8_MjKBVVbQZom_qsw51gJLu4mpcs5XUWiyNObacgBW1tSUO-xuY59DJge6cHpXfmolC2j2Y391a61YYf-TJ8iqe6iQXwi7M/w260-h164/Screen%20Shot%2012-14-23%20at%2005.42%20PM.PNG" width="260" /></a></div></b>8. <b>Patagonia trucker hats </b>- Chris at IMT: T<span style="background-color: #fdfdfd;"><span>hese are Red Hot!- every age loves them -- men, women and kids.</span></span><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">9. <b>Headlamp</b> - For outdoorsy folks, it's about as easy to lose a headlamp as it is to lose a pair of socks. Especially if you're a family of outdoorsy folks ... everyone borrows your headlamp and it never comes back! You can snag a headlamp for $25-$50, and it has great value for your camping trips, night hiking, river trips, backpacking, even for use around the home! My favorite brands include Petzl and Black Diamond. Get a bright one and you'll appreciate it! My latest Black Diamond model runs on 4 AAA batteries and it's really nice and bright.</span><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2-5qYqfwIlE1AgwQXrK2q5KG99U7Aw0MiG3rMoLhpg3Lc38EsDuA85o-pb0UKDEgoxpegFSuOTTTwCIZStJOf73HHNwVewKA1w6gKEYafBAyTad2rAXlpH9sqNQ_FUy3rPIOQGBxYaSS/s1000/ruffwear-quinzee-jacket-cloudburst-winter-dog-jacket-grey-05602-045_1000x.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="620" data-original-width="1000" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL2-5qYqfwIlE1AgwQXrK2q5KG99U7Aw0MiG3rMoLhpg3Lc38EsDuA85o-pb0UKDEgoxpegFSuOTTTwCIZStJOf73HHNwVewKA1w6gKEYafBAyTad2rAXlpH9sqNQ_FUy3rPIOQGBxYaSS/w200-h124/ruffwear-quinzee-jacket-cloudburst-winter-dog-jacket-grey-05602-045_1000x.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">10. <a href="https://www.idahomountaintouring.com/search?q=Ruffwear">Dog accessories from Ruffwear</a>. How about an insulated coat for your pup? $79.95. Those things are so danged cute!<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBbFs4hOS53lT4wBz_tbPhXFSpbJV1Me0dRKE-OTJYM9LpMU3baCoShUA7RvOIuctvdiGluEXEPprM7zaxwEJIZ40cClPSPmE1GnLJByIfnVUKO4UgQbzNks9oB6h1lUKyCNmIpEEccui/s1600/9780982495636.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBbFs4hOS53lT4wBz_tbPhXFSpbJV1Me0dRKE-OTJYM9LpMU3baCoShUA7RvOIuctvdiGluEXEPprM7zaxwEJIZ40cClPSPmE1GnLJByIfnVUKO4UgQbzNks9oB6h1lUKyCNmIpEEccui/s200/9780982495636.jpg" width="130" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">11. <b>Guidebooks! </b>- Ha! Always a thoughtful item in the stocking or under the tree ... my <a href="http://stevestuebner.com/bookstore/books">guides </a>are available of course, from <a href="http://stevestuebner.com/bookstore/books">Boise Trail Guide, Owyhee Canyonlands, Paddling the Payette</a>, updated for SUPers, and <a href="http://stevestuebner.com/bookstore/books">Boise Road Cycling Guide</a>, plus my biography on the great champion for birds of prey Morley Nelson, <i>Cool North Wind</i>, in memory of all of his achievements related to the creation of the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area. Plus I recommend <a href="http://www.idahoriverpublications.com/">Matt Leidecker's </a>guides for the Sawtooths, White Clouds and Middle Fork Salmon River.<br /></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">12. <b>Capilene tops, long underwear </b>- For any outdoorsy person who's active, getting out and exercising several days a week, you can quickly run short of tops and bottoms after they get pitted out and pitched into the laundry. So it's nice to have a deep supply of different tops especially ... lightweight, midweight, expedition weight, etc. These items typically run $25-$75. REI and Patagonia make gear with lasting value. Take a look at smart wool, too. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhr4GHn0srJwC1n07oFFpu3WiUNRXUblvWD-6WhWGh9q1Gz60M1rzEPPlStwWXzYtHHrCh9FTaPBKW06igpmWaBIqxNww17BSu86RXq0xjIMAUaEVM-z2pHc9N3lWN9UHWGZUyuP2rY9V/s1600/219529_0_41.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="174" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkhr4GHn0srJwC1n07oFFpu3WiUNRXUblvWD-6WhWGh9q1Gz60M1rzEPPlStwWXzYtHHrCh9FTaPBKW06igpmWaBIqxNww17BSu86RXq0xjIMAUaEVM-z2pHc9N3lWN9UHWGZUyuP2rY9V/s200/219529_0_41.jpg" width="174" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">13. <b>Buck knife or Swiss Army knife </b>- These items also have a way of disappearing. But especially guys appreciate having a knife handy for all sorts of things. A single-blade Buck knife is really sleek and cool, and the multi-tasking Swiss Army knives are always a hit. <a href="https://www.boisearmynavy.com/">Boise Army Navy</a> has a great selection of knives.<br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">14. <b>Hydro Flask </b>- Previously known as a water bottle, the hydro flasks available today can be used for drinking coffee on the go, taking a long a nice hot cup of tea or hot chocolate on an outdoor outing, or actually packing plain old water. <a href="https://www.hydroflask.com/">Hydro Flask</a> is a brand by itself, but there are many other brands that make quality stainless steel insulated cups and containers. Pricing is in the $10 to $25 range or more. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">15. <b>River Gear</b> - Pick up some accessories or a new SUP, hard-shell kayak, inflatable kayak, canoe or raft at <a href="https://idahoriversports.com/">Idaho River Sports</a>, <a href="https://cascaderivergear.com/">Cascade River Gear</a>, <a href="https://www.aire.com/?SID=eltb80oa804kohepm4qso8c5e4">AIRE</a> in Meridian, or <a href="https://www.boisearmynavy.com/">Boise Army-Navy</a>.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- SS </span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Steve talks about his weekly outdoor tip on 94.9 FM The River on Friday mornings with Melissa Dawn at about 7:40 a.m. Please listen in!</span></i></div></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-63423685898618774162023-12-07T20:41:00.000-08:002023-12-07T20:45:06.522-08:00How to stay alive Outside - guest column by Wendy Wilson<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3aBovRKojcIl2HCFV00vFtAnG6NYCtEX_4NbXUoYec0dfLzQ0BEA456sWaJ0pkd9N6Sz5Pr0qn7BWpmd9q-tFhqzsL9cHYfzizLyTUKyB8T8Bf25Gf6jDW_xVgEsRGETlHpHrXqDVBTfE7mA4kjD65f6boBzOta4P53NbQ3zzlJlZ-0asBGHXAjCyk1B/s3072/E%20Fk%20Owyhee%20019.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk3aBovRKojcIl2HCFV00vFtAnG6NYCtEX_4NbXUoYec0dfLzQ0BEA456sWaJ0pkd9N6Sz5Pr0qn7BWpmd9q-tFhqzsL9cHYfzizLyTUKyB8T8Bf25Gf6jDW_xVgEsRGETlHpHrXqDVBTfE7mA4kjD65f6boBzOta4P53NbQ3zzlJlZ-0asBGHXAjCyk1B/w640-h480/E%20Fk%20Owyhee%20019.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy on the East Fork Owyhee River ... </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">A recent book by Boise author Emma Walker, titled <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Reckoning-Learning-Accidents-Outdoors/dp/1493052780">Dead Reckoning, Learning from Accidents in the Outdoors</a>,</i><b> </b>is a remarkably easy read on a frightening subject.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmRh5j55TyKOQntWB_hrX7XkgwNNVNOpPSvIOUqaQvbpByzRJ3eb-g5aQjoTOUg_2-LfJ3cfbOkDcmLHiddVXL7XWsLrUppSeN7hhoc9JhtaPP9q2VW5FIBDf5RXTPb6ZGHgH_dphhf6YzwImAahVA4xkPooNlGuD8coRvlanPAXomcCsmLRVD8W0YMCR/s522/7148oHtccgL._SY522_.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="348" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBmRh5j55TyKOQntWB_hrX7XkgwNNVNOpPSvIOUqaQvbpByzRJ3eb-g5aQjoTOUg_2-LfJ3cfbOkDcmLHiddVXL7XWsLrUppSeN7hhoc9JhtaPP9q2VW5FIBDf5RXTPb6ZGHgH_dphhf6YzwImAahVA4xkPooNlGuD8coRvlanPAXomcCsmLRVD8W0YMCR/s320/7148oHtccgL._SY522_.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Published by Falcon Press in 2021, it beat the Mission
Impossible film with the same title by two years. The book won’t be made into a
major movie, but it gives a big-picture view of snow safety, river safety,
desert and high-elevation travel. I recommend it for a fast tour of everything
you might need to know before going outside in Idaho.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Reading this 209-page book won’t make you a wilderness guide,
but it is essential reading for a weekend warrior like me. Walker provides
excellent insights into assessing general risks in the outdoors and touches on very
scary and specific information about traveling in grizzly bear country (some in
Idaho) and anticipating the habits of mountain lions (essentially anywhere in
Idaho).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Like all of us, Ms. Walker started young and dumb. She
relates her close calls with death stoically and without pride. Plus, her many years
of experience with the publication, </span><i>The Snowy Torrents</i><span>, has given her
the curiosity to collect real data to summarize the real risks we all face out
there. That combination creates something of a bittersweet wisdom.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO26cisIppobR7KlDcgCl7wIvBVTAejeg40dc7JIFbn-Lg0BdbZNJuW2WIyaFEy3hFS2T4MIqYA4d5g-AaB4raa2luIprK2dvcK94o67MUMmusUp71tGnhJweWOw03X-7-PH0FflwKz133KJfTtCPXODm3pRl90qNYsTfvPiBJmFfhKf60xduE02tjOFj/s300/Emma%20Walker.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqO26cisIppobR7KlDcgCl7wIvBVTAejeg40dc7JIFbn-Lg0BdbZNJuW2WIyaFEy3hFS2T4MIqYA4d5g-AaB4raa2luIprK2dvcK94o67MUMmusUp71tGnhJweWOw03X-7-PH0FflwKz133KJfTtCPXODm3pRl90qNYsTfvPiBJmFfhKf60xduE02tjOFj/s1600/Emma%20Walker.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Author Emma Walker</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The book doesn’t offer much information about the signs of hypothermia
– often considered the most frequent cause of death in the outdoors. Growing up
as a Midwesterner myself, I can easily rattle off the progression from
shivering to impaired coordination (using the “walk-the-line” sobriety test) to
heart failure in profound hypothermia. A good summary can be found at
backpacker.com if you want the refresher course.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">But I’ve certainly done many of the dumb things that are the
main subject of this book: not having a map; not checking with locals about
current conditions before starting a wilderness trip; not having a viable back
up plan for an accident; not heeding a weather report or a storm warning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I survived this lack of situational awareness in part with
elementary map and compass skills from the Girl Scouts of America and basic
canoeing instruction from the American Canoe Association. Many Idaho outdoor
adventurers don’t even have that much training to start with. For them, I
suggest at hard look at the “Lessons Learned” sections in each chapter of Dead
Reckoning.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>She summarizes each chapter with a variation of her theme </span><span> </span><span>– know where are going, know your own limits,
make your own decisions, and turn around before it is an emergency.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">I love her somewhat personal stories about backcountry
psychology, such as the boyfriend that justifiably leaves because she was so
addicted to out-of-door adventures. The rush of fear that makes a person write
their mother’s phone number down for potential rescuers to find. She tells great
stories demonstrating how social pressure and being overly committed to a goal
can cloud better judgment.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Walker’s book is, at best, as an easy way to learn the amazing
facts on how to avoid backcountry accidents. For example, all skiers should
read Chapter 7 on how to not die by an avalanche.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Use </span><u style="text-indent: -0.25in;">www.avalanche.org</u><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> or the Sawtooth or Payette Avalanche Centers to research backcountry conditions before you go. Most accidents happen on days of “considerable” danger because people
don’t go skiing out-of-bounds so much on days of High or Extreme danger. So be
especially cautious on days with Considerable danger.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>Always have everyone use rescue gear. You would
think everyone uses peeps, shovels and probes, but 40% to 67% of the time,
avalanche victims had none or inadequate rescue gear. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Insanely, more than 10% of avalanche fatalities
were solo travelers. Don’t ski alone. Talk with your partners about avalanche
risk, be cautious and stick together.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Be ready and aware. Most people who die from
slides die immediately from trauma or within 15 minutes from suffocation. Be
ready to act fast.</span></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">After reading Emma Walker’s book, <i>Dead Reckoning</i>, the words
“people die out there” seem a little less unpredictable. The risk is always
there, so it is good to know the odds.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">The book is available at the Boise Public Library (as soon
as I return it), <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Dead-Reckoning-Learning-Accidents-Outdoors/dp/1493052780">Amazon</a> and probably in local area bookstores. Thanks Emma!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>- </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Wendy Wilson</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i>Wendy is a lifelong outdoors woman and conservationist who has lived in Idaho for over 35 years. She has ventured on many outdoor trips in the hinterlands of the Northwest Territories and Alaska, and she was a river guide on the Owyhee River. She is Steve's life partner. </i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></o:p></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-42994788304196592452023-11-30T20:28:00.000-08:002023-11-30T20:30:03.703-08:00Here comes the snow in Idaho! Tips on where to go this weekend ... <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFQeHJrCUuc2Y6T9jF9FnnCqw0WBr7biazqglJ5uF8MuUP1GL9HsTlmanpHT6TS1_VbEThxOzTUkKWRFucS84CLX7klyDamF_eImQ_TXoOwi8ty_FU8RDVQupIFTu3OX7BE716yENTrMGsPAJW2VCfECgZCbtOIvmKXSsER4NLdbH7FkyCoNpRm47VYvL/s960/Meg%20Fereday%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieFQeHJrCUuc2Y6T9jF9FnnCqw0WBr7biazqglJ5uF8MuUP1GL9HsTlmanpHT6TS1_VbEThxOzTUkKWRFucS84CLX7klyDamF_eImQ_TXoOwi8ty_FU8RDVQupIFTu3OX7BE716yENTrMGsPAJW2VCfECgZCbtOIvmKXSsER4NLdbH7FkyCoNpRm47VYvL/w640-h480/Meg%20Fereday%202.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br />Hi all, </span></span><p></p><p><span face=""Clear Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Well, it seems like it's been taking forever, but here comes the snow! </span></p><p><span face=""Clear Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Turning the page to December on Friday, three back-to-back storms will move into Idaho and dump copious amounts of snow statewide. Bogus, Brundage and Tamarack are all forecast to get 20" + of new snow by Sunday. </span></p><p><span face=""Clear Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Weather forecasts seem to be holding true so far. NOAA is predicting that Brundage, Bogus Basin and Tamarack will get between 24-30" by Monday. Since the storm has a Northwest flow, it will not hit Sun Valley as hard, where less than 10" are expected through Monday. </span></p><p><span face=""Clear Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Here's how the snow map looks on the <a href="https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/idaho">Idaho Daily Snow</a>. </span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuH1sLPxwtvssfxFc3kE0DuJ1LPzw3-3DrDVNszR4457BVvcOuxqT72BKLJzlaveugc5jPeu6KS_wvYLq7EBj-N3g9DZ6xBaCZYo1CNKsUqN9DVSC_SjLPIWQiYZnImtADGbTDoWpzHRdrCp5OQ22zNWflqr6C-YGPeRmBwJxOfB3l8BdgvpiXfz1QFtt/s657/1701266656c41d478585d3e298a5cc952ea6aa162e.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="657" data-original-width="495" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuH1sLPxwtvssfxFc3kE0DuJ1LPzw3-3DrDVNszR4457BVvcOuxqT72BKLJzlaveugc5jPeu6KS_wvYLq7EBj-N3g9DZ6xBaCZYo1CNKsUqN9DVSC_SjLPIWQiYZnImtADGbTDoWpzHRdrCp5OQ22zNWflqr6C-YGPeRmBwJxOfB3l8BdgvpiXfz1QFtt/s320/1701266656c41d478585d3e298a5cc952ea6aa162e.jpg" width="241" /></span></a><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">No matter how you slice it, we should get hit hard by the weekend storms. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Due to the lack of substantial snow up to now, Bogus, Brundage and Tamarack will be opening limited terrain on Friday and this weekend. Here's what I know so far: </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; line-height: 1.4; margin-block: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://bogusbasin.org/" rel="noopener" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; color: #3395dd; font-weight: inherit; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s linear 0s;" target="_blank">Bogus Basin</a> will reopen this weekend on Saturday, Dec. 2, and Sunday, Dec. 3, 9 am to 4:30 pm. Adult lift tickets cost $49 (plus tax). Front side terrain park will be open plus the Showcase run. Deer Point Express and Coach chairlifts, Easy Rider, and Explorer conveyor lifts will be in operation. Go to <a href="http://bogusbasin.org">Bogus Basin</a> for more information. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; line-height: 1.4; margin-block: 0px; margin-bottom: 20px; margin-top: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://brundage.com/" rel="noopener" style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; color: #3395dd; font-weight: inherit; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s linear 0s;" target="_blank">Brundage Mountain </a>is opening the Easy Street chairlift on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 2-3, from 9 am to 4 pm. Lift tickets are $5. Smoky’s Bar & Grill will be open from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm both days, and guests will be treated to 50% savings on all rental gear in the Fall Line Shop. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://tamarackidaho.com/" rel="noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #3395dd; font-weight: inherit; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.25s linear 0s; white-space-collapse: preserve;" target="_blank">Tamarack Resort </a><span face=""Clear Sans", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #212529; white-space-collapse: preserve;">is opening for a Winter Preview on Friday, Dec. 1 on the beginner hill serviced by the Discovery Chairlift. Operating 9 am to 4 pm. The lift accesses freshly groomed slopes with mini-terrain park features. Lift Tickets are $15 for non-Boundless Pass holders!! The Discovery lift and the Tamarack Village area will be open through Sunday, Dec. 3. </span><span> </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Just so you know, the timing of the storms is such that they come in Friday-Sunday. The biggest snow totals are expected on Saturday and Saturday night. <b>The most optimistic forecast is that Bogus Basin could get 28" by Sunday, Brundage 30" and Tamarack 22" by Sunday. </b>(source: OpenSnow.com)</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">That's good news to build the snow base and get the mountains in skiing/riding shape for the winter of 2023-2024! </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">My advice would be to get out and play in the snow this weekend if you like snow! Just even going sledding or boot-hiking in new snow would be fun! Maybe go get a Christmas tree! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Outside of the ski areas, the snow will be piling up above Idaho City as well. But you might give it a little time ... checking on the Mores Creek snotel site, the current snow depth at Mores Creek Summit is 2" as of Thursday. Could be over 10" by Saturday afternoon! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">All of the <a href="https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/activities/xc-skiing/park-n-ski-in-idaho/">Idaho City Park and Ski Areas</a> won't have enough snow for grooming yet, but they could be a fun place to go boot hiking or snowshoeing. Might be deep enough for xc skis by Sunday? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">Just so you know ... the weather is supposed to warm up and snow levels are projected to go up to 6,500 Sunday night to over 8,000 (above the summits of Bogus, Brundage and Tamarack by Monday night. The snow levels are forecast to rise to over 9,500 feet by Tuesday night. Geez! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So that could cause melting and snow-loss after waiting for a big storm this weekend. Not to be a Debbie Downer or anything, but a head's up! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">So there's your weather report for what will be the first major snowstorm of the winter! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">If you stay in town, be sure to stay off muddy trails in the foothills. Stick to all-weather trails or the Greenbelt. Watch for updates on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ridgetorivers/">Ridge to Rivers Facebook page. </a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;">- SS</span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-52027012629879241892023-11-16T17:55:00.000-08:002023-11-17T06:10:46.194-08:00Steelhead in the Boise River Friday! Party in the park at Bogus, plus hiking and biking in the foothills <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiaxF_3-UBtA12FKximF-v1AbyAeauMlJOBKYY67RI2Pmj2MR3YIKxVdGnMaQHiwheWKW5AzEj5a7gcD78Ir6LRpXuE-ZgVsMy06lReoYhWhfKcITnkqGnrQfJpu91ry2yw-4Mfd0C7vSIxFS5Jso8FNpSs4cyOhDYnP_a886eEhEslHYT9B3pSrgvd84/s1200/boise-river-steelhead-2021-harris-img_1807-2_cropped.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="470" data-original-width="1200" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfiaxF_3-UBtA12FKximF-v1AbyAeauMlJOBKYY67RI2Pmj2MR3YIKxVdGnMaQHiwheWKW5AzEj5a7gcD78Ir6LRpXuE-ZgVsMy06lReoYhWhfKcITnkqGnrQfJpu91ry2yw-4Mfd0C7vSIxFS5Jso8FNpSs4cyOhDYnP_a886eEhEslHYT9B3pSrgvd84/w640-h250/boise-river-steelhead-2021-harris-img_1807-2_cropped.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steelhead! Courtesy IDFG </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;">Hi all, </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This unseasonably nice weather we've been having in Boise and Southern Idaho will continue through tomorrow (Friday, Nov. 17), and then we've got some rain in the forecast on Saturday night, and Sunday looks OK but quite a bit cooler with some rain in the morning and windy conditions in the afternoon. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So Friday looks to be a great day to get out and enjoy hiking or biking on your favorite Ridge to Rivers trails or the Boise River Greenbelt. I am hoping to ride the Sidewinder-Fat Tire-Trail #5 loop in the afternoon. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On Friday, Idaho Fish and Game will be stocking <a href="https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/steelhead-are-coming-boise-river-nov-17#:~:text=Great%20news%20for%20Treasure%20Valley,Glenwood%20Bridge">250 steelhead</a> in the Boise River in the usual locations - Glenwood Bridge, Americana Bridge, Broadway Bridge, West ParkCenter Bridge, and Barber Park. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That'll be an awesome opportunity to catch a nice steelhead from the Snake River in Hells Canyon. Bag limit is 2 per person per day. See more details <a href="https://idfg.idaho.gov/article/steelhead-are-coming-boise-river-nov-17#:~:text=Great%20news%20for%20Treasure%20Valley,Glenwood%20Bridge">here</a>. </span></p><p></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPKG_M9Gx_jpU8lWG50HKAwPW9rAsX0Poe4pasbHet2FMfDEkUnE0sixaO8SaGBlvJyRAvAZ6oooeHZC2AFEsbz8lcy45wMlF3zi-lj0spt2a29GTZ6ZwN6iSgFylyexlizPbKoocawCnlwPezc8FIzM-a4rAG9EqRAJIe_tmE_pu-MKLXmyWMJWOT02L/s8192/LT_2022_11_17_2061.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8192" data-original-width="5464" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiPKG_M9Gx_jpU8lWG50HKAwPW9rAsX0Poe4pasbHet2FMfDEkUnE0sixaO8SaGBlvJyRAvAZ6oooeHZC2AFEsbz8lcy45wMlF3zi-lj0spt2a29GTZ6ZwN6iSgFylyexlizPbKoocawCnlwPezc8FIzM-a4rAG9EqRAJIe_tmE_pu-MKLXmyWMJWOT02L/s320/LT_2022_11_17_2061.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Low Tide terrain park event<br />last year. (Courtesy BB)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #555544; font-family: "Ubuntu",sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; mso-ligatures: none;">On Saturday and Sunday, Bogus Basin
will open its Explorer Terrain Park for skiers and riders. Lift tickets are
free on Saturday. There’s a special event on Sunday, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/711750303925011/?ref=newsfeed"><span style="color: #3f9691;">"The Gathering - Party in the Park 2023"</span></a> from
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lift tickets are $10. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></p>
I hope the rain/snow mix forecast Saturday night turns to all snow by Sunday morning to have a fresh coating of snow on the terrain park. You could always drive up there and see how you like the conditions to join in on the fun. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On Saturday, the weather forecast is for partly cloudy skies and a high of 56, so that should be fine for hiking and biking in the foothills. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A couple of other possibilities for trails to explore: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hawkins Loop Trail</b>, off of Bogus Basin Road. This 5.7-mile loop will be closed on Dec. 1 for the winter, so you've only got a few more days to check out that directional trail, if you haven't already. See more details about the Hawkins Loop Trail <a href="https://www.ridgetorivers.org/trails/detailed-area-descriptions/hawkins-range-reserve/">here</a>. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Freddy's Stack Rock Trail </b>- Start at the pullout on Bogus Basin Road at about mile 10, cruise over to the Freddy's Stack Rock-Sweet Connie junction, and do the Freddy's loop. That's a great ride and a significant hike. See my <a href="https://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2019/11/new-trail-to-sweet-connie-stack-rock.html">previous post </a>about that mountain bike ride when the new connector trail from Bogus road to the Freddy's-Sweet Connie jct. opened in 2019.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvFy64Tq6edShG-T6TIk8RExj58YQ7TQMLli_fJKzytG9PWYGDuRByBliVoSt13W9USfFNBi3oNZ7qmMXHMO5N_rxLiqWN1Yb-OtWup74dcTtNlIYwGAJDwFPNzg4Nvp7_Bf33ZqrZHvRYqgNVbqUCBODSKbcRXZu-9osj-ilep4sOiopBeqSMTI1yzPk/s471/IMG-3243.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="317" data-original-width="471" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvFy64Tq6edShG-T6TIk8RExj58YQ7TQMLli_fJKzytG9PWYGDuRByBliVoSt13W9USfFNBi3oNZ7qmMXHMO5N_rxLiqWN1Yb-OtWup74dcTtNlIYwGAJDwFPNzg4Nvp7_Bf33ZqrZHvRYqgNVbqUCBODSKbcRXZu-9osj-ilep4sOiopBeqSMTI1yzPk/w640-h430/IMG-3243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R, Doug, Steve, Jim and Mack on Stack Rock. </td></tr></tbody></table></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Five Mile-Watchman Loop</b> - Start at the end of pavement on Rocky Canyon Road and do the 10-mile Watchman Loop; or start at the Five Mile Creek Trailhead and do a 6-mile loop up Five Mile Creek, then climb Watchman, descend and drop out on Three Bears back to the trailhead. The 6-mile loop usually takes about 3.5 hours hiking. The 10-mile Watchman Loop usually takes about 2 hours of riding time. </span></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;">There you have it! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Have a great weekend and a nice Thanksgiving! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">- SS </span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-86522177007350992302023-10-26T17:08:00.005-07:002023-10-26T17:13:07.260-07:00Three Boise Foothills hikes provide elevated views of the city to see fall colors <p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE4jnaXz9Bn3XZa4wQJscCZ9YWCqP2J9kPn_VNzUkaTuvHIp5j4oATyxTPMFql7t-L4RX20N3w5eMK06nrF49wY1iijsv54gS1beEtKHsNR3VJp0i_2YfM40aIShl3D_u7XU4LphhLsM5poay_rSg4EB2xUYZEikKy011DGoBqkzDgkQU1JpzzQQ7Exhp/s4032/IMG_1738.JPG" style="font-size: large; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsE4jnaXz9Bn3XZa4wQJscCZ9YWCqP2J9kPn_VNzUkaTuvHIp5j4oATyxTPMFql7t-L4RX20N3w5eMK06nrF49wY1iijsv54gS1beEtKHsNR3VJp0i_2YfM40aIShl3D_u7XU4LphhLsM5poay_rSg4EB2xUYZEikKy011DGoBqkzDgkQU1JpzzQQ7Exhp/w640-h480/IMG_1738.JPG" width="640" /></a></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all, </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">An Arctic blast of cold weather hit us this week, plus some snow in the mountains, so it's going to be a chilly weekend even in Boise. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The cold weather also assists in accelerating the change in seasons and magnifying fall colors in the Boise Valley. For my outdoor tip of the week, I'm recommending three hikes close to home where you can enjoy some fetching views of the City of Trees and the wide variety of colors visible as far as the eye can see! All of these are kid-friendly. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hike #1 - Buena Vista Trail, Hillside to the Hollow. </b>Difficulty: Moderate. Start either at the Harrison Hollow trailhead by Healthwise or behind Hillside Junior High along Hill Road. Buena Vista Trail has a very nice and moderate contour as it winds across the outer-front of the Boise Foothills, and it feels like you can reach out and touch the community below. Yet, you're at least 500 vertical feet above the city, so it's a great vantage point! If you do an out-and-back walk on Buena Vista, you'd cover several miles over an hour or so. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRBUyMfJx3HVHYCQVfaeRSgxKqq-yRezX8Eu1ReS4Gp7SlznjQlaowuDl6Y-Y-VACytDleUhLUEM5la58lqoxkgWc40QK-YD7k4oRpbBhy-gblkqK1s6V8juOg-ES-_U9_hm6J0LFNnbpmel88Q0BMUpqdQRiQrspzWtB4LXwtIRD_EbZiafPyuqTpg/s4032/Harrison%20Hollow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBRBUyMfJx3HVHYCQVfaeRSgxKqq-yRezX8Eu1ReS4Gp7SlznjQlaowuDl6Y-Y-VACytDleUhLUEM5la58lqoxkgWc40QK-YD7k4oRpbBhy-gblkqK1s6V8juOg-ES-_U9_hm6J0LFNnbpmel88Q0BMUpqdQRiQrspzWtB4LXwtIRD_EbZiafPyuqTpg/w640-h480/Harrison%20Hollow.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spring shot of Harrison Hollow looking down at the city.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />Hike #2 - Central Ridge Trail, Military Reserve Park. </b>Difficulty: Moderate. Start at the Military Reserve trailhead where Mountain Cove Road bends sharply to the right going west into the foothills. There's a large parking area on the right and a trail map. You can start by walking along the Mountain Cove trail along Freestone Creek for about a mile or so. Then, you can turn to the right and climb up on Central Ridge to that initial summit. Then walk south down the backbone of Central Ridge back toward the trailhead. On Central Ridge Trail, it looks like you're going walk right into the State Capitol building and downtown Boise. Kind of a cool selfie opportunity before you drop down to the trailhead. Travel time for this one would be 1-1.5 hours at a leisurely pace.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIxGiBJeKwOuaUIsFPS_EOP3Hfkw-uzBStd8XSQ67Qgn-eU6JhZGb0I_y_TpXs7z3iWlIQrkvlQRCYqsI049NKGtSNxU9E9A5EeElpzNFg81UoNC0-VdJ9ubFUUJOPvULocHPTOhZmmOPoGkIo4gyjJMdZ3i9icsoPSTkWmhvsvFfhh6N19KGGZSNiQ/s4032/20200320_174149.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIxGiBJeKwOuaUIsFPS_EOP3Hfkw-uzBStd8XSQ67Qgn-eU6JhZGb0I_y_TpXs7z3iWlIQrkvlQRCYqsI049NKGtSNxU9E9A5EeElpzNFg81UoNC0-VdJ9ubFUUJOPvULocHPTOhZmmOPoGkIo4gyjJMdZ3i9icsoPSTkWmhvsvFfhh6N19KGGZSNiQ/w640-h312/20200320_174149.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Great views of the city from Valley View Trail </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />Hike #3 - Seaman's Gulch Loop. </b>Difficulty: Moderate. Start at the Seaman's Gulch Trailhead off of Seaman's Gulch Road and Hill Road in West Boise. You have the option of hiking a short loop for 1 mile, or you can hike a longer loop for 3 miles with more views. In my <i>Boise Trail Guide</i>, I called this route "Seaman's Gulch Double Loop." The trails contour nicely across the landscape; you never have to work too hard to climb uphill. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Short loop</b>: Follow the left-hand fork of Trail #110 and climb to an initial ridge. Bear left at the top on Phlox Trail #112. That'll bring you back to the trailhead. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Longer loop: </b>Follow the same directions to start with, but once you reach the initial ridge, take Valley View Trail #111 as it wraps around the front of the Boise Foothills, super close to the edge of the city. Once the trail loops around the hills, it ties into Phlox Trail on a ridgetop, and you can head back to the trailhead on Phlox. The longer loop is 3 miles and features 500+ feet of vertical gain. Travel time is 1.5 hours. Take your time and enjoy it! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All three of these hikes and 92 more are featured in my <i><a href="https://stevestuebner.com/product/boise-trail-guide/">Boise Trail Guide: 95 Hiking and Running Routes Close to Home.</a> </i>The book is available at <a href="http://stevestuebner.com">stevestuebner.com</a>, Idaho Mountain Touring, Boise REI, and Rediscovered Books. </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Melissa Dawn will be giving away a free copy of Boise Trail Guide on 94.9 FM The River tomorrow (Friday) morning at approximately 7:40 a.m. Tune into my radio gig, and you can call in to win the book.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Have a great weekend! <br />- SS </span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-69310300020624824322023-10-19T16:41:00.003-07:002023-10-20T06:20:22.806-07:00Last blast of gorgeous fall weather this weekend! Time to get after it! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkSuKQUD3AGdjgI26o31pSNG2ZtH-7rf7qSAQWm3XpM_6AUgKnIQ2WSFNHuwHMkr0S3IgQ1J_jTeI-DKth1-SgNKSU0O85KjdoVD-Rt-UKKqbCGsJ534hCZrAPqwzdQ2L6My_I68NxmHTQcnzt6kQdWplgklgwMOMqhkGQ1l21906eknEwm5xgHBIuW_B/s4032/IMG_2360.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidkSuKQUD3AGdjgI26o31pSNG2ZtH-7rf7qSAQWm3XpM_6AUgKnIQ2WSFNHuwHMkr0S3IgQ1J_jTeI-DKth1-SgNKSU0O85KjdoVD-Rt-UKKqbCGsJ534hCZrAPqwzdQ2L6My_I68NxmHTQcnzt6kQdWplgklgwMOMqhkGQ1l21906eknEwm5xgHBIuW_B/w640-h480/IMG_2360.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Payette Rim Trail in McCall </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We've been blessed with gorgeous fall weather recently, and my main outdoor tip this week is to get out and ENJOY IT NOW! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=44.21139&lon=-114.945">weather </a>is making a sharp turn next week toward colder and potentially winter-like conditions in the mountains. So this weekend is the time to capitalize on an outdoor outing, whatever works for you! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I rode the <a href="https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7008333/payette-rim-loop">Payette Rim Trail</a> loop this afternoon in McCall to soak in the colors and enjoy a ride that always gets my heart, lungs and legs pumping! The aspen trees and the tammies are turning golden simultaneously right now, so that's a pretty sight to see in the fall low-angle sunlight.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkmJUNUr-aCHh3GKY825RezedpDKYJ8qbB-pywMAZ2_YywK89_BKKd7uYqXr-Xj6B5_TVzfYFo451PMZmuAvRwWQS1sOS5WdZOZpEzmHgMcAy7dAX6FYtdCfju2Wjr_YtWrHZGAfz5vrxyQUQJpDU_tp0ZK6DwHelwew2zUgCuRtUl3UbV0SGtTbnwtxf/s4032/IMG_2362.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdkmJUNUr-aCHh3GKY825RezedpDKYJ8qbB-pywMAZ2_YywK89_BKKd7uYqXr-Xj6B5_TVzfYFo451PMZmuAvRwWQS1sOS5WdZOZpEzmHgMcAy7dAX6FYtdCfju2Wjr_YtWrHZGAfz5vrxyQUQJpDU_tp0ZK6DwHelwew2zUgCuRtUl3UbV0SGtTbnwtxf/w640-h480/IMG_2362.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tammies glowing everywhere! </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />After climbing for the first half of the ride, you drop into a singletrack trail that winds along through a series of flattish tree-lined benches above Payette Lake. Today, the sun had warmed from 38 degrees F in the morning to 70 or 75 at that moment. Pure blue sky above the Payette Crest Mountains and a mirror of that cobalt blue sparkled below on Payette Lake and Little Payette Lake.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As I descended on the rocky, snaky singletrack, the tammies and aspens were most brilliant approaching Bear Basin. Those colors should hold through the weekend. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGWlaBFx8-t2BgdgykUs_BxTATd4Lm62Qh6ziDwVbpLVIuVg4ur64fdmWG6LWtJ4r0mdWBezsMRM2iwFOWZmHYz1d4RN4SvYE3kNfiuwDljbEdjnvK47VW9jMVvnj1nYlv3hV32YlfnxoehGjY00BxVE_wcBwWY-5BeblIDQwrLr1xGG63AamyQyrEFpD/s4032/IMG_2356.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWGWlaBFx8-t2BgdgykUs_BxTATd4Lm62Qh6ziDwVbpLVIuVg4ur64fdmWG6LWtJ4r0mdWBezsMRM2iwFOWZmHYz1d4RN4SvYE3kNfiuwDljbEdjnvK47VW9jMVvnj1nYlv3hV32YlfnxoehGjY00BxVE_wcBwWY-5BeblIDQwrLr1xGG63AamyQyrEFpD/w640-h480/IMG_2356.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's the moose. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I jumped a bull moose on my ride today! That was a charge! A big black moose, but only a 2-year-old or so, didn't have a big rack. I flushed it out of the woods as I came down the trail. It ran across the trail and doubled-back to look at me like critters often do. We stared at each other for a few minutes and then he wandered off. Glad I didn't run into momma and her calf! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6MLl01LamQH4mUW-6BTxGj0kMamPXHJSHyOTHlM9aaRqeyrA1q_LYKRbYzO_cahfN8EJLXt1n8KAgLVPUD0N9QUAE71v_LlVdWsS_nYQvBJGueFvvTOBEmkmteM4k6Xx-0HxP60jb88wt5YXPQEl-LVzao40gtAJE6QzwCtfDsfI8OG2MM2kN105dxG-/s4032/IMG_2353.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja6MLl01LamQH4mUW-6BTxGj0kMamPXHJSHyOTHlM9aaRqeyrA1q_LYKRbYzO_cahfN8EJLXt1n8KAgLVPUD0N9QUAE71v_LlVdWsS_nYQvBJGueFvvTOBEmkmteM4k6Xx-0HxP60jb88wt5YXPQEl-LVzao40gtAJE6QzwCtfDsfI8OG2MM2kN105dxG-/w640-h480/IMG_2353.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fetching views of Payette Lake from the trail.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />All of the hiking and mountain bike trails in the greater McCall area would be a great call this weekend, as would be the Ridge to Rivers Trails in the Boise Foothills, Wilson Creek in the Owyhees, the Sawtooths in Stanley or the Wood River Trails in Ketchum.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOggeMWgqBK-k0IjUiU7mWYE5geyHBKTinJNLvp09C1A4C1ma9RixNAsp4_aiQhRgjpygEpo5VbplTT7jcffN7ak0CqXObWDuu5Hv1E9St10fYMiPDqggRzYysuDEglTFFQ4BJYVurbwzTTMiUsigxgwGEAYV75OuGzSHvBXE0Jo48ybYnU7akIsvQcCg/s4032/IMG_2348.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXOggeMWgqBK-k0IjUiU7mWYE5geyHBKTinJNLvp09C1A4C1ma9RixNAsp4_aiQhRgjpygEpo5VbplTT7jcffN7ak0CqXObWDuu5Hv1E9St10fYMiPDqggRzYysuDEglTFFQ4BJYVurbwzTTMiUsigxgwGEAYV75OuGzSHvBXE0Jo48ybYnU7akIsvQcCg/w640-h480/IMG_2348.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You will encounter rocky features on the Rim Trail. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />A few Outdoor notes: </span><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Chemical treatment to eradicate quagga mussels</b> on the Snake River in Twin Falls has run its course, and now the Idaho State Department of Agriculture and partner agencies will be closely monitoring and testing the water to see if they eradicated the mussels. Some portions of the Snake River below Auger Falls have re-opened. See the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IdahoAgriculture">ISDA quagga page </a>for the latest information. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">The <a href="https://visitmccall.org/event/ski-swap-sale/">McCall ski swap</a> is this weekend Oct. 20-21 at the Payette Lakes Middle School. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://expoidaho.com/event/ski-swap/2023-11-03/">Boise Ski Swap</a> is on Nov. 3-4 at the Expo Center at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds.</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">See my post about Idaho <a href="https://opensnow.com/news/post/2023-2024-winter-forecast-preview-in-idaho">El Nino winters and Idaho Winter Preview</a> on <a href="http://Opensnow.com">Opensnow.com</a>. </span> </li></ul><p></p><p>- SS </p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-38488458624386677902023-10-12T18:26:00.004-07:002023-10-12T20:02:47.893-07:00Anna Gorin has got Idaho mountain fever! She's up to 160 Idaho summits and counting ... someone to watch! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LJNrClZGylryRCsDmIoG6xMWhn71lj3bV715yaS_tROuJ2z4nD9QCcRJsQ2pDoBotHDbYPWglZ_Sx_9Dhi56knymynEDDmBtcIcmFke8Vvq9AE25OB4ASt8sdFf7yG2LmaZbVxtnc71k2vTqggkdaQtgFV8HW2NkCvMIbpw0RHAziTS3XsyzVHzlO6wY/s1400/Alpine%20Peak.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LJNrClZGylryRCsDmIoG6xMWhn71lj3bV715yaS_tROuJ2z4nD9QCcRJsQ2pDoBotHDbYPWglZ_Sx_9Dhi56knymynEDDmBtcIcmFke8Vvq9AE25OB4ASt8sdFf7yG2LmaZbVxtnc71k2vTqggkdaQtgFV8HW2NkCvMIbpw0RHAziTS3XsyzVHzlO6wY/w640-h426/Alpine%20Peak.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alpine Peak, Sawtooth Mountains, with Sawtooth Lake below. (all photos by Anna Gorin)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all,</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Anna Gorin has Idaho mountain fever. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">A Boise photographer in her young 30s, she pursues big hikes in the Idaho
mountains, bagging peaks at a blistering pace. She might climb three
mountain peaks in a week, or even a day. She’s scaled 53 mountain peaks so far in
2023, and in 2021, she notched more than 70 Idaho peaks. Overall, she’s notched
over 160 high points in Idaho. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I love getting out in nature and seeing beautiful views,
plus the accomplishment of climbing to the summit,” Gorin says. “I love the
alpine scenery, alpine meadows full of glowing wildflowers, and the snow-capped
mountains make my heart sing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gorin is on track to join the lists of the most accomplished
peak-baggers in Idaho who have climbed more than 300 high points or more. Who knows, at this rate, she might even reach 500. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Anna not only has a talented photographer’s eye for
composition but also a climber’s eye for finding the best lines up mountains,
said Tom Lopez, a prolific mountain-climber and author of “Idaho: The Climbing
Guide.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtzr8531ztHZToeQuyOxeuv4_ILtZF253Mpxw05dI3YRVPY5e1cpkOzEMMOPK6M2kM_kKFje8qSDKOw5FyJtNMxaXQxvP2RA9tdVxg9HhvaYgyoEuZO-F30_r-KEiUGehPCJWKtVfry0lxLQ4eMX3RdOaD8aVscCiug1IBM0gpUUKCkavPaX5unxoqKFD/s900/Galena%20Peak%20wow.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghtzr8531ztHZToeQuyOxeuv4_ILtZF253Mpxw05dI3YRVPY5e1cpkOzEMMOPK6M2kM_kKFje8qSDKOw5FyJtNMxaXQxvP2RA9tdVxg9HhvaYgyoEuZO-F30_r-KEiUGehPCJWKtVfry0lxLQ4eMX3RdOaD8aVscCiug1IBM0gpUUKCkavPaX5unxoqKFD/w640-h426/Galena%20Peak%20wow.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Galena Peak - what a view! (Courtesy Anna Gorin)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Like me, Lopez has noticed that Anna Gorin is making significant tracks in Idaho's high country. For my outdoor tip of the week, I wanted to introduce Anna
Gorin as someone to watch in the outdoor scene, if you haven’t noticed already!
I recommend people pay attention to Gorin’s trip posts on the <a href="https://facebook.com/groups/121140615169858">Hiking Idaho Facebook group</a>. I’ve enjoyed reading about her trips and seeing her scale
mountains on trails I haven’t experienced before, despite the fact that I’ve
spent the last 40 years trying to cover every square inch of Idaho’s backcountry.
<o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gorin’s energy for exploring Idaho’s mountains is infectious
just by the quality of the photos in her posts (she carries a good camera with
her on trips), and the raging enthusiasm exhibited by her friends in her summit
photos. She’s got a core group of 10-15 friends who go frequently. They’re
clearly in great shape and having a great time, but you know that they felt
their thighs and lungs burning on the climbs just like any other human being. But
they had the gumption and perseverance to reach the summit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI186BAoEYMmr6HTGi93rsZmkKCzl21XSDXCLBOt5vZBRfxVgydqvwx15MA_oCNTBIc12hjLZ0PXqbAcrM8xlzpHKua1JmhjMIU8-XGRnzGldWlqFor064iC-s3iKwdFNtSyDns5hmReI3e2Bg-txCFhu44msd8lmrCRpaULhA4m5UGyE32vWk2X6hMCSp/s1400/Gunsight%20mtn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI186BAoEYMmr6HTGi93rsZmkKCzl21XSDXCLBOt5vZBRfxVgydqvwx15MA_oCNTBIc12hjLZ0PXqbAcrM8xlzpHKua1JmhjMIU8-XGRnzGldWlqFor064iC-s3iKwdFNtSyDns5hmReI3e2Bg-txCFhu44msd8lmrCRpaULhA4m5UGyE32vWk2X6hMCSp/w640-h426/Gunsight%20mtn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being goofy on Gunsight Mountain (Courtesy Anna Gorin)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />They’ve also got the gusto to bag new peaks as often as possible,
putting in late night drives on the bookends of trips to reach the mountains
from Boise. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I like to vary it between McCall, Stanley, Ketchum and Fairfield,
depending on the weather. I enjoy going to see new places.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just on the spur of the moment, Gorin said her top 5
favorite Idaho peaks are: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b>Standhope Peak</b> in the Pioneer Mountains (elev
11,878 feet). “The view from the top was epic!” she says. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Johnstone Peak </b>in the Pioneers (elev 9,879
feet)<b>. </b>“Sometimes the smaller mountains have better views of the peaks
above.” </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Elk Ridge </b>in the Soldier Mountains (elev 8,551
feet). “It’s so pretty up there. That one has a great effort-to-reward ratio."</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>He Devil </b>in the Seven Devils Range,
Hells Canyon (elev 9,400 feet). She saw mountain goats up there. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><b>Kelly Peak </b>in the Sawtooths<b> </b>(elev
9,321). “That peak has extensive
views of the southern part of the Sawtooths.” </span></li></ul><!--[if !supportLists]--><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Gorin grew up in Boise. She didn’t really experience the
outdoors that much as a kid. Her parents home-schooled her; the family went to Stanley maybe once a year. She went to Willamette University for college, majoring in art. She
launched a photography business after returning to Boise from college, and she’s
been doing that for over 10 years now. She does portraits in outdoor settings
for clients and landscape photography. See more at <a href="http://annagorin.com">annagorin.com</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IFTSOTayRS30zUHEBpUjPaW5Fh8KF2N5WDn28HwOtMmNZtb77P0brBSFeXttrevHbKEXIPYaiDWRrjXxYCGU9mCSnJiIq4wWtjVln9Qb-2SSUwljJz7cUAjyR-qrTw6oX5cSNIFZ_XbZueCl_QKlynqUEsNvSL03EWETU9_TyFKYCFePYuQbO2a0ueHc/s900/Anna%20and%20John%20Packer%20John%20mtn.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6IFTSOTayRS30zUHEBpUjPaW5Fh8KF2N5WDn28HwOtMmNZtb77P0brBSFeXttrevHbKEXIPYaiDWRrjXxYCGU9mCSnJiIq4wWtjVln9Qb-2SSUwljJz7cUAjyR-qrTw6oX5cSNIFZ_XbZueCl_QKlynqUEsNvSL03EWETU9_TyFKYCFePYuQbO2a0ueHc/w640-h426/Anna%20and%20John%20Packer%20John%20mtn.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anna knows where to find the beauty of Idaho ... Packer John Mountain with her beau, John. <br />She also is dabbling with mountain biking. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br />How she got into hiking: </b>In her mid-20s, Gorin started hiking in the
Boise foothills, scaling Table Rock, riding the Boise River Greenbelt, things like that. She joined some meet up
hiking groups and 20-30 age groups to meet people to go hiking with. A friend
convinced her to climb Mt. Borah, Idaho’s tallest mountain, in 2017. She had
climbed Mt. Olympus in 2012, which she recalled being quite challenging. It was
her first official peak. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">After summiting Borah, she was blown away by the roof-top
view. “This is an amazing mountain," she thought. "There’s nothing else higher anywhere around
me. This is so cool!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I loved that feeling, and that drove me to climb more
mountains,” Gorin says.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Trip planning: </b>She uses a wide variety of resources
in planning her trips, including hard-copy national forest and topo maps,
interactive Forest Service map, Caltopo maps online, Google Earth, Tom Lopez’s “Idaho:
A Climbing Guide,” <a href="https://listsofjohn.com/?fbclid=IwAR0nE0sZzB-sV38HE14SLfHRFccJTI01CvzsANDAcYLlcwAcG4oPNz4DiRU">Lists of John</a>, and mountain-climbing notes from <a href="http://splattski.com">John Platt</a>, who was a person cut from the
same cloth as Anna, but probably more of a technical climber than she wishes to
be.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26JNo06u-fVyxuTYYgfz6xSC7cXv67cnZRJoounhijsLpnSPaxS8vIkiBji559SE2aTXbQ9qVMPbzuJI43aGPVll_-17QRyAFMn2_bnvi7cSD_lKufdyVDzBPN77LDldNIzSi2Z8WwS9qm9zKADciER3tUmq_dT3UeEcKnLAeZ-XXMr-Aj8Ec3hqarYSt/s1400/Climbing%20uphill.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="427" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj26JNo06u-fVyxuTYYgfz6xSC7cXv67cnZRJoounhijsLpnSPaxS8vIkiBji559SE2aTXbQ9qVMPbzuJI43aGPVll_-17QRyAFMn2_bnvi7cSD_lKufdyVDzBPN77LDldNIzSi2Z8WwS9qm9zKADciER3tUmq_dT3UeEcKnLAeZ-XXMr-Aj8Ec3hqarYSt/w640-h427/Climbing%20uphill.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing ridge tops has rewards in terms of big views. But it's hard! </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />She also uses AllTrails.com, Summit Post, and more online
resources. She spends a lot of time planning trips to understand the challenges
ahead; she checks on trail conditions; she checks on weather and snow levels before she goes.
She recommends lots of advance planning for a safe journey. But even with all
the planning, things can become challenging! <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I also enjoy the puzzle of getting places,” she says. “Sometimes
it can almost be like a problem-solving game to figure things out or thrash through
the brush while cross-country hiking to find our way to the top.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next time you’re online, watch for Gorin’s stunning
photography of Idaho’s mountains and trip notes. You might just discover some
new places to explore! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: medium;">-<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> - </span>SS</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJcTMDOcAjJmZ848VC61az-U7TRw_xLc9FGHur5JmsoYGDYcx3vo95tjFrG1v-KwqpW-uIml-HlxIvUsCpRhIUikNXTQfygPH2dWIiEAlyXVSCO-pv6SPUyctlzBQmnjwyMUTUnc_O0gdSexIoesBcyx-EmnC9Q8oDgER319m44Pq2gjcGXhpZ-oDqr83/s1400/Fishhook%20Point.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="933" data-original-width="1400" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOJcTMDOcAjJmZ848VC61az-U7TRw_xLc9FGHur5JmsoYGDYcx3vo95tjFrG1v-KwqpW-uIml-HlxIvUsCpRhIUikNXTQfygPH2dWIiEAlyXVSCO-pv6SPUyctlzBQmnjwyMUTUnc_O0gdSexIoesBcyx-EmnC9Q8oDgER319m44Pq2gjcGXhpZ-oDqr83/w640-h426/Fishhook%20Point.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishhook Point, Sawtooth Range (courtesy Anna Gorin) </td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-78205647559457096172023-10-05T16:38:00.001-07:002023-10-05T16:38:32.424-07:00Fall colors are popping in the Idaho Mountains! Time for a scenic drive! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgrLpqqrfmun36Fru2XF7WLvYHSXLAPUx5cuoKBwCgmheHVfz9dq6rYruS5KgDgZkbfW60hyphenhyphenBOX1UDROLrvW-rvxlGaGl7hyphenhyphenWFLnlhMCcDNwL5EYm1OwmxfriOOq3Vmp48_UX_KGDkjxsFL8mf8NvfUOSsOci7PAya7LUCTfLZpbZbecG-u239v1QIdyw/s3072/falls%20colors%20Reynolds%20Creek%20.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3072" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJgrLpqqrfmun36Fru2XF7WLvYHSXLAPUx5cuoKBwCgmheHVfz9dq6rYruS5KgDgZkbfW60hyphenhyphenBOX1UDROLrvW-rvxlGaGl7hyphenhyphenWFLnlhMCcDNwL5EYm1OwmxfriOOq3Vmp48_UX_KGDkjxsFL8mf8NvfUOSsOci7PAya7LUCTfLZpbZbecG-u239v1QIdyw/w640-h426/falls%20colors%20Reynolds%20Creek%20.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aspen groves light up the mountains in Upper Reynolds Creek, Owyhee Mountains. <br />Photo taken Oct. 5 by Steve Stuebner. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all,</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">Fall colors are popping everywhere in the mountains right now. What better way to enjoy the colors than to take a scenic drive? Better yet, combine the drive with a hike or mountain bike ride to see things more up close and soak in the scenery. <br /><br />I recently traveled from McCall to Boise, and the aspen trees are lit up, the cottonwoods are turning yellow, and the shrubs are glowing orange, yellow and red, particularly at higher elevations.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0kICSBOMs1wnMxFC8sfnFvM98vukCm3APqh0KaGpfU_L3cDwwpobjL6mqIJ77s37cKdtRb_2pQBqwdl440dgKLshFL8EBUBK2tRSWWtmyhiEBXIr5Gnx1cRHdZcmReclCfcVNGc2cOv-kNvHK062OBcq-zn9kcxApkvN1HTL10N7UYubqu1oS7Dl7suA/s1400/Anna%20Gorin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1400" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht0kICSBOMs1wnMxFC8sfnFvM98vukCm3APqh0KaGpfU_L3cDwwpobjL6mqIJ77s37cKdtRb_2pQBqwdl440dgKLshFL8EBUBK2tRSWWtmyhiEBXIr5Gnx1cRHdZcmReclCfcVNGc2cOv-kNvHK062OBcq-zn9kcxApkvN1HTL10N7UYubqu1oS7Dl7suA/w640-h480/Anna%20Gorin.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Anna Gorin on Facebook. Road to Packer John Mountain in Smith's Ferry.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />To enjoy the colors, I'm recommending five scenic drives. Click on the links to see the scenic byway detailed descriptions via <a href="https://visitidaho.org/travel-tips/travel-guide-ultimate-idaho-road-trip/">VisitIdaho</a>:<br /></span><div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">1. <a href="https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways-backcountry-drives/payette-river-scenic-byway/">Payette River Scenic Byway</a> - Take Idaho 55 north to McCall to enjoy fall colors along the North Fork of the Payette River and in the Boise and Payette National Forest. Once in McCall, keep going north on Warren Wagon Road toward Upper Payette Lake and <a href="https://www.burgdorfhotsprings.com/">Burgdorf Hot Springs</a> to see even more brilliant colors. Bring a swimsuit and towel to enjoy the natural geothermal hot water at Burgdorf. The hot springs won't be accessible by vehicle much longer until snow shuts the road and turns it into a snowmobile highway. That usually happens in late November. Stop for lunch in McCall -- there's a great sushi place as well as multiple other venues with sandwiches and burgers.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b2KofxViWWi2m0zrF3NBo4MD3JkBJCZ_WQNlo8vjwGg1gC_bQRsYHPQza8eUp2sev3Ag1xk97WyJVXcUKrLGaaqIWU2yqqKNBqCI-_4Tv_sH2JcOCw9iE9PfM4KCm_v5bcbdmoR3eLTJPmrp6bCLZBxU98mNt99aqq8XRqnZ3j1WYyj4560vDxgWX4i8/s1920/fall-colors-sawtooth-valley-idaho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1285" data-original-width="1920" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_b2KofxViWWi2m0zrF3NBo4MD3JkBJCZ_WQNlo8vjwGg1gC_bQRsYHPQza8eUp2sev3Ag1xk97WyJVXcUKrLGaaqIWU2yqqKNBqCI-_4Tv_sH2JcOCw9iE9PfM4KCm_v5bcbdmoR3eLTJPmrp6bCLZBxU98mNt99aqq8XRqnZ3j1WYyj4560vDxgWX4i8/w640-h428/fall-colors-sawtooth-valley-idaho.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sawtooth Valley (courtesy explore.org)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />2. <a href="https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways-backcountry-drives/ponderosa-pine-scenic-byway/">Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway</a> - Idaho 21 and the <a href="https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways-backcountry-drives/wildlife-canyon-scenic-byway/">Banks-to-Lowman Highway. </a>I saw full mountainsides glowing red this week from tip to tail near Grand Jean and Lowman.<br /><br />3. <a href="https://visitidaho.org/things-to-do/scenic-byways-backcountry-drives/sawtooth-scenic-byway/">Sawtooth Scenic Byway</a> - The Sawtooth Valley is at a higher elevation and thus, the colors are happening big-time right now. Following Idaho State Highway 75 through Ketchum-Sun Valley and then over Galena Summit into the Sawtooth Valley should be spectacular. Do the big loop by combining the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Highway on Idaho 21 from Boise with the Sawtooth Scenic Byway on the way home, going from Stanley to Ketchum and then back to the Treasure Valley via U.S. 20. Stop for <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g35500-Ketchum_Sun_Valley_Ketchum_Idaho.html">lunch in Ketchum</a>. There are many great restaurants to choose from. I personally like the Pioneer, Whiskey Jacques, and Lefty's.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmmqraMr06APfDQHtov5rXzm0yJUjJvIwCBe2oGdjcp6VdKcpNTUXnt7slvw-dLlty4ciFMjbJN-UyUbqfO1aOXrbFQ5h8UBNYyf92FPkzgWLXcwPNrj6zn-ADXdj9W9cdJy8Dh3TkrkftudTYgSnRge2f7oJUmSHc6UXJT2C4-0N7-dSXqVwBuzrsZAu/s758/Wood%20River%20Valley.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="758" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmmqraMr06APfDQHtov5rXzm0yJUjJvIwCBe2oGdjcp6VdKcpNTUXnt7slvw-dLlty4ciFMjbJN-UyUbqfO1aOXrbFQ5h8UBNYyf92FPkzgWLXcwPNrj6zn-ADXdj9W9cdJy8Dh3TkrkftudTYgSnRge2f7oJUmSHc6UXJT2C4-0N7-dSXqVwBuzrsZAu/w640-h426/Wood%20River%20Valley.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood River Valley aglow (courtesy VisitSunValley) </td></tr></tbody></table><br />4. <a href="http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/NLCS/national_historic/owyhee_uplands_backcountry.html">Owyhee Uplands Backcountry Byway</a> - Take a big drive from Grand View to Jordan Valley, Oregon on this scenic byway on backcountry dirt and gravel roads. It's about 100 miles and full day's drive to cover the byway. Beyond the <a href="http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/prog/NLCS/national_historic/owyhee_uplands_backcountry.html">BLM online guide</a>, we provide all the details on this scenic drive in our popular guidebook, <i><a href="http://stevestuebner.com/bookstore/books/the-owyhee-canyonlands">The Owyhee Canyonlands - An Outdoor Adventure Guide</a>, </i>by yours truly and fine arts photographer Mark Lisk. There are restaurants and services in Grand View and Jordan Valley. Make sure you top off your gas tank before venturing off into the Owyhees!<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjoghKv2nq0f5ERVqEI2YFORQGoNtsKDu3L5QHpMspiuZUZmhMxThhVOuU5oo5eJrTNWOi51tP-JdRv1lVq0YqZP-dUL6PHRERmYYHGnch8NXXoOsHgvgqN2Ec5epZFMGvxC8Shr2o0ceV2joqsoeqgtUVoUTT6J6wC2pi3WPj_ag7_HaDMqNEk_kHR-F/s1600/IMGP0705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjoghKv2nq0f5ERVqEI2YFORQGoNtsKDu3L5QHpMspiuZUZmhMxThhVOuU5oo5eJrTNWOi51tP-JdRv1lVq0YqZP-dUL6PHRERmYYHGnch8NXXoOsHgvgqN2Ec5epZFMGvxC8Shr2o0ceV2joqsoeqgtUVoUTT6J6wC2pi3WPj_ag7_HaDMqNEk_kHR-F/w640-h360/IMGP0705.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy along Jordan Creek in Silver City.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />5. Take a scenic drive to Silver City in the Owyhee Mountains. The aspen trees are turning color in the quaint mining ghost town, located near Murphy. There are places to go hiking and mountain biking in Silver City. Details are available in <i><a href="http://stevestuebner.com/bookstore/books/the-owyhee-canyonlands">The Owyhee Canyonlands - An Outdoor Adventure Guide</a>. </i>To reach Silver City, go south of Nampa on Idaho 45 to the Snake River and junction with Idaho 78. Turn left to head for Murphy and watch for a signed right-hand turn to Silver City. It's paved road for a while, and then it turns to dirt. Pack a lunch and enjoy the day!<br /><br />Have fun!<br />- SS</span><br /></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-32746912493350618002023-09-28T15:36:00.003-07:002023-09-28T15:36:24.514-07:00Please heed warnings to stay off the Middle Snake River! State authorities are working to contain, eradicate quagga mussel larvae<p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DqIPTcp_m3-AA4KBAtm3AAon5kYG5bPBPpxIhqauvlp-iM2iNhm64zKGBWQ0ggifLL6oxMujmb5rrXtI6vHlW0nOti6Lvdj_1dNIgP9YEufNpdD6omr56FotNmARqtkYzr0GMefWYWmnn-sAzUwbCy4soGSNDjhYZ8jkfvKd8S4dm57_gHjr4qatXNri/s880/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="639" data-original-width="880" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DqIPTcp_m3-AA4KBAtm3AAon5kYG5bPBPpxIhqauvlp-iM2iNhm64zKGBWQ0ggifLL6oxMujmb5rrXtI6vHlW0nOti6Lvdj_1dNIgP9YEufNpdD6omr56FotNmARqtkYzr0GMefWYWmnn-sAzUwbCy4soGSNDjhYZ8jkfvKd8S4dm57_gHjr4qatXNri/w400-h290/download.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quagga mussels coat a boat propeller in Utah </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all, </span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 21.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The Idaho State Department of Agriculture
(ISDA) has confirmed the presence of quagga mussel larvae in the Middle Snake area between Shoshone Falls and the Centennial Waterfront Park below the Perrine Bridge. These findings mark the first time a rapid response plan has been
put into action to eliminate quagga mussels discovered in Idaho waters.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 21.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">This is something we all hoped would never happen. Like other Idaho boaters, I've been dutifully purchasing my invasive species stickers each year to support the statewide watercraft inspection program run by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. Multiple boat-check stations across the state inspect hundreds of watercraft each year. They often intercept fouled boats from Lake Powell, Lake Mead or other places that have been invaded by quagga mussels. </span></p><p style="background: white; margin-bottom: 21.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeB6UYtJ0wSVmhOyBlZMVGObjR8RdhxMHdREv4Sk63P_PrJtlg8cjXANiyEBVelU38Po_e5Il969kRMjS7ctPVcVD9fStOuqn8Rz94I1v4Bm9DeHRE5yQyn-YTE25rK_-oTi3QvMW-v_JHen2l__3PppW5lut0HCWJmwAGLPuKQUSzoOj2Dp1b1aWe8Nm/s4032/Boat%202.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWeB6UYtJ0wSVmhOyBlZMVGObjR8RdhxMHdREv4Sk63P_PrJtlg8cjXANiyEBVelU38Po_e5Il969kRMjS7ctPVcVD9fStOuqn8Rz94I1v4Bm9DeHRE5yQyn-YTE25rK_-oTi3QvMW-v_JHen2l__3PppW5lut0HCWJmwAGLPuKQUSzoOj2Dp1b1aWe8Nm/w640-h480/Boat%202.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watercraft inspectors hot wash a boat in Twin Falls. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Somehow, someone launched a watercraft fouled with invasive mussels at some point in the Middle Snake region in recent weeks. They could have started an outbreak that could cost the state and others millions of dollars if the quaggas take root, multiply and destroy the river ecosystem. </span></p><p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0in 0in 21pt; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;">The introduction of quagga mussels poses
a major threat to Idaho. All hands are on deck to contain and control the invasive species. Quaggas can quickly spread and clog
pipes that deliver water for drinking, energy, agriculture, recreation, and a
variety of other uses. These mussels also negatively affect fish populations and
wildlife habitat. The mussels are highly competitive, persistent, and can
create monocultures that will eliminate Idaho’s diverse biological landscape.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0in 0in 21pt; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmMHCfnvr_05gGDJaFfpyIRZK-FcpkytWITW5SaPWdWk0QZCoFVE36AaxBWkFCEc0rtSIw8rM06-iWQcJbrClMgq2x0EZOvOpk8IIoAGWKhf2SYlU97NwgVMKaNY6xoRheY9r1hWPMY3D5cF6tAQWEf1e2K_gI11XwjUjqry2DdNTJlHe8GIXpnQCIr9u/s4000/20230924_103449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmMHCfnvr_05gGDJaFfpyIRZK-FcpkytWITW5SaPWdWk0QZCoFVE36AaxBWkFCEc0rtSIw8rM06-iWQcJbrClMgq2x0EZOvOpk8IIoAGWKhf2SYlU97NwgVMKaNY6xoRheY9r1hWPMY3D5cF6tAQWEf1e2K_gI11XwjUjqry2DdNTJlHe8GIXpnQCIr9u/w640-h480/20230924_103449.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even things like duck decoys and fishing waders need to be contaminated.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Gov. Brad Little and the ISDA are
overseeing a swift response to the problem in coordination with the Idaho
Department of Environmental Quality, Twin Falls County Commissioners, the mayor
of Twin Falls and more. In the meantime, the Middle Snake River has been closed
to public use. <b>It’s imperative that the public stay away from the river while
further water testing is done, and treatment plans are developed, officials
said.</b></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">What can you do to help?<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;"> </span></b><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY ALL WATERCRAFT AND ITEMS
THAT GO IN THE WATER </b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">– This situation is reminder to anyone who has watercraft
or items you put in the water to be vigilant in practicing the steps of CLEAN,
DRAIN, DRY before putting your watercraft or item back in the water. This
includes boats, kayaks, paddleboards, canoes, oars, waders, boots, lifejackets,
fishing gear, buckets, nets, and other items. Visit </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/splum/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/KKB1X2WB/idaho.gov/quagga" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">idaho.gov/quagga</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">
for information on CLEAN, DRAIN, DRY.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">If your watercraft (including kayaks, canoes,
paddleboards, boats, and others) has been </span><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">on the Snake River in the
Centennial Park area of Twin Falls in the past 30 days</b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">, please take it to
an ISDA hot wash station in Twin Falls for
proper treatment. Conveyances (items like duck decoys, waders, fishing tackle,
etc.) should also be taken to a hot wash station. DO NOT attempt to decontaminate
watercraft yourself. De-contamination requires a hot wash at 140 degrees F. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW84sbOUDX5Co8vA5JiAZI4s3fBF0A7GkFuXywTH9qosrl8CuDHH1Di0hxcg0k1SD3k8lhV9Hez08unZcUToqzf47UnuKRT503COK5K-5bXYJsuJ_93JOVsIVmYmV6TboBBCA7yqDI1UjVqzFOqckDW_5ZjEy8wdmED8EzzhJyWJb7XElihrkK2gRJ7Hm3/s1080/381226891_737407501766516_312227627637479363_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW84sbOUDX5Co8vA5JiAZI4s3fBF0A7GkFuXywTH9qosrl8CuDHH1Di0hxcg0k1SD3k8lhV9Hez08unZcUToqzf47UnuKRT503COK5K-5bXYJsuJ_93JOVsIVmYmV6TboBBCA7yqDI1UjVqzFOqckDW_5ZjEy8wdmED8EzzhJyWJb7XElihrkK2gRJ7Hm3/w640-h640/381226891_737407501766516_312227627637479363_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /></span></li><li><b style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">Stay out</b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> – Closures are in place in and
along the Snake River until further notice as the investigation in the area
continues. The public’s cooperation in staying out of the impacted area is
crucial to the success of our efforts. For current closure information, visit </span><a href="file:///C:/Users/splum/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/KKB1X2WB/idaho.gov/quagga" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"> idaho.gov/quagga</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;">.<br /><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Chemical treatment starts next week </b>- Another reason to stay away from the river and let the professionals do their work. </span></li></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">How can you stay updated?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Visit</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/splum/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/KKB1X2WB/idaho.gov/quagga" style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">
idaho.gov/quagga</a><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> to sign up to receive updates with the latest information.</span></p><p style="background: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0in; outline: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">For more information about the quagga mussel issue, go here: <a href="https://agri.idaho.gov/main/plants/snake-river-quagga-mussel-veligers/" style="box-shadow: none; box-sizing: border-box; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; outline: 0px; transition: all 0.2s linear 0s;"><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; padding: 0in; text-decoration-line: none;">https://agri.idaho.gov/main/plants/snake-river-quagga-mussel-veligers/</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">I have my fingers crossed that chemical treatments will eradicate the quagga larvae in the Middle Snake region. Even if there are some short term impacts to other species, it's hugely important to keep these invasive mussels out of the Snake River and all other water bodies in Idaho. </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Please do your part! </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">Thanks! </span></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: medium;">- SS</span></o:p> </p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-25798380504121113792023-09-14T17:41:00.002-07:002023-09-14T17:43:48.887-07:00Seven days of bliss floating the Main Salmon - River of No Return in Central Idaho <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2JmjrvWFCsy9Xxetv3cHnmDfpjjjxxdUVSzseJE4pD46nDAEKqDTeDKSdVcsaupbuVP_-KIJ-l_tNK7_djqlzKMKuXipn_zlzlY9kTc5-VTOld7HV-JbTsBVHL0WDQrDdekTVJuBhe_SBVutDuKmK7MEhOTYfevGoA2xAv-DezP5ZtFyYGN3aDyAwQhH/s4032/morning%20Salmon%20River%20canyon.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2JmjrvWFCsy9Xxetv3cHnmDfpjjjxxdUVSzseJE4pD46nDAEKqDTeDKSdVcsaupbuVP_-KIJ-l_tNK7_djqlzKMKuXipn_zlzlY9kTc5-VTOld7HV-JbTsBVHL0WDQrDdekTVJuBhe_SBVutDuKmK7MEhOTYfevGoA2xAv-DezP5ZtFyYGN3aDyAwQhH/w640-h480/morning%20Salmon%20River%20canyon.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shane Preston rows down the Salmon River as the morning sun rises over the mile-deep canyon.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all, </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Last week, it was a real treat to float the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/scnf/home/?cid=stelprdb5360033#:~:text=The%20Main%20Salmon%20River%20was,jet%20boats%20can%20navigate%20upstream.">Main Salmon - <i>River of No Return</i> </a>as it cuts across the mid-section of Idaho in the vast 2.3-million-acre Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As a private boater, I used to float "The Main" every year, but permits are getting harder to obtain! My last trip was in 2015, and that gave me enough time away from the canyon to truly appreciate its virtues. I've actually spent more time on the Middle Fork and Lower Salmon than the Main in recent years. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgA07jIsGYyZv570g3EeNJWGy266xzVt8lGm_W9y0l0_UBEx9whj5dRQ0irqda5iT8pgjmQueqCGs9hlEsUEPiUVt6TcRpCyLYBPFSFDEYzTTCRYvXHZoPPJVc5WIxX_mHVuvJ7MO3BQjLfmM_QPL9Mj0YTwtI5DjNBfs-xSKkCNb6DMuQPhpa5DPTm-j/s4032/IMG_2063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgA07jIsGYyZv570g3EeNJWGy266xzVt8lGm_W9y0l0_UBEx9whj5dRQ0irqda5iT8pgjmQueqCGs9hlEsUEPiUVt6TcRpCyLYBPFSFDEYzTTCRYvXHZoPPJVc5WIxX_mHVuvJ7MO3BQjLfmM_QPL9Mj0YTwtI5DjNBfs-xSKkCNb6DMuQPhpa5DPTm-j/w640-h480/IMG_2063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barth Hot Springs </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />One of the primary virtues of The Main Salmon, in my opinion, are those deep river channels between the rapids. I love to dig my oars deep into the water, and slowly push through those long, deep-water pools, following the thread of current exhibited by a bubble line on the river's surface. Looking down at the water on sunny day, you see thousands of diamonds dancing on the water. Definitely a "wow" moment. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Often times, just by the luck of having gorgeous weather last week, we had almost no wind. Some mornings we had this super-cool waft of downriver breeze that pushed us downriver in those deep-water channels, and I barely had to dip an oar into the river to make progress. I could just kick back and enjoy the mile-high timbered slopes on both sides of the canyon, look for elk and wild sheep, and check out the scenery. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wRLDygm3zirJz_BV-pfy78bfiAy9NKvbZwLSqlNunoM2MSMCedzrRO6N3I9lYEj_3YqYZFUbsuf3DQCCTEzUwvRb_WA9aFPL4luZS2xLMNRx8ERkENo3QJkCS-sKC4BVOKfLxkmP3_NpRTFMNAKli2rkBL6VwbaVlVmoICdw2KRO72YnHREGrL5T5s3d/s4032/IMG_2085.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_wRLDygm3zirJz_BV-pfy78bfiAy9NKvbZwLSqlNunoM2MSMCedzrRO6N3I9lYEj_3YqYZFUbsuf3DQCCTEzUwvRb_WA9aFPL4luZS2xLMNRx8ERkENo3QJkCS-sKC4BVOKfLxkmP3_NpRTFMNAKli2rkBL6VwbaVlVmoICdw2KRO72YnHREGrL5T5s3d/w640-h480/IMG_2085.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Sapp Creek Rapids. We all ran down the far left-hand side and did fine. <br />Right side was full of big lateral folding flipper waves. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />During our 7-day trip, we also experienced the new Sapp Creek Rapids below Allison Ranch - definitely a Class 4 rapids worth scouting - and witnessed the fire scars from this year's <a href="https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/idpaf-elkhorn-fire">Elkhorn Wildfire.</a> The fire scars extended from Magpie campsite down to Elkhorn Rapids ... a distance of more than 20 miles. The fire zone got hit with some heavy rain to form the new rapids at Sapp Creek, and also at Alder Creek, about 7.5 miles downriver from the Corn Creek boat launch. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We had a great group of 9 people, four from Portland, including our friends Anne Daly and Keith Jensen, who snagged the permit, and the rest from Boise. We took turns cooking every night, and that made things seem really easy and relaxed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhzvEZBj3SYsbgXpMeQ9mt0jrTQN3L16j3Szbu0w3Dry6hTUrd-_fosR89YRg9CNQk7wA8jvMlcPEFPhW_S3kC0pGraxFhZboVzgbTuHi60c7BO-GT0oR-VVw_NUAM8q3P_kaoB-0GJj7BvgPMnSv7rL8D6xR-Bp61iGYiXNR9GqZs90sp7mSE1CAg3ft/s4032/IMG_2106.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhzvEZBj3SYsbgXpMeQ9mt0jrTQN3L16j3Szbu0w3Dry6hTUrd-_fosR89YRg9CNQk7wA8jvMlcPEFPhW_S3kC0pGraxFhZboVzgbTuHi60c7BO-GT0oR-VVw_NUAM8q3P_kaoB-0GJj7BvgPMnSv7rL8D6xR-Bp61iGYiXNR9GqZs90sp7mSE1CAg3ft/w640-h480/IMG_2106.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keith Jensen is loving the retired life these days. He and his wife Anne are heading <br />for the Middle Fork in mid-September. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />With 80 miles to travel in 7 days, we only needed to cover about 12 miles a day, and that makes for a leisurely morning, and early arrival in camp, where you can swim and bake in the sun, read a book in a hammock in the shade, or just hang out in lawn chairs and marvel at the scenery. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Keep in mind that you can draw a cancelation on the Main, post-control season, on <a href="http://Rec.gov">Rec.gov</a>, if you want to think about that this year or next. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7cT3UgVyGc6_yC2VOkndq2EQvAzxUPPyjQRNAyhvHnQgwipBuqkZM9A6MGTgILHHqMruG_SWo8FvQpMLTpPkeneaYLTdiN431QVKk9pPJ4qCyOCl1Ie0XPwvYhIkifJy6pcwHS8X_dvTx8OKj4__oQm6RE-cmiaTRighjAW2d0KtY_Y5eMe86xmI8vCr/s2112/Polly%20B%20bronze.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2112" data-original-width="2112" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7cT3UgVyGc6_yC2VOkndq2EQvAzxUPPyjQRNAyhvHnQgwipBuqkZM9A6MGTgILHHqMruG_SWo8FvQpMLTpPkeneaYLTdiN431QVKk9pPJ4qCyOCl1Ie0XPwvYhIkifJy6pcwHS8X_dvTx8OKj4__oQm6RE-cmiaTRighjAW2d0KtY_Y5eMe86xmI8vCr/w640-h640/Polly%20B%20bronze.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bronze of Polly Bemis by her cabin was completed in 2021. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Overall, the Main is a real treasure. We loved seeing the new bronze of Polly Bemis at the Bemis Ranch, where you can see her historic cabin, next to the time-share condo buildings. We also stopped in at Buckskin Bills for ice, beer and ice cream! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">-SS </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQKxkhqy23a-FfPYfxRIrbB9NrEQhr5YYcdu8MORqgwNvnrgPbQwcDytvqoAoiJVs7j4eOFmO7qvySwKRNJCSY2IYQYEX0Rvo3ZjsHyEX_jHzA2ykikf2QZ_IFd-POHEuDmBFAYDQw6RSvEwfMw8RmUp1r6Y59z33IPQZwAsYK9Sx-jtaapqwJT42ct6Z/s4032/IMG_2038.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyQKxkhqy23a-FfPYfxRIrbB9NrEQhr5YYcdu8MORqgwNvnrgPbQwcDytvqoAoiJVs7j4eOFmO7qvySwKRNJCSY2IYQYEX0Rvo3ZjsHyEX_jHzA2ykikf2QZ_IFd-POHEuDmBFAYDQw6RSvEwfMw8RmUp1r6Y59z33IPQZwAsYK9Sx-jtaapqwJT42ct6Z/w640-h480/IMG_2038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing to think we've been doing the Middle Fork and Main for almost 40 years now! <br />Started doing it in our 20s (before kids) and now we're in our 60s. <br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4Pb_3DDIKCzKROkibNggbGrKREMg0kbuQJsVOb__MOAvMKFNaNTjxoUzsIJlK3yy4TolC8IBkm24Gaxub88ZrJ0nCD-XGzacZM-2XO1vpnc20z-KrcDWHFX9oWkPzoY2S0tLHx0yrotESUJaOSzWy52cj_cYl5pJ9a_ZI2T7x2v5jf0Zxw3HEAkUncop/s4032/IMG_2075.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4Pb_3DDIKCzKROkibNggbGrKREMg0kbuQJsVOb__MOAvMKFNaNTjxoUzsIJlK3yy4TolC8IBkm24Gaxub88ZrJ0nCD-XGzacZM-2XO1vpnc20z-KrcDWHFX9oWkPzoY2S0tLHx0yrotESUJaOSzWy52cj_cYl5pJ9a_ZI2T7x2v5jf0Zxw3HEAkUncop/w640-h480/IMG_2075.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Magpie used to be one of our favorite camps. Wonder how this will look next year? </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-44703652183090830472023-08-31T16:55:00.002-07:002023-08-31T16:56:30.489-07:00Oodles of Idaho outdoor fun await for Labor Day weekend! Might be a little wet, tho! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYq4xD3sDqIvp5JD2c-S_91CNcb0on_6yZlKfVns8uDtdXiNMvCQfqJk0Gghbn5-28ThHdZ-UTykHpXLaF86Zw2CXTM0iHsV9TWGhCQ-w9MHkApeDdTHBOgJpt_56rgkLpDYSgEQGBum0TRjuHztmyolLhvDVe9Nno6FQctVj7J7Nd5rS7NL_ScdBskG9M/s4032/20190713_142206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYq4xD3sDqIvp5JD2c-S_91CNcb0on_6yZlKfVns8uDtdXiNMvCQfqJk0Gghbn5-28ThHdZ-UTykHpXLaF86Zw2CXTM0iHsV9TWGhCQ-w9MHkApeDdTHBOgJpt_56rgkLpDYSgEQGBum0TRjuHztmyolLhvDVe9Nno6FQctVj7J7Nd5rS7NL_ScdBskG9M/w640-h312/20190713_142206.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew Stuebner on a hike with Dad to Bridal Veil Falls in the Sawtooths. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all,</span></p><p></p><div></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Labor Day weekend is upon us! It's the typical last hurrah of the camping season, so I'm dishing up some last-minute tips for the three-day weekend, as always. </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Before we get into the camping ideas, <a href="http://bogusbasin.org/">Bogus Basin, </a><a href="https://brundage.com/">Brundage Mountain</a> and <a href="http://tamarackidaho.com">Tamarack Resort </a>all have some fun stuff going on this weekend, and the <a href="https://spiritofboise.com/">Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic</a> at Ann Morrison Park runs daily through Sunday. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme0THIAiqbbrnmVCRoCXayQ3yblBHVRUOjpSYqyFc-YnGO3ieoIsKDrKeJrYlNvEx20uwi9Njp6QnfHjqWYPD7mWZEL8LK3MoW98w0bhUdGpQWGhb1AgSFFbX06FJsFEr8eW7gVCN2iqf/s2048/21122496_270877406746511_2073022807273128593_o+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1392" data-original-width="2048" height="436" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgme0THIAiqbbrnmVCRoCXayQ3yblBHVRUOjpSYqyFc-YnGO3ieoIsKDrKeJrYlNvEx20uwi9Njp6QnfHjqWYPD7mWZEL8LK3MoW98w0bhUdGpQWGhb1AgSFFbX06FJsFEr8eW7gVCN2iqf/w640-h436/21122496_270877406746511_2073022807273128593_o+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Courtesy Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic<br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdVlruth_nzDOCeHL7l4tTq-ZfWl86kSAhJt5c3GH0WUawW9xE9Mbe1O0su3zuTqTXvSYASOdChzOvpYcoCjpuG6yH7zCnsa4ZTDAHxhN-E4X1GSoh-uXWtDqNLlM6UCq0Kx9ikD2VyjY/s640/IMG_2634.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXdVlruth_nzDOCeHL7l4tTq-ZfWl86kSAhJt5c3GH0WUawW9xE9Mbe1O0su3zuTqTXvSYASOdChzOvpYcoCjpuG6yH7zCnsa4ZTDAHxhN-E4X1GSoh-uXWtDqNLlM6UCq0Kx9ikD2VyjY/w640-h480/IMG_2634.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve fishing Rainbow Lake in the Trinities <br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Now, on to the camping tips and other Labor Day ideas ... </b><a href="https://weather.com/weather/tenday/l/d286f262aaad6c25c7785cc641ad84dd7c265d9f2e73fa2338c4e426b19db75e">mountain weather </a> BTW looks a bit topsy-turvy Saturday-Monday with a good chance of thundershowers and high temps in the 60s. So make sure you've got a good rain tarp and dress warm! </span></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Recommended camping options: </span></b></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Trinity Mountains - </b>Go camping, day-hiking or backpacking in the Trinities. I recommend driving there via Featherville. Head for Big Trinity Lake, the trailhead and general dispersed camping area. It's definitely worth backpacking into the high mountain lakes to get away from the car-campers and enjoy some good fishing!<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi940R6Yq4ulCDSXz4XkrUcYKXYFNDqJq9nLlssazaO73j26NJaVPfQPOAP1Vmf4ZFjNERsI8NW30IwcL0DcpjCq3MoGXsDo16p9NqHxGDGPMyBiVFgMgSa-p8JBXrYWBXt7CjGGvVpFpws/s1600/Trinity+Lakes+Map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi940R6Yq4ulCDSXz4XkrUcYKXYFNDqJq9nLlssazaO73j26NJaVPfQPOAP1Vmf4ZFjNERsI8NW30IwcL0DcpjCq3MoGXsDo16p9NqHxGDGPMyBiVFgMgSa-p8JBXrYWBXt7CjGGvVpFpws/w480-h640/Trinity+Lakes+Map.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></li></ul></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Cascade area</b> - Stolle Meadows and Landmark are my favorite camping areas in this neck of the woods. There are tons of primitive car-camping spots in both locations, east of Cascade, off the Warm Lake Highway. I've heard there may be some construction on the South Fork Salmon River Road? Plus, there are hot springs in the vicinity.</span></li></ul></div><ul><li><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2zuTQV40v91p89dGIDPSU-0cODhyphenhyphen2Q6iDpqlz1Peweci2GcYzL5yEqT4bnCfh1VXhe7NE5GSd6yG4DlclXHkBAPcH-rIZMoDJtIuXVPAtYc9tMtcXmANQlfEqERqy56W24C8B71aY6M2/s1600/Lick+Creek+Summit.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN2zuTQV40v91p89dGIDPSU-0cODhyphenhyphen2Q6iDpqlz1Peweci2GcYzL5yEqT4bnCfh1VXhe7NE5GSd6yG4DlclXHkBAPcH-rIZMoDJtIuXVPAtYc9tMtcXmANQlfEqERqy56W24C8B71aY6M2/s640/Lick+Creek+Summit.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lick Creek area in the Payette National Forest <br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>McCall area</b> - Camping, hiking and backpacking in the Lick Creek area NE of McCall should be fabulous. Some of the nice mountain lakes up there include Box, Snowslide, Duck, Hum, Enos and Thirty-three lakes. Pick up a Payette National Forest map or a McCall Adventure Map to get the details for access. Also, check my <a href="http://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2013/07/five-easy-to-access-kid-friendly-high.html">blog</a> from earlier this summer on <a href="http://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2013/07/five-easy-to-access-kid-friendly-high.html">five easy-to-access kid-friendly mountain lakes</a> in the McCall area. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lpGUpQvkodoRClOW-VfdzVmUaYlL_pBddA_IBDNlQtWY3Rk92EH-NxjmN64F_qCKlwI92gYgV3MRirK4fYRRF_-LUNkBt1r0CRqoZQzhSgNU1siCJOprfuYTp_F1nns2qS9NarJozevN1rAH5zQSrTEc2_z3NxxOfLQLGroN1_-sjNHfpNwLpfREzl4Y/s4032/20190713_150317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9lpGUpQvkodoRClOW-VfdzVmUaYlL_pBddA_IBDNlQtWY3Rk92EH-NxjmN64F_qCKlwI92gYgV3MRirK4fYRRF_-LUNkBt1r0CRqoZQzhSgNU1siCJOprfuYTp_F1nns2qS9NarJozevN1rAH5zQSrTEc2_z3NxxOfLQLGroN1_-sjNHfpNwLpfREzl4Y/w640-h312/20190713_150317.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stanley Lake beach </td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Stanley area</b> - I'm sure the Stanley area will be hopping with lots of campers at Stanley Lake, Redfish Lake, Pettit Lake and points along the Salmon River. </span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Z5SpUZkpp_hHiDQGg-NgPihhh2E7R2vaxqd_kg9iQqTV6ozhA_o-W5jN_xfviFbJO-T1PzFwu8i0QkUWuk-5p3HOOzboBCM5_Hm_WVxvXeBuhySP4VHeaSKyMmSxytUWoQXIwYtqs43/s1600/2976467305_023e15afe7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2Z5SpUZkpp_hHiDQGg-NgPihhh2E7R2vaxqd_kg9iQqTV6ozhA_o-W5jN_xfviFbJO-T1PzFwu8i0QkUWuk-5p3HOOzboBCM5_Hm_WVxvXeBuhySP4VHeaSKyMmSxytUWoQXIwYtqs43/s640/2976467305_023e15afe7.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-size: medium;">North and Middle Forks of the Boise River ... car-camping mecca </span></td></tr></tbody></table></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Idaho City area</b> - The North and Middle Forks of the Boise River work great for car camping. <a href="http://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2017/08/five-fall-car-camping-destinations-sure.html">See my post from last week.</a> </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Salmon River beaches</b> - Upstream from Riggins along the Salmon River Road are many sweet spots for camping, hanging out and swimming. </span></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYpV4ztwMLkQOJe8Gl5Z8aNrjRRUdyAOGfVFMAQ0lv7yRxncQFp6vcczCkcwUjuVojhp6kHDaepEk4Rx3HXbgkosl6vMyJRZu3_swex6t_bSLYRzf-G7QTGbXInejlClx_WtojsK8gluT/s960/winding+waters+rafting.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="960" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYpV4ztwMLkQOJe8Gl5Z8aNrjRRUdyAOGfVFMAQ0lv7yRxncQFp6vcczCkcwUjuVojhp6kHDaepEk4Rx3HXbgkosl6vMyJRZu3_swex6t_bSLYRzf-G7QTGbXInejlClx_WtojsK8gluT/w640-h428/winding+waters+rafting.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salmon River beaches are the best in bare feet! Courtesy Winding Rivers Rafting<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span>Also, Labor Day weekend is chock full of big sales at your favorite outdoor retailers in the Boise area, places like <a href="http://www.idahomountaintouring.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration-line: none;">Idaho Mountain Touring</a><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;"> <a href="http://georgescycles.com/">George's Cycles</a>, </span><a href="http://www.rei.com/stores/boise.html" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration-line: none;">Boise REI</a><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.greenwoodsskihaus.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration-line: none;">Greenwood's</a><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.mcusports.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration-line: none;">McU Sports</a><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;">,</span><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;"> </span><a href="http://www.alpenglowidaho.com/" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration-line: none;">Alpenglow Mountain Sport</a> and <a href="http://www.idahoriversports.com/events.asp?id=221" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; text-decoration-line: none;">Idaho River Sports</a>. They a<span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;">ll have some fantastic clothing and gear on sale right now. Great deals! Go get 'em! </span></span><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;">- SS</span></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fffaef; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-39697599941082412172023-08-24T14:39:00.001-07:002023-08-24T14:39:39.018-07:00Mountain Music is on the wane! Get out and enjoy the last couple weeks of live music! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieik4PgRyU1lzZTAyuDIvULNolLCYRxZoPtalusdq2etfh9bm8sT6JFUkGQL8ttFaMv4-qs5EYjRfziKnuZf_xHUVdHBhrgixVQusDBZ6yCEcNKn-kcWh2-3FGzTB2Ohl1-XGcHYG05J555yFthtNfyIBm6GkwIPItEnjGHq6Ra0sQ54OLwMSdzC_lSzk_/s1306/Jeff%20Crosby%20.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1306" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieik4PgRyU1lzZTAyuDIvULNolLCYRxZoPtalusdq2etfh9bm8sT6JFUkGQL8ttFaMv4-qs5EYjRfziKnuZf_xHUVdHBhrgixVQusDBZ6yCEcNKn-kcWh2-3FGzTB2Ohl1-XGcHYG05J555yFthtNfyIBm6GkwIPItEnjGHq6Ra0sQ54OLwMSdzC_lSzk_/w640-h408/Jeff%20Crosby%20.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeff Crosby Band on the dock by Lake Cascade and West Mountain. <br />(photo courtesy Jeff Crosby Band and Tri-City Vibe)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm in a mountain musical mood today anticipating the Sheryl Crow concert at the Albertson's Open tonight. Boise counts as mountains, right? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Live music seems like it's always better in the mountains, surrounded by trees, fresh air and cooler temps. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Starting tomorrow (Friday, Aug. 25), <a href="https://tamarackidaho.com/">Tamarack Resort</a> is hosting a one-hour VIP show for the Jeff Crosby Band at 4 p.m., and then he plays a plays a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=661150472712359&set=a.541264534700954">free concert </a>at Tamarack Friday night. <br /><br />The <a href="https://jeffcrosbymusic.com/tour/">Jeff Crosby Band </a>also plays next Friday, Sept. 1 in the final show of Brundage's TGIF free concert series. It's fitting for him to finish off the season because he normally gets the crowd on its feet with a great mixture of blues, country rock and rock. Last year, I thought he blew the roof off! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QkOxofkOCb8pzzRTVSh8aWGbo9dwpuS6DnhIPt18mVx8JesFapnHY9iEihN5bFx2rC_1SsqSefmdo18d3MtYvwx9A0oDvraEFhcEaeAPOGC0L0W2m-pSswBItA22FiSqxw9WkOsUvI5xzw1DcCZbsNx4w3Y-ueYMZBiv376CzCo5p-_ppGc4NSj9u-Y7/s1423/High%20Pine%20Whiskey%20Yell%20.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1423" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7QkOxofkOCb8pzzRTVSh8aWGbo9dwpuS6DnhIPt18mVx8JesFapnHY9iEihN5bFx2rC_1SsqSefmdo18d3MtYvwx9A0oDvraEFhcEaeAPOGC0L0W2m-pSswBItA22FiSqxw9WkOsUvI5xzw1DcCZbsNx4w3Y-ueYMZBiv376CzCo5p-_ppGc4NSj9u-Y7/w640-h362/High%20Pine%20Whiskey%20Yell%20.PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">High Pine Whiskey Yell (courtesy highpinewhiskeyyell.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Also on Friday, <b>High Pine Whiskey Yell </b>will be playing at <a href="http://brundage.com">Brundage </a>in their TGIF series concert series. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">As described on the Brundage web site: "<span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;">This four-piece group of modern-day rounders focuses on telling true stories about robots taking your job, banksters robbing from the poor, the trials of gold panning in Idaho, skiing/riding deep powder, UFOs, and a few other traditional bluegrass subjects (such as murder, drinking, and dogs)."</span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqxDekFHGHt8VrQBZ7tJd4DkOYXWS6EmCiXMR4eMiCk8aAww0LPJuGo9DUBRHfCdj1vgK8qncYyNuOs_n6MG9JsoDBhBqIDHFgrZKejQHN2_M2BQAFRvcfHI3hRw8AwA4E88lcOuAevraw8hD5FZbXuOgb3_gvVz9o8s2OWbg6tOfT68hLClcO9kSL_80/s2048/Olivia%20Frost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiqxDekFHGHt8VrQBZ7tJd4DkOYXWS6EmCiXMR4eMiCk8aAww0LPJuGo9DUBRHfCdj1vgK8qncYyNuOs_n6MG9JsoDBhBqIDHFgrZKejQHN2_M2BQAFRvcfHI3hRw8AwA4E88lcOuAevraw8hD5FZbXuOgb3_gvVz9o8s2OWbg6tOfT68hLClcO9kSL_80/s320/Olivia%20Frost.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;">On Saturday, <a href="http://bogusbasin.org">Bogus Basin </a>will have free music on the patio from 2-5 p.m. with <b>Olivia Frost </b>(left), a singer and guitar player who is based in Boise currently. I took a glance at her Facebook page, and she's been playing all kinds of venues across Southern Idaho in the last year. Wineries, bars, festivals, weddings, you name it. </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;">Anyway, when you're visiting the ski resorts in the summer, there's all kinds of things to do - from yoga classes, scenic chairlift rides, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, food and beverage, the mountain coaster at Bogus Basin, the zipline at Tamarack and waterfront rentals and activities at Tam. </span></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times;"><span style="background-color: white;">Grab some lodging and make a weekend out of it! <br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: times; font-size: large;">- SS </span><span style="font-family: times; font-size: large;"> </span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-90011060873131851652023-08-17T16:31:00.003-07:002023-08-17T16:31:59.964-07:00Big weather change coming Sunday; try the Kids Adventure Race on Saturday at Bogus Basin <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I9VZB_2QS-vMQEsyajylcl1EAjsJfT3ty03hY6WVvJBfYiBiyFt2-GM6Y1IA3-_jbi0K8avq7vEr9Jks77rgXM6tHZIvhf-Ejg9DP7OxjWe2kXm9KjZjo_Ml-bzOV90DRgbbW-JwEkacqw6o9Nx08buoznhI8iN26GatqWDkF92GRwXuCpU0ZeN_RTFj/s731/366996361_697320699102497_8344536764930488268_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="688" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5I9VZB_2QS-vMQEsyajylcl1EAjsJfT3ty03hY6WVvJBfYiBiyFt2-GM6Y1IA3-_jbi0K8avq7vEr9Jks77rgXM6tHZIvhf-Ejg9DP7OxjWe2kXm9KjZjo_Ml-bzOV90DRgbbW-JwEkacqw6o9Nx08buoznhI8iN26GatqWDkF92GRwXuCpU0ZeN_RTFj/w602-h640/366996361_697320699102497_8344536764930488268_n.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kids ride the downhill trails at Bogus Basin, which is hosting a Kids Adventure Race <br />on Saturday. (Photo courtesy Bogus Basin) </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">If you're planning to venture into the Idaho outdoors this weekend, aim for Friday and Saturday because there's a big change coming Sunday with a dramatic cool-down and heavy rain in the weather forecast. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">That'll be a big relief for everyone after triple-digit temps in the Treasure Valley this week. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Mountain weather in McCall, Stanley and Sun Valley looks pretty promising until Sunday, with afternoon highs in the 80s. There will be a good chance of afternoon thundershowers on Friday and Saturday. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPmG5CDMUq18uJaiqglmK3T4v2LhD8k5chxM8iENbRbO-lX6OoZLWbbTfOtcEVxm8t1rhueqig3pKaEZ4G9VKfnGTlKOFTYoYOTj7Vp27UDfzBTIjqqAAyQqMsZuGWjIvjzXf36oExPObXBxbl-_-4fC5mCjnQ_lkXhRhHFkmZxMIKRNGV0v0BtZA1uIJ/s3300/610prcp.new.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHPmG5CDMUq18uJaiqglmK3T4v2LhD8k5chxM8iENbRbO-lX6OoZLWbbTfOtcEVxm8t1rhueqig3pKaEZ4G9VKfnGTlKOFTYoYOTj7Vp27UDfzBTIjqqAAyQqMsZuGWjIvjzXf36oExPObXBxbl-_-4fC5mCjnQ_lkXhRhHFkmZxMIKRNGV0v0BtZA1uIJ/w640-h494/610prcp.new.gif" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Since we rarely get much rain in August, this is nice to see! </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The rain Sunday will cause a nice, much-needed cool-down, sending temperatures in Boise into the 80s next week and 70s in the mountains. Those temps are expected to remain in that range through the end of August, according to current forecasts. That would be nice~! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A dome of High pressure in the Midwest combined with a Low pressure trough off the Pacific Coast are expected to send plumes of moisture from Nevada going north into Idaho by this weekend. That's what is bringing the weather change. About 1.5 inches of rain are forecast, maybe more. Enjoy that cool-down!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In the meantime, I wanted to recommend an event that <a href="http://bogusbasin.org">Bogus Basin </a>is putting on this weekend called the <b><a href="https://wildbeginningsnatureschool.org/programs/idaho-kids-adventure-race/?fbclid=IwAR2hAnfzDhlWsNVHMiJv3jV-SqDAZ4hPqjco_wUtHhaEYX0rzJxs45wxdzA">Kids Adventure Race</a>.</b> You need to sign up as a team of two (think adult or teen paired with a kid). There's a non-competitive event for kids aged 2-5, called the "Explore Course," and another "Expeditions Course" for kids aged 6-10.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVMOk-965WiY6tCUSp7dlPLp3u45IenLxrQTYD9oh7TIg_qg2c7h6hr2G_s8DREKDR6FCqSe3Vi7_jgd3TuJFNKkb95s-iEdzE_gbC0qzxEZDHf76eJBJZHuJiP3a-qWgSrwWZiOpoUP1yG8c3q7gBx4Uy8t0YShnOpaEskGh8mtdnpaP81K1krP4WHtc/s1350/365994671_697320555769178_1722014253705659443_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVMOk-965WiY6tCUSp7dlPLp3u45IenLxrQTYD9oh7TIg_qg2c7h6hr2G_s8DREKDR6FCqSe3Vi7_jgd3TuJFNKkb95s-iEdzE_gbC0qzxEZDHf76eJBJZHuJiP3a-qWgSrwWZiOpoUP1yG8c3q7gBx4Uy8t0YShnOpaEskGh8mtdnpaP81K1krP4WHtc/s320/365994671_697320555769178_1722014253705659443_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock climbing wall <br />(Courtesy Bogus Basin)</td></tr></tbody></table>On the Expeditions course, kids will do basic orienteering, a scavenger hunt, mountain biking, hiking, rock wall climbing and more. The activities will be split up over a 1.2-mile out-and-back course with 370 vertical gain. Estimated time to complete the course is 30 to 60 minutes. This event costs $50/person for a team of two. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On the Explore course, kids will rotate through adventure stations such as biking (strider or child bike and training wheels OK), scavenger hunt, obstacle course and other challenges. This one costs $30/person for a team of two. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Online registration is available <a href="https://wildbeginningsnatureschool.org/programs/idaho-kids-adventure-race/?fbclid=IwAR2hAnfzDhlWsNVHMiJv3jV-SqDAZ4hPqjco_wUtHhaEYX0rzJxs45wxdzA">here</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm impressed with the creativity of Bogus Basin's staff to provide a fun exploration event for young kids on the mountain! I recommend it! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For more information about the event, contact: michael@wildbeginningsnatureschool.org</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">- SS </span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-9475968134980827412023-08-03T12:54:00.005-07:002023-08-04T06:22:07.460-07:00Boom! New wildfire closes Main Salmon River, new creek blowouts block upper Middle Fork Salmon - Here we go again! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrk86BUTqJUazK9_o1GHAaRuYsKEhQePrpeqsrcVpVnRCB4ls7spJe26HXKeduUNzv0lK14SMaEB3Cmqpb9dgGcF5dNpGJwIyvI4tTeHWdSXXCVOXO2o00DK8kv6ZsiQPojLTPi1beGAkLi5J8-XjW5FQ7loYq9Bqn8qSwvBRl7dbAS9zXxjJmIv7No4o/s2048/Wildfire%20pic.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIrk86BUTqJUazK9_o1GHAaRuYsKEhQePrpeqsrcVpVnRCB4ls7spJe26HXKeduUNzv0lK14SMaEB3Cmqpb9dgGcF5dNpGJwIyvI4tTeHWdSXXCVOXO2o00DK8kv6ZsiQPojLTPi1beGAkLi5J8-XjW5FQ7loYq9Bqn8qSwvBRl7dbAS9zXxjJmIv7No4o/w480-h640/Wildfire%20pic.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtesy Lynn Demerse/U.S. Forest Service </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="font-family: times;">Hi all, </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">In the last week, the Elkhorn wildfire blew up and burned over the top of the Allison Ranch on the Main Salmon River, taking out seven buildings including the main lodge, cabins and museum, and the Main Salmon - River of No Return Wilderness section has been closed for three days for safety reasons.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The Main Salmon reopened today, Thursday, Aug. 3, but it could be a day-to-day situation for weeks/months depending on fire behavior and weather. See more information about the Elkhorn Fire on the <a href="https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/idpaf-elkhorn-fire/river-launching-set-to-resume-august-3">Forest Service inciweb site</a>. It was burning about 25,000 acres in heavy timber and rugged country in the Salmon River breaks as of Thursday morning. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">On top of all this, a big rainstorm near Boundary Creek and Dagger Falls has caused two, new creek blowouts on the Middle Fork Salmon River, one below the Boundary Creek launch point, and a second one below Velvet Falls Rapids. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4a1NiYpJ8ZvG11ZpZV_huNJ8v4VjsGxHw3Gqc3eIQZiDypHKTtNY61qYfSEujrMUuOUo9CU1Q43JavaMfIjV3o176sJd0zzHOPuERNlMQcobUw2lyn0BpmN9tuzRQnFtGPs7E6SGSluiPn3BXuXht1tyyxMZ8Sj1yYaR2ocC4G10_AVfENbnpvejPFJl/s480/Middle%20Fork%20pileup.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="480" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4a1NiYpJ8ZvG11ZpZV_huNJ8v4VjsGxHw3Gqc3eIQZiDypHKTtNY61qYfSEujrMUuOUo9CU1Q43JavaMfIjV3o176sJd0zzHOPuERNlMQcobUw2lyn0BpmN9tuzRQnFtGPs7E6SGSluiPn3BXuXht1tyyxMZ8Sj1yYaR2ocC4G10_AVfENbnpvejPFJl/w640-h632/Middle%20Fork%20pileup.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Blowout above the entrance to Velvet Falls, Middle Fork Salmon River. <br />(courtesy Aaron Lieberman/IOGA)</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br />So, you might say all hell has broken loose in our beloved Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and two nationally popular wilderness whitewater river trips, the Middle Fork and the Main Salmon. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">If the Forest Service has to close the Main Salmon again, it could cause a real pile up of river floaters on the Lower Salmon River, a place everyone goes when they don't draw a permit on the Main or the Middle Fork. Floaters also are being given the option of carrying over their trips to next year on the same date. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">On the Main, eight parties are poised to launch on the river every day. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">On the Middle Fork, many outfitted groups are flying in their trips to the Indian Creek airstrip 25 miles downriver because the water has dropped to 2.1 feet on the gauge. But it's likely that a number of private boaters were ready to launch at Boundary Creek today, only to learn that the river is blocked in two locations by log jams. The same thing happened on the Middle fork last year in late season. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_kEum5KWPjattN6mjr0_PDgnpLnNdtgqihQ1QS_pZ0KZIBAioh3uaATTvQwKMyIrh0Ii7T5vv00lMpPV6uckOh6xxNUu7Q3_6D0lRxeL1xlOfwo1q8fALv5df7fvRsuk7kwDDZyShdJhO8cjqsaoj1jAyYek2Ma9-bqqPcVbK3cT_kX6G611egUb-sf6/s1148/fire%20permimeter%20map.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1148" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_kEum5KWPjattN6mjr0_PDgnpLnNdtgqihQ1QS_pZ0KZIBAioh3uaATTvQwKMyIrh0Ii7T5vv00lMpPV6uckOh6xxNUu7Q3_6D0lRxeL1xlOfwo1q8fALv5df7fvRsuk7kwDDZyShdJhO8cjqsaoj1jAyYek2Ma9-bqqPcVbK3cT_kX6G611egUb-sf6/w640-h494/fire%20permimeter%20map.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Elkhorn Fire perimeter map as of 7 a.m., 8/3/23 </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br />So what to do if you're expecting to launch on the Main Salmon or Middle Fork Salmon? There's a number you can call to clarify your options: 208-756-5587.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"We are getting flooded with phone calls, that's for sure," officials manning that phone said today. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">If you do launch your trip on the Main Salmon, Forest Service officials say, "There will be no stopping or camping on either side of the river from Sunny Bar (River Mile 22.6) to Campbells Ferry (River Mile 42.5). You will be floating through an active fire area and will encounter very smoky conditions. Please be on the lookout for falling rocks, logs and other debris. Please exercise caution when floating through the fire area. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"If you do choose to launch, please do not impede any firefighting operations including moving out of the way of jetboats carrying firefighting personnel when possible, following instructions from Forest Service personnel, and plan to pass through the no stopping, no camping section of the river as early in the day as possible. As your group passes through the fire area, stay together as a group with all boats in the party staying within close proximity to each other."</span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">If you're planning to launch on the Middle Fork, you'll need to fly your group into Indian Creek to avoid the log jams in the upper portion of the river. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times;">Back to the Main Salmon ... the only issue with not stopping in that </span></span><span style="font-family: times;">15- to 20-mile section that's restricted due to the Elkhorn fire, is it's chock full of the biggest rapids on the whole trip, namely Big Mallard and Elkhorn, both Class 4 rapids, and 5 Mile rapids, a Class 3+ drop with a big hole on the right, and Split Rock Rapids, a big Class 3. The visibility may be bad when you're trying to negotiate these drops, so if you're not familiar with these rapids, that could be a reason to wait for next year. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">People going with outfitters will be going with experienced river guides who are running those rapids every week, so they will know the safe way through, even if the visibility is bad. </span></span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I'd encourage floaters to visit with their groups and make a quick, informed decision on what to do. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Be aware that ultimately, you will be on your own, and you'll be responsible for your own safety. Bring a satellite phone and an Garmin InReach GPS so you can communicate with the outside world. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">These are world-class once-in-a-lifetime river trips. If you have the flexibility to roll your permit date to next year, it might be best to postpone your trip and see the Main Salmon in all of its glory in bluebird, non-smoky, non-hazardous conditions next summer. </span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #1b1b1b; line-height: 24px; margin: 0px 0px 10px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">- SS</span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-2414542019836012722023-07-27T15:42:00.001-07:002023-07-27T15:42:06.661-07:00Check out three unsung, flatwater paddling trips on the N. Fork of the Payette River <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_ZXGyFO6E10s4c_mjLTMjyMIL4CyECbgEu43E9BQNZqxUsafeeG9YUmOqGlgpWqfha6S1NtWwnL3HlmqxPoQDy0br-XWV9spEVmqhJUQz0nVYPW57XpFSd0VMxGEo331el6hFSkNfAPKcTf7-BOv5NB93P-O4aB8aqK2q-De4aP9qislfKD554wm7JrZ/s1535/363393870_10231310775534900_5831883095813626962_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="934" data-original-width="1535" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy_ZXGyFO6E10s4c_mjLTMjyMIL4CyECbgEu43E9BQNZqxUsafeeG9YUmOqGlgpWqfha6S1NtWwnL3HlmqxPoQDy0br-XWV9spEVmqhJUQz0nVYPW57XpFSd0VMxGEo331el6hFSkNfAPKcTf7-BOv5NB93P-O4aB8aqK2q-De4aP9qislfKD554wm7JrZ/w640-h390/363393870_10231310775534900_5831883095813626962_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">North Fork Payette River, south of McCall </td></tr></tbody></table>Hi all, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For this week's outdoor tip, I wanted to highlight three, unsung flatwater sections of the North Fork Payette River that are most suitable for canoes, inflatable kayaks, sit-on-top-kayaks and SUPs. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All of these trips would be ideal right now as a way to stay cool and see some new scenery. I just reprinted my <a href="https://stevestuebner.com/product/paddling-the-payette/">Paddling the Payette</a> river guide, now 5th edition; all three of these day trips are featured in the guide. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The trips are as follows: </span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;">North Fork Payette from Sheep Bridge in McCall to Heinrich Lane or Smylie Lane </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">North Fork arm of Lake Cascade near Donnelly and Tamarack Resort</span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Cascade to Cabarton Bridge </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Wendy and her friend Liz paddled the North Fork from Sheep Bridge to Heinrich Lane last Sunday, and had a great time. I've always thought it's a really scenic and fun place to paddle with great opportunities for seeing ospreys flying around and potentially diving for fish. This section is decent for rainbow trout fishing as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The put-in is at Sheep Bridge is by the Smokejumper Base on Mission Street, south of downtown McCall. Leave a shuttle at your takeout spot on Heinrich or Hartsell Bridge, off Smylie Lane. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNFy0wZAmAPM5S8V_PY5wAUD5hD89liEVucXZdM_e886YUHVWzOkFBHeuDDGgKyYJ7iyS9ts_fzFQhWhloom8Y4G-fQJ1BtNImQrK16ejYRpdUuyg94lf96VCl8CdXZ8O8LmQIWK3OZ3Dl_Nb98h2xHrcOg8r2cI22tuVIuXN-H82SN90vq6xvC62maMY/s480/363526065_755375149930818_7284643266605585892_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="480" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZNFy0wZAmAPM5S8V_PY5wAUD5hD89liEVucXZdM_e886YUHVWzOkFBHeuDDGgKyYJ7iyS9ts_fzFQhWhloom8Y4G-fQJ1BtNImQrK16ejYRpdUuyg94lf96VCl8CdXZ8O8LmQIWK3OZ3Dl_Nb98h2xHrcOg8r2cI22tuVIuXN-H82SN90vq6xvC62maMY/w640-h418/363526065_755375149930818_7284643266605585892_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz Paul taking a break on the North Fork. She paddled with Wendy in our Mad River canoe. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />You might see other wildlife too like great blue herons, kingfishers, bald eagles soaring overhead and many different types of songbirds -- we even found some frogs on shore. You might see white-tailed deer hanging out in the riparian zone along the river, too.</span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">The shorter trip to Heinrich Lane could take you about 3 hours, and the longer trip to Hartsell Bridge and Smylie Lane is a full day, usually about 5.5-6 hours. In the longer trip, you'll need to portage around some big logs that block the river. It's pretty obvious when you approach that spot. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8IuR-8ZrGZbs7BCuT7qQVIbcW0PnrHw10HNyrwRhUeA_rNYcCLJVsLxe4uh2q-b3K5qzW9-jm9uxgagNqehvmC_kP7eI-E2cNIp80qQTfxSGZgZvol49HSd3nxOTKBxb791a4ZzEZ63WYAyFhAEU13S-coBT_NmRpnWKPcbeNdV-eUQPr8H66IMG6r_1/s800/Steve%20in%20canoe%20on%20N.Fk.%20Payette%20S%20of%20McCall2008-07-04.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8IuR-8ZrGZbs7BCuT7qQVIbcW0PnrHw10HNyrwRhUeA_rNYcCLJVsLxe4uh2q-b3K5qzW9-jm9uxgagNqehvmC_kP7eI-E2cNIp80qQTfxSGZgZvol49HSd3nxOTKBxb791a4ZzEZ63WYAyFhAEU13S-coBT_NmRpnWKPcbeNdV-eUQPr8H66IMG6r_1/w640-h480/Steve%20in%20canoe%20on%20N.Fk.%20Payette%20S%20of%20McCall2008-07-04.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here's a shot from 10 years ago with Ellie in the kayak and Rosie in the canoe. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Wendy and I have paddled our 16-foot Mad River Explorer canoe on this reach. It's a perfect boat for this river section. At 250 cfs, the river is pretty low and slow, but there should be enough cushion to make it through small riffles. You do have to pay attention to your lines through the riffles to stay in the deepest water (usually part of the tongue).<br /><br />Check out this unsung section of the North Fork sometime when you have a full day of time and good weather. It's a treat.</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNYXhxOIMjQ3m9-Iq3WdS--tYeKdZPIJxSLtW-YsquRp2M64ixLYd0mUCWT7QXpLMS4mu_i1kgbpYJMbQ7ZU6Q3WD8FCp6DTUVcTwOfBxFZMIVJ8EsPDKlw01P8v6PdFh6XnN7sgsilkZ5E0jDmPx0Bs2mpAjglhFipmyE_87qGjFPo_gNueg1TQ6iCbV/s1259/Waterfront-4.2e16d0ba.fill-1440x712-c100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1259" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFNYXhxOIMjQ3m9-Iq3WdS--tYeKdZPIJxSLtW-YsquRp2M64ixLYd0mUCWT7QXpLMS4mu_i1kgbpYJMbQ7ZU6Q3WD8FCp6DTUVcTwOfBxFZMIVJ8EsPDKlw01P8v6PdFh6XnN7sgsilkZ5E0jDmPx0Bs2mpAjglhFipmyE_87qGjFPo_gNueg1TQ6iCbV/w640-h316/Waterfront-4.2e16d0ba.fill-1440x712-c100.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This happy family paddles sit-on-top kayaks on Lake Cascade (courtesy Tamarack Resort)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />North Fork arm of Lake Cascade - </b>You could start at Tamarack Falls, Poison Creek Campground or or one of the other campgrounds with lake access from Tamarack Falls to Tamarack Resort. If you don't have your own gear, you could rent watercraft from Tamarack Resort for a 2-hour tour. Try to go in the morning or evening when the reservoir is not as choppy from boat traffic. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">In the upper arms of the reservoir, the water channels are more narrow and thus are more enjoyable to paddle in a lake kayak, canoe or Stand Up Paddle Board. The North Fork arm, Lake Fork arm and Gold Fork arm are all worth exploring. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Trip time and length is up to you. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM40xVCNaL_niydsno8IBj8teOVm8s6uL4zxIlCSv4zvdxnQubYabfEwJ0tW64ZNQhx8qp83TPIQ5kUdinuLYs7UtPLuoaJBf5rwPVGZjrbaJL1VMG0z3rNBooIIvTNQjma9a9iP0CzNd4vvsXTcGaEwQOmMSAQHOwuYr5DeURvz2P_9mOiiJsyZQqUE7z/s636/2006-05-08_1CraigandWendyincanoe%20(2).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="636" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM40xVCNaL_niydsno8IBj8teOVm8s6uL4zxIlCSv4zvdxnQubYabfEwJ0tW64ZNQhx8qp83TPIQ5kUdinuLYs7UtPLuoaJBf5rwPVGZjrbaJL1VMG0z3rNBooIIvTNQjma9a9iP0CzNd4vvsXTcGaEwQOmMSAQHOwuYr5DeURvz2P_9mOiiJsyZQqUE7z/w640-h404/2006-05-08_1CraigandWendyincanoe%20(2).JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here Wendy is paddling her big whitewater canoe on the Cascade to Cabarton trip. </td></tr></tbody></table><b><br />Cascade to Cabarton Bridge</b> - This is another one of those unsung, flatwater trips on the Payette River. Trip distance is 9 miles. Travel time is 3-5 hours, depending on flow and wind. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The North Fork moves faster in the Cascade-to-Cabarton reach because in mid-summer, it is flowing at about 1,800 to 1,900 cubic feet per second, with the flows coming out of Lake Cascade upstream. You put in at the south bridge of Idaho 55 (parking and access are fine in that location) and take out at the Cabarton Bridge boat ramp, where the next Class 3 whitewater river section begins.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">For people who would rather avoid whitewater and want a more relaxing paddling trip, this is a great option. Pack a lunch for your journey. The river winds through the valley and gives you broad views of West Mountain and East Mountain and the cattle pastures in between. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">You're likely to see herons, kingfishers, bald eagles, ospreys and other birds of prey. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Fishing can be decent in this reach with rainbows that have washed out of the reservoir.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">There you have it! Have a great weekend! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">- SS </span></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-57759883690100596582023-07-13T15:09:00.008-07:002023-07-13T16:17:48.461-07:00Just in time for the July heat! 5th edition of "Paddling the Payette" is hot off the press! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKK3TmpAPUyIh7VzCiWhzViWlVD462uoV2VRPLDsAvL6nLeODLXpjqyEsp6o8K8eJgKT8wC6fmDSBvTPTqU41TIZ37NsG5VOgi2HBKEjc4h_e2xfasmthOkrxByBLP46G7MtLMSKfafVk8qaTT9UE97WtSc5pqkRJlLM2qC03i-1VlHvKvgiwJPZjC4znO/s2453/PTP%20final%20cover%202023%20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2453" data-original-width="1577" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKK3TmpAPUyIh7VzCiWhzViWlVD462uoV2VRPLDsAvL6nLeODLXpjqyEsp6o8K8eJgKT8wC6fmDSBvTPTqU41TIZ37NsG5VOgi2HBKEjc4h_e2xfasmthOkrxByBLP46G7MtLMSKfafVk8qaTT9UE97WtSc5pqkRJlLM2qC03i-1VlHvKvgiwJPZjC4znO/w412-h640/PTP%20final%20cover%202023%20.jpg" width="412" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New cover for 5th edition </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all, </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here in Idaho, we are blessed with many outstanding river systems, and the Payette River is one of our true and trusty gems, just 30-45 minutes from Boise.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I've been paddling the Payette River personally since the mid-1980s. I started with whitewater rafting, kayaking and canoeing, and then things have evolved to Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My first guidebook on the Payette River was published in 1995. I just reprinted the book in July 2023, creating the 5th edition, now hot off the press! New price is $19.95. Books will be available at Idaho River Sports, Alpenglow Mountain Sport, Rediscovered Books, Cascade Raft, River Gear at Kelly's Whitewater Park, Amazon, other outdoor retailers and <a href="https://stevestuebner.com/product/paddling-the-payette/">my web site</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOtbb9zDLnnwHvnxIniQSSq5JQQAkU1-zcf0xRuHXgQyW3eMG4M5jIofEUHc749A86_B2qjz-WZ1BEA6B56Q7mnodnTTrB9EbYdjBfNkaBGJKDizbFcKv3Wimbn2RLkBMVyFwbRReqEMmSXVwAAvAtBU6ikRLt2eBq6O9N7PRsI1mE-wBbKoJ3XVC2ksh/s476/SUP%20in%20Swirley%202%20John%20Poole.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="476" data-original-width="360" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJOtbb9zDLnnwHvnxIniQSSq5JQQAkU1-zcf0xRuHXgQyW3eMG4M5jIofEUHc749A86_B2qjz-WZ1BEA6B56Q7mnodnTTrB9EbYdjBfNkaBGJKDizbFcKv3Wimbn2RLkBMVyFwbRReqEMmSXVwAAvAtBU6ikRLt2eBq6O9N7PRsI1mE-wBbKoJ3XVC2ksh/w484-h640/SUP%20in%20Swirley%202%20John%20Poole.jpg" width="484" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Poole paddles Swirly Canyon on his SUP</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />The Payette River system is a special gift because it has such wonderful diversity -- including lakes, Class 2 streams, and full-on, world-class whitewater. The Payette is extremely accessible. Many roads and highways lead to your favorite paddling adventure, and no permits are required. All you need to do is gather up your boating gear and go, or call an outfitter and go. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My book provides details on 23 day trips in the Payette River system - something for all abilities - rafting, kayaking, sit-on-top kayaks, SUPs and canoes. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">More than 20 of the day trips on the Payette River are suitable for SUPs - from tranquil easy-going floats on lakes to Class 3 whitewater. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkvzOcvf3fDhd5ynUtAAhCEoogVjuW7q_7Wg4Q5DlTJ7wDZx3SuD_RGb_bRGzK0si3R6N02K6L5_YlFilk2pGhzw1BLo2KgUepskWoaGVWRO9bWzXxFZiBv7afYXc5w7cuFd599-WujSZDxzXF0TRtmSGIGaP-nvQd01qaLOuBsf9YrDEqlO7ni8sb2Cy/s3008/lonepine3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3008" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkvzOcvf3fDhd5ynUtAAhCEoogVjuW7q_7Wg4Q5DlTJ7wDZx3SuD_RGb_bRGzK0si3R6N02K6L5_YlFilk2pGhzw1BLo2KgUepskWoaGVWRO9bWzXxFZiBv7afYXc5w7cuFd599-WujSZDxzXF0TRtmSGIGaP-nvQd01qaLOuBsf9YrDEqlO7ni8sb2Cy/w640-h426/lonepine3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The South Fork "Canyon" run has non-stop action. This is Lone Pine Rapids. <br />(Courtesy Cascade Raft)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Two large reservoirs, Lake Cascade and Deadwood Reservoir, provide season-long flows on the Payette River. The dams store irrigation water for farmers downstream. River flows are slowly released throughout the summer to water crops. This flow regime benefits boaters of all kinds throughout the summer. When other streams in the West dry up or are too low to float in August, the Payette is still running strong. </span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNzLm75fsiGLD-pYRQ2s-MdzIsrTZEHYnvAZoxFoFImdNyVqOzAHqnUVO7p9qfpaFt0hfg0TtJWfMbeenx4ApAlVHJD-YVYKvlSyvCg__vGogjFCZWgINj52eIhW2wt5MpcG-IASFig8wmFNcHdgU2iEkLKtD8dP2P3lJbd3dqzgocieL7Q6v0iEHJRQ4/s3725/Steve%20guiding%20raft%20in%20Plunge%2006.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1905" data-original-width="3725" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtNzLm75fsiGLD-pYRQ2s-MdzIsrTZEHYnvAZoxFoFImdNyVqOzAHqnUVO7p9qfpaFt0hfg0TtJWfMbeenx4ApAlVHJD-YVYKvlSyvCg__vGogjFCZWgINj52eIhW2wt5MpcG-IASFig8wmFNcHdgU2iEkLKtD8dP2P3lJbd3dqzgocieL7Q6v0iEHJRQ4/w640-h328/Steve%20guiding%20raft%20in%20Plunge%2006.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Steve guiding a paddle raft through "Howard's Plunge" at the end <br />of the Cabarton section, North Fork Payette River in Smith's Ferry. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Overall, the Payette River promises to deliver lots of fun, as long as you are well-prepared for the journey. I don’t know how many times I’ve gotten up on a beautiful summer morning – no clouds in the sky – packed up the boating gear and whispered to myself, it’s going to be an all-Idaho day on the Payette – guaranteed fun. You feel the excitement on the way to the put-in, and you know it’s going to be an awesome day. </span><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn9hjJyxvjL2y5s2rHxUrfXcJKA4C5Iyap0SSsaf1RirZyOXb1VCjOEN0DCGmTu48vHeT_0u5x4uEMAae8zuSbNlGIc1wyrVdHHHmbzotqxwiGyFWfy7-6gt0_Fz4jkdx9jmXmTJVPC3k5G9WYCX_GVwgL4huWq0BcGGKP5Uc4ni6AWwY6JIVSPYWsok0/s867/back%20cover%20pic%20.PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="867" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTn9hjJyxvjL2y5s2rHxUrfXcJKA4C5Iyap0SSsaf1RirZyOXb1VCjOEN0DCGmTu48vHeT_0u5x4uEMAae8zuSbNlGIc1wyrVdHHHmbzotqxwiGyFWfy7-6gt0_Fz4jkdx9jmXmTJVPC3k5G9WYCX_GVwgL4huWq0BcGGKP5Uc4ni6AWwY6JIVSPYWsok0/w640-h370/back%20cover%20pic%20.PNG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Two women SUP on a large pond near McCall. (photo by Steve Jones) </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;">Enjoy!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">- SS </span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-5293312361677712302023-07-06T16:44:00.003-07:002023-07-06T16:46:43.594-07:00Highly recommend the new Brundage to Bear Basin Trail - Awesome addition to the McCall trail network! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoyp2nGdJX7sdGsG_ndjRfHC6NF_umaypN8gePLJM2COR5yP4HxISMn6Pzoz8TdwZLv6ZJoIdOYLJeVrlKCzZqPVfXt7ux3LLUEkInfx4iEZstrZPXtGjVView09y3SVEQZtar1ngp7WIGK2O94pbHXqnmNqu6zg82n3qeiFtD0qG9e5mMiJ9s9G0ThzE/s960/357393910_10160743967582962_2095585725328217557_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoyp2nGdJX7sdGsG_ndjRfHC6NF_umaypN8gePLJM2COR5yP4HxISMn6Pzoz8TdwZLv6ZJoIdOYLJeVrlKCzZqPVfXt7ux3LLUEkInfx4iEZstrZPXtGjVView09y3SVEQZtar1ngp7WIGK2O94pbHXqnmNqu6zg82n3qeiFtD0qG9e5mMiJ9s9G0ThzE/w640-h480/357393910_10160743967582962_2095585725328217557_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The B2BB trail winds through beautiful open mountain meadows </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I had the privilege of riding the new Brundage to Bear Basin Trail last Saturday, and I must tell you that it's an AWESOME addition to the McCall trail network! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hats off </b>to the <a href="https://www.cimbarides.org/">Central Idaho Mountain Biking Association</a>, which partnered with the Payette National Forest and <a href="https://brundage.com/">Brundage Mountain Resort</a> to permit and build the trail. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">A post from CIMBA credited the following funding partners: </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One Track Mind Foundation </span></span></li><li><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Albertson's Foundation</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Recreational Trails Program grant via Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">IMBA Dig-In Grant </span></span></li><li><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Idaho Community Grants</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">City of McCall Local Option Tax</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Individual Donations</span></span></li><li><span style="color: #050505; font-family: "inherit", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Several Large Donors & Receipts
from past Idaho Gives Campaigns through CIMBA</span></span></li></ul><div><span style="color: #050505; font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: medium;">Pretty awesome community support! </span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>CIMBA is a really activ</span><span>e mountain bike club, based in McCall. They've shown amazing leadership over the years to add significant new trails to the McCall trail network, such as the Bear Basin network of trails for all abilities, Jug Mountain Ranch trails and the extension of the Payette Rim trail out to North Beach on the west side of Payette Lake. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Last weekend, I wanted to finish demolishing our deck at our cabin in McCall. My son Quinn and I made fast work of that with our chainsaw on Friday. So that left Saturday free to ride the Brundage to Bear Basin Trail (B2BB). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LYuP1i2FuE92MCe_4-ZHD454UDQ-p0xVzscn3mWzna3Rfq6XMchrOygHGDKlcDlnxBZmDyRaVQZ5C--_A9ZxIppAsSrQ9WltfYoM3gtaJxHUwmWhZn2iFNBUc5Mbbog9LShqmpRTDVXuU1qSYmEyYTH_TaXE023zEgDVppPYoTFTgOjXHyemOVR5E3Nx/s1120/Screen%20Shot%2007-06-23%20at%2005.32%20PM%20(2).PNG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="1120" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LYuP1i2FuE92MCe_4-ZHD454UDQ-p0xVzscn3mWzna3Rfq6XMchrOygHGDKlcDlnxBZmDyRaVQZ5C--_A9ZxIppAsSrQ9WltfYoM3gtaJxHUwmWhZn2iFNBUc5Mbbog9LShqmpRTDVXuU1qSYmEyYTH_TaXE023zEgDVppPYoTFTgOjXHyemOVR5E3Nx/w640-h420/Screen%20Shot%2007-06-23%20at%2005.32%20PM%20(2).PNG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Passing by Temptation ski slope on Growler </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I had planned on taking the Bluebird quad to the top of Brundage, but learned that morning that the chairlift was down until further notice (a new part is on order). So I had Wendy drop me off at the base area, and I climbed Growler to the top. Growler is a sweet singletrack trail that climbs Brundage at a pretty moderate grade for most of the climb. Very rideable. There are a few heinous, steep-ass sections in the dark trees with deep roots thrown in for sport. But that's the way trails can be in McCall! Get used to it! </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Passing by 45th and Temptation in the summer makes me smile because in the winter I'm usually flying down those groomers at top speed. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">You hit the B2BB junction on the southern shoulder of Brundage where Growler meets the Lakeview Vista trail. And then you're off and running! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA69B79ikEga21eBNLUXVwgtxL_Rel2-S2fABm5XtfANKmVM_JiJ9Dwp0GGqPd_m7yvr3o18TS-DImfjSedBiN6EkB5exO82wAEjuo6HwL-doYVKM_4yBIwpwwCehJsYhc0wR1e1yu3rliz8nIYtEJKB_X_FFOiqT79g9Xsa597DxChtN2K5X_x0ETEcrU/s960/357491937_10160743967997962_7584855134189378075_n.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA69B79ikEga21eBNLUXVwgtxL_Rel2-S2fABm5XtfANKmVM_JiJ9Dwp0GGqPd_m7yvr3o18TS-DImfjSedBiN6EkB5exO82wAEjuo6HwL-doYVKM_4yBIwpwwCehJsYhc0wR1e1yu3rliz8nIYtEJKB_X_FFOiqT79g9Xsa597DxChtN2K5X_x0ETEcrU/s320/357491937_10160743967997962_7584855134189378075_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I had no idea what to expect - just that it was 6.5 miles downhill with 1,700-feet of vertical descent. Pretty quick, I encountered some tricky rock features and a rock wall that I walked, but then the trail weaved down an open mountainside full of wildflowers for several miles, and that was glorious. I stopped to snap some pics of the views where you could see the Little Lake, Payette Lake, Long Valley to the south, New Meadows and Seven Devils to the west. Similar to the views you get skiing at Brundage, but different. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The open mountain meadows seemed to last quite a while and then you enter the forest and ride through a long series of switchbacks - seemingly a million well-sculpted, fun banked corners that you'll find on Berm and Ernie at JMR and Bogus Basin, and the Around the Mountain Trail at BB or the West Drain at Bear Basin. As I rode through all of those banked corners, it felt like the ATM trail x 10 because of the 6.5 miles of entertaining singletrack. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After those initial challenging rock sections, the rock features on the trail were set up in a way that they flowed with the trail - you could needed to coast or cruise over the top of them with the downhill momentum. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The trail contractors did a great job, I thought. The dirt surface was really buffed for the first year of use. But I'm one of the first ones to ride it! After the Bluebird chair gets cranking, it's going to get a lot more use! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLJauSaDE2GVUP_luL71cZO-0CXOWAlxpCQ0cDPFBJ3TdRfN7nqjl77tLHnqdSuh4UPDuzyRqJoluyMJv9pIL4sQyM_mGZNbWdMCaqF1X7DPpRDPqwlpkkYevSVDXerVhRIP6cvMKBZgYYGeQE2FCsxapWhSEOmue79r0Bi9WiK1ZVR5-HlfKRwyXznLE/s960/357039060_10160743967882962_6889912002889351640_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLJauSaDE2GVUP_luL71cZO-0CXOWAlxpCQ0cDPFBJ3TdRfN7nqjl77tLHnqdSuh4UPDuzyRqJoluyMJv9pIL4sQyM_mGZNbWdMCaqF1X7DPpRDPqwlpkkYevSVDXerVhRIP6cvMKBZgYYGeQE2FCsxapWhSEOmue79r0Bi9WiK1ZVR5-HlfKRwyXznLE/w640-h480/357039060_10160743967882962_6889912002889351640_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />B2BB finally descends into Ditch Witch in the Bear Basin trail system, and it's well-signed as you transition into the BB trails. Ditch Witch is very narrow and climbs at a steep pitch out of a dark hole in the forest but you just grind it out and pop out on Polar Express. I headed east from there toward Bear Basin Road since I had to pedal back to my cabin. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Wendy went off to hike Granite Mountain with Huck while I did my ride.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All in all, I thought it was a great new trail! My arms were worked from all of the braking and banked corners and such, but those features make for entertaining riding while you're cruising through the mountains. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I've got a pretty good feeling for the McCall trails as the author of the Mountain Biking in McCall (now only available as an ebook). My first edition of that book came out in 1995. I love all of the trails around the McCall area, but if there's any weakness in the system, there needs to be more trail options close to town. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The B2BB trail does a nifty job of tying together the popular Bear Basin trail system with Brundage Mountain trails. Now you can do some pretty amazing rides from McCall incorporating those trails. You'll have multiple options to choose from as to how you reach the top of B2BB. It's really up to you and your riding friends as to how far you go! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iV8hrYYMBJTox6Dhs6AnOpC-EMtW_HZMjypmMJwGJCJeZpsrYtrXjPFNzZ_xIbMdfjNFOsyqABhNn-mZYmMK1hfBNFjWQxZ1IdVyhmlphax_l-uix_hJlE1aFzfYEHhuJLxpAUIByKcdEFiingxZ5fnjJ5UPzAZxhqzdV7AZv1rZkpIgGuzAxcEOyecM/s1937/Screen%20Shot%2007-06-23%20at%2004.34%20PM.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1097" data-original-width="1937" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0iV8hrYYMBJTox6Dhs6AnOpC-EMtW_HZMjypmMJwGJCJeZpsrYtrXjPFNzZ_xIbMdfjNFOsyqABhNn-mZYmMK1hfBNFjWQxZ1IdVyhmlphax_l-uix_hJlE1aFzfYEHhuJLxpAUIByKcdEFiingxZ5fnjJ5UPzAZxhqzdV7AZv1rZkpIgGuzAxcEOyecM/w640-h362/Screen%20Shot%2007-06-23%20at%2004.34%20PM.PNG" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /><a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/9370222965">Strava tracks</a>. 16 miles from Brundo to McCall. 1,200 feet of climbing, gotta be close to 2,500 feet of descent. </span><span> </span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't forget the <a href="https://boisetwilightcriterium.com/">Boise Twilight Criterium</a> on Saturday in downtown Boise! <br />- SS </span></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-90835786437051088482023-06-22T16:44:00.001-07:002023-06-22T16:47:57.051-07:00Grand Ronde River's velvety green canyon shines once again on a 4-day trip in June <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3XJ-nMNZyRxPpYbT3OuNcqO2atJLPo_LKBF1KprG7NWs2yg1Dk7vgmk6oO8lFN1I-Db9UviLjC25XgAkqe0EtmTwWtn7YK_FBUJMRm-pJbu4Y7tzdrRfgpTA9MIrOqSUH1oNxvTbQYvDYwCNXiuehrd1reCXHqbCZTleDYJXaNw0F_0g3NuWTuckBb5a/s2048/354452124_10160715998227962_7693065884575327884_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu3XJ-nMNZyRxPpYbT3OuNcqO2atJLPo_LKBF1KprG7NWs2yg1Dk7vgmk6oO8lFN1I-Db9UviLjC25XgAkqe0EtmTwWtn7YK_FBUJMRm-pJbu4Y7tzdrRfgpTA9MIrOqSUH1oNxvTbQYvDYwCNXiuehrd1reCXHqbCZTleDYJXaNw0F_0g3NuWTuckBb5a/w640-h480/354452124_10160715998227962_7693065884575327884_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steep-ass hike from our camp below has quick dividends - big views and flowers galore</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all, </span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Grand Ronde River in Eastern Oregon is one of my all-time favorite springtime getaways in a wilderness setting. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Last year, we had a good trip at flood stage, 13,000 cfs, but we had to endure lots of torrential rainstorms - all under the comfort of my killer tarp, I might add. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But this year, we had beautiful weather, with highs in the 70s and just a few random thundershowers while in camp. We did a 4-day trip on June 12-15 from Minam, Ore., to Powatka Bridge (Wildcat canyon), covering about 39 miles. The <a href="https://www.minamstore.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: times;">Minam Store</a> ran our shuttle for $170. Easy to set up online. </span></p><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW_rfkIWk2gfR7plzz6A5TPwe_TFF_44bMb2wq2_apgqzms57Razqru2n9OAPCBG94dz1hExON_Jwhk8cq4EnZiqlSIMFeyfgux6TnV1srmqKIJp2tuMpPhfx5K4RHDJWtaXBQxjdqtFZ-GZbapB3MHvQO2eY3eFJjzV_-IBD-gp8Lp_taAgGdy7FaLp4/s2048/354451511_10160715998182962_2567799395418706227_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioW_rfkIWk2gfR7plzz6A5TPwe_TFF_44bMb2wq2_apgqzms57Razqru2n9OAPCBG94dz1hExON_Jwhk8cq4EnZiqlSIMFeyfgux6TnV1srmqKIJp2tuMpPhfx5K4RHDJWtaXBQxjdqtFZ-GZbapB3MHvQO2eY3eFJjzV_-IBD-gp8Lp_taAgGdy7FaLp4/w640-h480/354451511_10160715998182962_2567799395418706227_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy and Huck on Day 4, a little cooler than the previous 3 days. Background shows<br />the aftermath of a wildfire in 2021. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />The Grande Ronde is a great choice in the spring because the countryside is soooooooooooooooooooo velvety green and beautiful, the river flows are high enough to cover the rocks and make navigation really easy, and wildflowers are blooming everywhere. Self-issue permits are easily obtained at the put-in, and there are dozens of sweet forested campsites to chose from as you float the canyon. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">In terms of difficulty, the Grande Ronde is rated Class 2-3, which is pretty low key on the whitewater scale. For our trip, we had about 5,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) of river flow, allowing you to scoot along and clock river miles with ease. Just put the oars under your knees, kick back and sip a beverage while enjoying the scenery and wildlife along the way. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZABmL26S4nM" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZABmL26S4nM"></iframe></div><br />The <a href="https://www.minamstore.com/">Minam Store</a> also has rafts and gear for rent if you'd like to do your own trip. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">From Boise, it takes about 4 hours to get to the put-in -- 3 hours via I-84 to La Grande, and an hour on two-lane paved roads to Minam, a little roadstop next to <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/park_26.php" style="background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; text-decoration-line: none;">Minam State Park</a>, a gorgeous place to camp the night before you launch, if you wish.</span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6IZgUEQiJj_5zMQZMwR-Mlf1JuDzl54dIMzqid5y1qPaCTfLxjX8sbSSHENEbBuOi9LuZczLXPmaRjjn62HbitTXCRqi7QwxdW6dODfQGwdRe6mlKw78QB9m_yS51OkIRRQujAjgsAiFJeVzi15Yxoh9aXPCP3Y2vlP61jIhTfowko0w0Kn1GWAjAeCm/s2048/352832075_10160715998442962_1419052690147396829_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6IZgUEQiJj_5zMQZMwR-Mlf1JuDzl54dIMzqid5y1qPaCTfLxjX8sbSSHENEbBuOi9LuZczLXPmaRjjn62HbitTXCRqi7QwxdW6dODfQGwdRe6mlKw78QB9m_yS51OkIRRQujAjgsAiFJeVzi15Yxoh9aXPCP3Y2vlP61jIhTfowko0w0Kn1GWAjAeCm/w640-h480/352832075_10160715998442962_1419052690147396829_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our favorite campsites </td></tr></tbody></table><br />One of the neatest parts of floating the Grande Ronde is staying in those beautiful, grassy riverbank campsites amid ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees. On night #2 of our trip, we stayed at a scenic campsite that's easily as cool as some of the best camps on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. Picture a large grassy meadow, a big kitchen area shaded by large trees, a steep hike up a ridge behind camp, and lots of wildflowers.</span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Here are a few other pics from our trip ... </span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohLgi2jPUnKSJV0rlFqfAtiT1luIiYrcG-NijA1kIxrug7yN5vJfZVnKuyIu3K630Jr4xdOjQjtTEqXtP4zE0bxvByFchSI7cpfJBT-T514_IzTu-1hJQYsJwRydljuEQ0znshg0mZjQtxxo2FlzQNkPm57PXTPyYVTh2OY18l1wW9LPAYLopX0rHqnku/s2048/352208444_10160715998402962_6790125624458583765_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgohLgi2jPUnKSJV0rlFqfAtiT1luIiYrcG-NijA1kIxrug7yN5vJfZVnKuyIu3K630Jr4xdOjQjtTEqXtP4zE0bxvByFchSI7cpfJBT-T514_IzTu-1hJQYsJwRydljuEQ0znshg0mZjQtxxo2FlzQNkPm57PXTPyYVTh2OY18l1wW9LPAYLopX0rHqnku/w640-h480/352208444_10160715998402962_6790125624458583765_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Up near the top of the canyon, about 1,000 vertical feet above our camp. <br />With Keith and Ann from Portland. Gorgeous views, gentle breeze, and bird song. Below, Huck is still climbing mountains at age 11. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY3H-QOPSMsHKCGmyd-AK9wce5tYdtuftAPkWPNJ4woD4uggfk9kh3KGwHSyt_rIV8-W-m692Q0QwFQXn41RHMsO1lZ2B9eqyrj3z3c_sqdVN5kV1XexVUxHlC6RgYhZX_MYGL8TwdGzFo8iByehqEXZHNQDiA-uPnRNoDE0DKoDqfmMGfD0-9YCq3C6h/s2048/353417834_10160715998507962_886948654848933130_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY3H-QOPSMsHKCGmyd-AK9wce5tYdtuftAPkWPNJ4woD4uggfk9kh3KGwHSyt_rIV8-W-m692Q0QwFQXn41RHMsO1lZ2B9eqyrj3z3c_sqdVN5kV1XexVUxHlC6RgYhZX_MYGL8TwdGzFo8iByehqEXZHNQDiA-uPnRNoDE0DKoDqfmMGfD0-9YCq3C6h/w480-h640/353417834_10160715998507962_886948654848933130_n.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;">----------------------------------------<br /></span><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had the privilege to appear on KTVB-TV Channel 7 on the 4 p.m. news Wednesday to share some tips about hiking, information about my <i><a href="https://stevestuebner.com/product/boise-trail-guide/">Boise Trail Guide - 95 Hiking and Running Routes Close to Home</a>,</i> and camping this summer. </span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the 4-minute clip: <a href="https://www.ktvb.com/video/sports/outdoors/exploring-idaho-pro-guide-on-the-dos-and-donts-of-summer-activities/277-d3afef76-3ef8-4ef7-90e2-a3c6f6278762">https://www.ktvb.com/video/sports/outdoors/exploring-idaho-pro-guide-on-the-dos-and-donts-of-summer-activities/277-d3afef76-3ef8-4ef7-90e2-a3c6f6278762</a></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have a great weekend! </span></div><div style="line-height: 18.2px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- SS </span></div></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-9289630228551804422023-06-08T17:32:00.003-07:002023-06-08T17:33:07.218-07:00Camas Lilies blooming at Centennial Marsh, morels popping, and ski areas opening soon <p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCTcFjHaiu-lRktOtqbWiA_cyfoc_aZUiUcjG-phHkEpIa4KW8oAJ9tHsJOlYRs4M4KDDke39swywqfF92RIIgSlpEosGSZHJCnWuFG1ce-HNINfsiREDJPR1HZb-n5mp8ghOvO4dLD5271B9cxrE6SNcHzzYyw64Ge6TU4-jZZs3k_DI2KdadTRFIw/s3072/IMGP1110.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3072" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCTcFjHaiu-lRktOtqbWiA_cyfoc_aZUiUcjG-phHkEpIa4KW8oAJ9tHsJOlYRs4M4KDDke39swywqfF92RIIgSlpEosGSZHJCnWuFG1ce-HNINfsiREDJPR1HZb-n5mp8ghOvO4dLD5271B9cxrE6SNcHzzYyw64Ge6TU4-jZZs3k_DI2KdadTRFIw/w640-h426/IMGP1110.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by Steve S.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all, </span><p></p><p>Beauty is surrounding us this spring with colorful wildflower blooms, verdant mountains everywhere and rushing water in streams. </p><p>One of those memorable scenes is the camas lily bloom at the <a href="https://idfg.idaho.gov/d7/wma/camas-prairie-centennial-marsh">Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh</a> near Fairfield. Fields of the lavender flowers carpet the landscape for as far as your eyes can see. It's also a great place to see songbirds, water birds and birds of prey. See <a href="https://visitsouthidaho.com/make-plans-visit-fairfield-camas-lily-days/">post</a> on Southern Idaho Tourism for details. Easy day trip. </p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJRzCk3U3k_EmIfKhZLtH4Rtpulr6R9vz0_zOi7yxRZsfvfsmb_T-xcu_6o2w_81cu7GOforTsovS60EpxXSOsOwNiOqZ5R9wig3OW5pvjiGnCS4Y9pnDr3B0RsOR3H4-mdsSFp7wzIiaX_EtIbC_YjQkeQWwLRfOu4vhtyHRQJeo60z9r0VKQyUz8Q/s3072/IMGP1063.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="3072" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJRzCk3U3k_EmIfKhZLtH4Rtpulr6R9vz0_zOi7yxRZsfvfsmb_T-xcu_6o2w_81cu7GOforTsovS60EpxXSOsOwNiOqZ5R9wig3OW5pvjiGnCS4Y9pnDr3B0RsOR3H4-mdsSFp7wzIiaX_EtIbC_YjQkeQWwLRfOu4vhtyHRQJeo60z9r0VKQyUz8Q/w640-h426/IMGP1063.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper meadow bloom, looking north from the highway </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Watch out for the <a href="https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?x=219&y=157&site=boi&zmx=&zmy=&map_x=219&map_y=157">weather </a>on Friday, if you're planning to get out and about ... looks dicy! High chance of rain, hail, you name it! Similar forecast for Saturday, but more afternoon than morning, according to the National Weather Service. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzka0kEFnfplKdhHEx2TcWVHoBoeKxWyhD9-Ba-3v3gliRTVHD5Ve_EVSZayzBU6vDi8xFv4a04vtJshi5PWkyd4kUU7A_vgEx6--vXAG1Aw8ZlVAfXp0rXdRuUhtX3bosKlWMGiOjzkMhmSE4XWlnGrq2t4E_EDVPyxjiioUMJA65_gu7IagNb7dWw/s3264/IMG_2201.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIzka0kEFnfplKdhHEx2TcWVHoBoeKxWyhD9-Ba-3v3gliRTVHD5Ve_EVSZayzBU6vDi8xFv4a04vtJshi5PWkyd4kUU7A_vgEx6--vXAG1Aw8ZlVAfXp0rXdRuUhtX3bosKlWMGiOjzkMhmSE4XWlnGrq2t4E_EDVPyxjiioUMJA65_gu7IagNb7dWw/w201-h151/IMG_2201.JPG" width="201" /></a></div>I'm seeing that the <b>morels are popping right now</b> in fire zones burned last summer like the Four Corners Fire area near Cascade. But truth be told, I don't want to hear about it! Been too busy to get out foraging myself, so that's been driving me nuts! Be sure to get out soon while the picking is good! I've been wondering how the picking is in the Moose Fire zone near Salmon ... has to be productive, too! <p></p><p>I've been curious when our local ski areas will be opening for the summer season. You won't have to wait too much longer! Here's what I discovered: </p><p></p><a href="https://brundage.com/events-calendar/"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline; text-align: center;"><a href="https://brundage.com/events-calendar/" style="text-align: left;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cyrCUuWHIO-qTRmnaHH6o_RYgB-n1ldz1gqDkEE4jav2kxOsYhLSmoTHbFepgAYzrB-iqufahsniL7WSUKgRx2m5jBbxte1X-Kpb1fOS5_M3mngY3XauPaDlfIzAw2czppXmU7Qhz-ZlmLG_vrg8KctjtuuXAj9z50kJUWn2HG0mGsjgO8iYNbsG3w/s1800/Brundage%20outdoor%20concert%20series.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5cyrCUuWHIO-qTRmnaHH6o_RYgB-n1ldz1gqDkEE4jav2kxOsYhLSmoTHbFepgAYzrB-iqufahsniL7WSUKgRx2m5jBbxte1X-Kpb1fOS5_M3mngY3XauPaDlfIzAw2czppXmU7Qhz-ZlmLG_vrg8KctjtuuXAj9z50kJUWn2HG0mGsjgO8iYNbsG3w/s320/Brundage%20outdoor%20concert%20series.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://brundage.com">Brundage Mountain Resort </a>opens Friday, June 16 for summer operations. Lift-served hiking and biking available, yoga sessions and more. Summer concert series starts on July 7. See band lineup to the left. See <a href="https://brundage.com/events-calendar/">event calendar </a>for more details. <br /><br /></li><li><a href="https://tamarackidaho.com/">Tamarack Resort</a> opens for summer operations on Saturday, June 17. Tam has lift-served hiking and biking, waterfront boat, kayak and SUP rentals, and a zip line course. See <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tamarackresortidaho/events">events calendar</a> for details on summer activities, live music and more. <br /><br /></li><li><a href="http://bogusbasin.org">Bogus Basin </a>opens for summer ops on Friday, June 23. They have lift-served biking and hiking, music on the mountain, music on the patio, yoga, guided nature hikes, the glade runner, climbing wall, bungee trampoline, gem panning and summer tubing. food and beverage on the patio and more. See <a href="https://bogusbasin.org/your-mountain/things-to-do/summer-activities/summer-events/">summer event calendar </a>for details. </li></ul><p></p><p>Have fun! <br />- SS </p><p> </p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-11447091675459159732023-06-01T17:36:00.005-07:002023-06-02T06:14:51.806-07:00Spring green up and wildflowers are spectacular right now! Three hikes where you'll enjoy nature's beauty in Boise<p><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVEhTHiyJVipkPx6n_UG2YrHfPonxVQdXXEQ7kYgzR6MC-8IZd8cHBDa5jjfdkYKVc5hi04EmhGFlVbFG_3TRVI-TzP0xJepylG4-pjN20_wJZ1EYKRT9xeBT6qdKInjA7Uy6bIL-TgOQDowoorAQMywY1ju8rtvPOOIEUAa-qbVGdZFzn0Y2bP2Siw/s3332/Quinn%20.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1708" data-original-width="3332" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbVEhTHiyJVipkPx6n_UG2YrHfPonxVQdXXEQ7kYgzR6MC-8IZd8cHBDa5jjfdkYKVc5hi04EmhGFlVbFG_3TRVI-TzP0xJepylG4-pjN20_wJZ1EYKRT9xeBT6qdKInjA7Uy6bIL-TgOQDowoorAQMywY1ju8rtvPOOIEUAa-qbVGdZFzn0Y2bP2Siw/w640-h328/Quinn%20.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinn Stuebner on the trail to Mt. Kepros, lit up by lupine and arrowleaf balsamroot. </td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Hi all,</span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After the super long and cold winter, the spring green up and wildflower display in the hills surrounding the Treasure Valley has been spectacular! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I hope you've been out to see it! If you're looking for more destinations with flowers in bloom, here are six suggestions close to home in the Boise area: <br /><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsreqMux0troXjkzOM1YD6lOqVFPxbsocFz2826iGBh8nVybOo_errpucdv6roicrcmZ9S-Ggd7y-QCvS1abCJbcUFkFlWF5XvDjyUp56ACOQbw-sisRs7iCo1EotFLZr8yYOu7ahQnaURFNhj-8OapRu6jYh89zr54K_RTqg5DddLJ8hWMGIiS0p1g/s800/arrowleaf%20final-L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="800" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsreqMux0troXjkzOM1YD6lOqVFPxbsocFz2826iGBh8nVybOo_errpucdv6roicrcmZ9S-Ggd7y-QCvS1abCJbcUFkFlWF5XvDjyUp56ACOQbw-sisRs7iCo1EotFLZr8yYOu7ahQnaURFNhj-8OapRu6jYh89zr54K_RTqg5DddLJ8hWMGIiS0p1g/w640-h420/arrowleaf%20final-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5 Mile - Watchman Loop, Boise Foothills</b> - 6-10-15 miles. Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous. Hiking time: 2.5-3 hours if you hike up 5 Mile to Watchman and drop out back to Rocky Canyon Road by the 5 Mile parking area on the Three Bears spur. It's a beautiful walk with water in 5 Mile Creek for the puppies. <br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ziovicCc9T8" width="320" youtube-src-id="ziovicCc9T8"></iframe></div><br /></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><b>Watchman - Three Bears bike ride</b>: </span><span>This is still one of my all-time favorite rides in the Boise Foothills. After you make the initial climb to Watchman, when you come around a corner into the next draw, the whole mountainside is blooming with arrowleaf balsamroot. Gotta see it. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;">Start and finish at the bottom of Rocky Canyon Road for the 10-mile version of this ride. Or start from Military Reserve Park for a longer version that clocks in at 15 miles. Vertical gain 2,500 feet. Rated advanced. Travel time: 3 hours. Start in Military Reserve. Take the Mountain Cove Trail along Freestone Creek to Ridgecrest #20 and climb to Central Ridge Trail. Climb Central Ridge to the Bucktail junction. Go straight, climb a short distance and then contour over to Rocky Canyon Road on Shane's. Climb Rocky Canyon Road to the Five Mile Trail and Creek. Climb Five Mile to Watchman. Follow Watchman across the foothills and go left at the junction with Three Bears/Curlew Ridge/Trail #6 and follow Three Bears down the spine of Curlew Ridge (super fun downhill with one technical section) back to Shane's Junction. Descend back to the bottom of Military Reserve however you like ... I always have to ride Bucktail and cruise the super-cool GS turns.<br /><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRt4-ImyLR8N2-ypAcOnhx2hCaup0glDscZiV_mC6KmeJCxfEfrPUHfKOq-lz00LWp8_IxCUomPds7RJz7Fkgtz16rVkZAM7UWWK5NFRIEaYd6YhyWWFWSakEfnRGe_iMWyjpfOjTrMF1Bcjr7APzRZqZfeV35UUB0NFM2qNOG_xafswJR5OXaJ_Ijg/s2048/350532914_570233118594866_4590747571649659505_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1213" data-original-width="2048" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnRt4-ImyLR8N2-ypAcOnhx2hCaup0glDscZiV_mC6KmeJCxfEfrPUHfKOq-lz00LWp8_IxCUomPds7RJz7Fkgtz16rVkZAM7UWWK5NFRIEaYd6YhyWWFWSakEfnRGe_iMWyjpfOjTrMF1Bcjr7APzRZqZfeV35UUB0NFM2qNOG_xafswJR5OXaJ_Ijg/w640-h380/350532914_570233118594866_4590747571649659505_n.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Courtesy Matt Clark </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Station Creek Trail, Garden Valley - </b>This is also one of my all-time favorite hikes in SW Idaho. Just saw some pics on Facebook from Boise friend Matt Clark, and the green meadows under the Ponderosa pine trees are aglow with color with multiple wildflower species in bloom! <span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>The Station Creek hike</b> is featured in my book, the </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; line-height: 18.2px;"><a href="https://stevestuebner.com/product/boise-trail-guide/"><b>Boise Trail Guide</b>: 90 Hiking & Running Routes Close to Home</a></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.2px;">.</span> I rate it "moderate" in terms of difficulty.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"> It's <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;">a sweet singletrack that climbs 1,300 feet over several miles to the top of the ridge overlooking the broad valley. It's a 4.5-mile hike round-trip. Travel time is 2+ hours. Pack a lunch for the top. If you have time, I highly recommend climbing Bald Mountain, located just above the ridge. You'll add maybe 45 minutes to an hour to the trip, round-trip. Plus, always better views from the top of peaks. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.2px;"><b>The trailhead</b> is about 1:15 from Boise on the Banks to Lowman Road. Take ID 55 to Banks, turn right to Garden Valley. Proceed past the town of Garden Valley to the Garden Valley Ranger Station. Station Creek Trail is directly across the road from the station. There's parking there but no rest room. <br /></span></span><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlqE9c3uaIofYPIPz9JH4itlCUvEy_vZgmHEevKlDukHGoem-BzmOZ3wrdCDCLnqbZlA7AugIBYvsxsDDQK6SGQ1cghOUq1Hv4vCvN3CCD9ru5ol3JQPcAiY88cfuLOLNLGAqU8rPpGBFKI5EOo14mMrSfvus5BUVv7P6M3zEckSoPXL_N4FNwHQBNw/s4032/20200523_142937.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlqE9c3uaIofYPIPz9JH4itlCUvEy_vZgmHEevKlDukHGoem-BzmOZ3wrdCDCLnqbZlA7AugIBYvsxsDDQK6SGQ1cghOUq1Hv4vCvN3CCD9ru5ol3JQPcAiY88cfuLOLNLGAqU8rPpGBFKI5EOo14mMrSfvus5BUVv7P6M3zEckSoPXL_N4FNwHQBNw/w640-h312/20200523_142937.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the way down from Mt. Kepros peak ... the trailhead is way the heck off to the south! </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hike Mt. Kepros</b>, one of four Boise Grand Slam peaks. It's a 10-mile, moderate to strenuous hike, but worth the effort. Travel time: 4-6 hours. Doing the hike in May and early June, the flowers are spectacular! Trailhead is off of Black's Creek Road, east of Boise on the freeway. See details on directions and highlights along the way in <a href="http://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2017/03/mount-kepros-is-delightful-10-mile-hike.html">my post on hiking Mt. Kepros.</a> </span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">---------------------------<br /><b>Outdoor notes:</b><br /><br />Noteworthy events going on this weekend:</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://rigginsidaho.com/event/big-water-blow-out/">Big water blowout</a> on the Salmon River in Riggins, Saturday, June 3. The Salmon is running 47,000 cfs as of Thursday at Whitebird. Gonna be big! </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/events/recfest-2023/">Eagle Rec Fest</a> at Eagle Island State Park, Saturday, June 3. Free entry to the park! Great place to take the kids for some fun activities! Plus there's 5 miles of trails at the park, ponds and other things for the kids to play on. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://birdsofpreyncapartnership.org/raptor-fest-4">Snake River Raptor Fest </a>- Saturday, June 3, 12-5 at the Indian Creek Winery in Kuna. </span></li></ul><span style="font-size: medium;">Have fun! <br />- SS </span><p></p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-69483115744794653942023-05-26T04:52:00.004-07:002023-05-26T04:52:53.340-07:00Always blessed to float the Owyhee River! <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5UA4UUjH-b7QfvgtRZZe-FPXetnNZTNg2OBXpodF7aX8qG7z32L2jB7ZkjadJBG8wbq0TBTSUX6VsdBGbS0DArrz3jlsWJJ044Xm6myixIQMTURd2ZZiSGHkusR2ZnCQeCwRLelqOGFCK4O2yOFLjE93RaZzrf0HT46GsuazhM_4brscg-ieL4ADQg/s4032/IMG_1195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5UA4UUjH-b7QfvgtRZZe-FPXetnNZTNg2OBXpodF7aX8qG7z32L2jB7ZkjadJBG8wbq0TBTSUX6VsdBGbS0DArrz3jlsWJJ044Xm6myixIQMTURd2ZZiSGHkusR2ZnCQeCwRLelqOGFCK4O2yOFLjE93RaZzrf0HT46GsuazhM_4brscg-ieL4ADQg/w640-h480/IMG_1195.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Floating by Pruitt's Castle and Chalk Basin with Liz and Wendy in the bow. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all, </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We managed to escape for 4-day trip on the Lower Owyhee River two weeks ago under mostly sunny skies. Felt lucky to be out there in one of my favorite spots with my partner Wendy, my son Quinn rowing his own raft, and several other friends, Liz Paul and Norm Nelson. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">We launched on a Thursday morning, so it wasn't too busy at the boat ramp in Rome. There must have been at least 200 vehicles in the parking lot, though, so clearly, the Owyhee River has been popular this spring season! </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Because of deep snow in the Owyhee and Jarbidge-Bruneau river basins last winter (285% of normal snowpack in the Owyhee and 268% in the Bruneau watershed as of April 20), this spring offered a rare chance to float those rivers for a longer window of time than normal when the water is high enough to go (March - June). If you don't have your own raft and whitewater gear, consider going with an outfitter. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">I'd recommend</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://far-away.com/" style="font-size: large;">Far & Away Adventures</a><span style="font-size: large;">,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://wildernessriver.com/" style="font-size: large;">Wilderness River Outfitters</a><span style="font-size: large;">,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.barkerriver.com/" style="font-size: large;">Barker River Expeditions</a><span style="font-size: large;">, and</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="https://www.rowadventures.com/" style="font-size: large;">ROW Adventures</a><span style="font-size: large;">. Please see</span><span style="font-size: large;"> a <a href="https://ioga.org/news/post/robust-mountain-snowpack-creates-banner-season-whitewater-rafting-jet-boating-idaho-rivers">press release and blogpost </a></span><span style="font-size: large;">that I wrote for the Idaho Outfitters and Guides Association.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kyabqb4slszoBeKNSIqwCZItk6kUclS-tacvw6Y5SXuJamiKViBii7W85d-82kfKORfumNu8DetyzM4_24F2UzyYldxhdQTarUWMA1MeS4kSGhqyqnqDVxdi32r4PgdpgdPZSfULeB8lBzjtRnUZ53lylH93knpWOwq0jvqGHDAGZia5x86fSZFh3A/s4032/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kyabqb4slszoBeKNSIqwCZItk6kUclS-tacvw6Y5SXuJamiKViBii7W85d-82kfKORfumNu8DetyzM4_24F2UzyYldxhdQTarUWMA1MeS4kSGhqyqnqDVxdi32r4PgdpgdPZSfULeB8lBzjtRnUZ53lylH93knpWOwq0jvqGHDAGZia5x86fSZFh3A/w640-h480/IMG_1219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wendy enjoys the Owyhee River canyon at our campsite below Montgomery Rapids. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Closing in on Memorial Day weekend, the Owyhee River has dropped to 1,600 cfs and it's continuing to slowly decline, so the window for rafting the river is closing over the next few weeks. Once it drops below 1,000 cfs, it's very rock and slow. The <a href="https://waterdata.usgs.gov/monitoring-location/13168500/#parameterCode=00060&period=P7D">Bruneau River,</a> however, is still running high at more than 2,000 cfs, so the window of time to run that river will extend well into June. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">One of the big advantages of floating the Lower Owyhee is that you follow a paved road (U.S. 95) to the boat-launch site in Rome, Oregon. To float the upper forks of the Owyhee, you have to drive for many miles on unimproved 4WD dirt roads that turn into major quicksand-like gumbo after lots of rain. So we had no worries about being able to reach the river last week, even though it had been wet. </span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">We took four days to float 48 miles to the Birch Creek takeout, upstream of Owyhee Reservoir. At a <a href="https://waterdata.usgs.gov/id/nwis/uv/?site_no=13181000&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060,00010">flow</a> of 3,000 cubic feet per second (cfs), with hardly any wind, it was not too hard to make our river miles. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7WBko-mHdP2dyRjQ53vKBfo218VTro-MqZ2TSv5bSgCqw_wclG96ZtBS2Jz9xP4qUdLP0rKxYVUISzVvzmSZKg0kePYTlSLXe0fRek4Adu-eqWVJSl2MOOlWmD9qDUDpKh3zeaTi0tzrpjGJnrwHjcWflogclPug8-L-eVeoM31QN825Z0LDThaZdA/s4032/IMG_1227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7WBko-mHdP2dyRjQ53vKBfo218VTro-MqZ2TSv5bSgCqw_wclG96ZtBS2Jz9xP4qUdLP0rKxYVUISzVvzmSZKg0kePYTlSLXe0fRek4Adu-eqWVJSl2MOOlWmD9qDUDpKh3zeaTi0tzrpjGJnrwHjcWflogclPug8-L-eVeoM31QN825Z0LDThaZdA/w640-h480/IMG_1227.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The weather turned a bit on Day 4 with clouds and cooler temps in the morning.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I watch the weather closely for our trips on the Owyhee because when it's nasty out there, it's not fun. I've encountered driving rain, headwinds, thunder and lightning in previous trips. But we nailed the nice weather window this time around. Grateful for that! </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />At 3,000 cfs, many of the rocks were covered with cushy flows. From a whitewater perspective, it's a pretty easy and mellow level with good current and fun waves.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The Lower Owyhee has mostly Class 2 rapids, with a few Class 3's and one Class 4, called Montgomery. I would rate that Class 3+ personally. Montgomery is not that hard. You have to pull away from a left-side wall as the current races around a left-hand bend. It's a pretty straight-forward maneuver, compared to Class 4 rapids that require multiple maneuvers around rocks or holes.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkCxT4bva-rGhyaxos0KsvgG9AZ7KUAe5HXsJPvQjS7XwwsiQE7ImGzfbImybQ2rZQKsMKXZQLY0ix5PJq5UKwACMEDyKWajk1CugDpHaww7c6ODZWAE2Ku8OSIhRbGRvs5iL3LhWZFGGYiH1SAe_W1kSAQe0juK_b3yUyWkgKEnGLGMbko4ERtRp5g/s4032/IMG_1163.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkkCxT4bva-rGhyaxos0KsvgG9AZ7KUAe5HXsJPvQjS7XwwsiQE7ImGzfbImybQ2rZQKsMKXZQLY0ix5PJq5UKwACMEDyKWajk1CugDpHaww7c6ODZWAE2Ku8OSIhRbGRvs5iL3LhWZFGGYiH1SAe_W1kSAQe0juK_b3yUyWkgKEnGLGMbko4ERtRp5g/w640-h480/IMG_1163.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinn cooked up a feast of eggs, sausage and blueberry pancakes on the morning of Day 2. <br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>We had four major highlights on our trip:<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">1. <b>Birds of Prey were </b><i><b>everywhere!</b> </i>Golden eagles, kestrels, northern harriers, prairie falcons and red-tailed hawks were flying around the cliffs, diving toward the water and nesting in the cliffs. Plus, we saw pairs of geese on virtually every corner, some with goslings, a few pairs of mergansers and some mallards.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />2. <b>Volcanic rock formations on the Lower Owyhee are spectacular</b>. The types of rock spans from black basalt lava similar to the Jordan Craters, to rhyolite red cliffs, basalt cliffs and many spires, hoodoos and other formations. It's fun to just stare in awe at these features and feel small.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">3. <b>Deep snow and April rains made the desert landscape the deepest shade of green imaginable</b>. We must have caught the green-up at its peak. But the flowers were just starting to pop. Arrowleaf balsamroot was blooming everywhere. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">4. <b>Camping out, campfires, S'mores, great meals and great people. </b>I love camping out in general. Hanging out and relaxing in camp is one of my favorite things. My son Quinn cooked up a feast for a dinner and breakfast; that was nice to have him pitch in like that. He's put a lot of effort into learning new recipes. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">If you go, make sure you have enough time to do some side-hiking. The area around Pruitt's Castle is a great place to hike, Hike-out camp is another sweet hiking spot early in the trip, and below Whistling Bird Rapids, there's a sweet campsite with a way to hike to the top of the rim and enjoy big views of the canyon. From that viewpoint, it's amazing how small you can feel, being a tiny little speck amid the giant Owyhee River Plateau.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">All I can say is getting away on an Owyhee or Jarbidge-Bruneau trip is good medicine for the soul. And you know, right at that moment, that you're extremely fortunate to experience it.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxxz7GeA2vJBTNAZ-pw3cVpVdL_2nr0-oxZe04Ns9WWQz-cmqg9lPBSrzv3fIUGuaXMbDhZYE3ihHUyFLF-t0PqvlPh9G9NcB6LCUMHucdrGv1SqNKhlnOylCJjGDuj9U7Navf65ca5p1ryCfU35DqEaCBSgUG1dMMS3X-AaKtrmcXsOgB3f95QmKrA/s4032/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxxz7GeA2vJBTNAZ-pw3cVpVdL_2nr0-oxZe04Ns9WWQz-cmqg9lPBSrzv3fIUGuaXMbDhZYE3ihHUyFLF-t0PqvlPh9G9NcB6LCUMHucdrGv1SqNKhlnOylCJjGDuj9U7Navf65ca5p1ryCfU35DqEaCBSgUG1dMMS3X-AaKtrmcXsOgB3f95QmKrA/w640-h480/IMG_0585.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side hiking around Pruitt's Castle</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">- SS</div></div></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-25364269188606688782023-05-04T16:30:00.002-07:002023-05-04T16:30:10.506-07:00Support Valley County Pathways in its quest to build a valley-wide trail system from Cascade to McCall <p><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tirznYtzuq453LnBOIUXJMCUjBNidTXjwle9rpUFwMpHroI4SmjRHbhKcKBdAwifcogHKtgWuXA7Oav-xNrZsOPQzIemhI6ovECpBpxgx09jqPeT9V-xV39U-YGAIUm9C0Cm67-mZ6jFgqWVApPgMDjGEn7BsakkbP5z_oX_lYhkZ0DviwUaG16Xug/s2000/Attachment-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4tirznYtzuq453LnBOIUXJMCUjBNidTXjwle9rpUFwMpHroI4SmjRHbhKcKBdAwifcogHKtgWuXA7Oav-xNrZsOPQzIemhI6ovECpBpxgx09jqPeT9V-xV39U-YGAIUm9C0Cm67-mZ6jFgqWVApPgMDjGEn7BsakkbP5z_oX_lYhkZ0DviwUaG16Xug/w640-h480/Attachment-1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New "singletrack sidewalk" trail along Heinrich Lane, south of McCall </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all,</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">On the fourth and final day of <a href="https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/valley-county-pathways">Idaho Gives</a>, I'd like to encourage you to support <a href="https://valleycountypathways.org/">Valley County Pathways</a>, a nonprofit group I've been leading for almost 20 years. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Our vision is to build a 70-mile, valley-wide trail system from Cascade to McCall and New Meadows, where we could connect to the Weiser River Trail. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Put another way, <b>our quest is to build a trail system that matches the grandeur of Long Valley.</b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For this year's <a href="https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/valley-county-pathways">Idaho Gives campaign</a>, our goal is $15,000. We've received a pledge from a trail supporter who will match all of our contributions up to $15,000, for a total potential of $30,000. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rbIP5ENhJiM" width="320" youtube-src-id="rbIP5ENhJiM"></iframe><br />Our new video tells our story. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We are inspired by the Boise River Greenbelt, the Wood River Trail and the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. Those long-distance trails are the pride of their communities, and anyone and everyone can enjoy them. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My feeling is we have 10 years to get a valley-wide trail system in place in Valley County, or we may never get it done. We need to act now! And that takes money! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I got started with Valley County Pathways in 2004, not long after the first $10M open space measure passed for the Boise Foothills. I was heavily involved in that open space campaign, and I still feel like it's one of the most important things I've done in my life. It was so cool to be part of a broad grass-roots effort that got embraced by the whole Boise community. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">From that experience, I learned that we can shape and enhance our communities and landscapes with new trails, open spaces and wildlife habitat with a LOT of DEDICATION and HARD WORK! </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've been trying to walk the talk for 30 years. In 1992, I was the founding president of the SW Idaho Mountain Biking Association (SWIMBA), when Ridge to Rivers was just getting started. We all wanted to improve our trail systems. SWIMBA partnered with Boise REI and R2R to build Shane's Trail, Sidewinder, Trail #1 over to Bob's, Redtail Ridge, and Seaman's Gulch trails in the 1990s. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdrpykAda-1XQLylxyiLkyAEcI7QlUeXhaTUw4qpN-Fk2DXz-8MgXTA0NBpbAwbwclUKaP2CfdvAiw55xPrGPXF2OivLlwH7PLPncsGKVZrh5rLsa4AyZZboFiXn-d8MMV4DLP7daRqe5LQ2tuwqO321Qh-W-hj3ZPgTP_bAJ82L_MvgWEv-8geUwaw/s4032/20180428_141809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRdrpykAda-1XQLylxyiLkyAEcI7QlUeXhaTUw4qpN-Fk2DXz-8MgXTA0NBpbAwbwclUKaP2CfdvAiw55xPrGPXF2OivLlwH7PLPncsGKVZrh5rLsa4AyZZboFiXn-d8MMV4DLP7daRqe5LQ2tuwqO321Qh-W-hj3ZPgTP_bAJ82L_MvgWEv-8geUwaw/w640-h360/20180428_141809.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Erin and Ed Roper ride in the grand opening of trails in McCall, a VCP event. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />At the same time, I was producing new trail guides like <i>Mountain Biking in Boise, Mountain Biking in McCall, and Mountain Biking in Idaho (</i>80 rides statewide<i>). </i> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I was a pretty well-traveled trail guy when I started working full-time for Tamarack Resort in government affairs in 2003. I knew there was an abandoned railroad line that ran through the middle of the valley, and I saw the abundance of public land along the western shoreline of Lake Cascade. I read that the Bureau of Reclamation recommended a walking/biking trail around Lake Cascade in a resource management plan, and my eyes just about popped out of my head! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We started Valley County Pathways at a time when the Rails to Trails movement was taking off big-time nationwide. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmLFzUyw5mE9s1HY0KP8mz6HZdppV_tJ3KoJ_1hPDq_Iqwoo3d2R0BrP3TxoOm32Igh7vfVeekUTHzw3myNR-RFIPZI9oxs63qn8MGprdFZXdaHYg4kHZqyICTaxFD56mYzD-dfphcQ3sa7t8W-Yrp2H_1A1UGQKQoW1hFKKBn9f0lDecp1nefaux2Q/s278/Eleanor%20Putman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="278" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGmLFzUyw5mE9s1HY0KP8mz6HZdppV_tJ3KoJ_1hPDq_Iqwoo3d2R0BrP3TxoOm32Igh7vfVeekUTHzw3myNR-RFIPZI9oxs63qn8MGprdFZXdaHYg4kHZqyICTaxFD56mYzD-dfphcQ3sa7t8W-Yrp2H_1A1UGQKQoW1hFKKBn9f0lDecp1nefaux2Q/w400-h345/Eleanor%20Putman.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eleanor Putman speaks at the trail dedication in 2006<br />on the north end of the Crown Point Trail. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />But it turned out that the old rail line from McCall to Cascade had been abandoned in 1979, pre-dating national legislation that gave railroad companies tax incentives to gift rail lines to nonprofit groups for conversion to recreation trails. The old railroad line in Valley reverted to private ownership in many locations, so that has made our work much more difficult. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A few landowners, including the Putman Family and the Whiteman Family, have gifted old RR line property to Valley County Pathways, for which we're eternally grateful.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Long story short, since 2004, we have built the bookends of a trail system in Cascade and McCall. Now we're working on bridging the gaps in the middle of the valley. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iR-0qh_qQMNNllPdqykWs__R2-1vo4ThKDivVe2LB_L4Bs8PKC1eysi4e87v5GlVIPygYbg2aYlbwOS7oIPXLuWLyj2QwPvjRw1MUjxbW5CwULlVezoZ9obKI5VXddT-I5p-58vhJsSbAHX6Xckp8KFAOoJjgX8gPOrU6zF49Af4uQaFNrP8MnBfDQ/s3072/DSCF0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3072" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5iR-0qh_qQMNNllPdqykWs__R2-1vo4ThKDivVe2LB_L4Bs8PKC1eysi4e87v5GlVIPygYbg2aYlbwOS7oIPXLuWLyj2QwPvjRw1MUjxbW5CwULlVezoZ9obKI5VXddT-I5p-58vhJsSbAHX6Xckp8KFAOoJjgX8gPOrU6zF49Af4uQaFNrP8MnBfDQ/w640-h480/DSCF0331.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugh Fulton, right, and Damon Yerkes on the Boulder Creek Trail. </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Currently, we are partnering with Valley County Parks and Recreation to craft a 5-year and 10-year build-out plan for the valley-wide trail system. We know the price tag will exceed $5M. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm super excited about the whole thing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There's a ton of state and federal money available right now for trail projects. We need private funds to provide match for projects, provide steady upkeep on our trails, and to assist with trail construction. We also partner with our friends with the Central Idaho Mountain Biking Association, the West Central Mountains Economic Development Council, the McCall Chamber of Commerce, the City of McCall Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Donnelly, and the community of Cascade to stretch our trail dollars as far as possible. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I don't usually ask people to donate to any particular cause in my blog, but this is a case that's dear to my heart. Please do what you can for Valley County Pathways! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Thank you! <br />- SS <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFpgg2aNVoYJQFtFQUsI7X8iotXJY_u-ecMsjUBOCxU3dVIq2BjG0gULlRc6wGuGJxZsFS521QHgH9v8ep8QkmL5g51P4po9zsP8c2lY75II9b01_rMfinkgM1hZLAXswWizsRLgkImBRjsh-6kBvVsnYcuvYW8eRrLiM2pV4dqPQZ8du1GJt5l7b8Q/s4032/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFpgg2aNVoYJQFtFQUsI7X8iotXJY_u-ecMsjUBOCxU3dVIq2BjG0gULlRc6wGuGJxZsFS521QHgH9v8ep8QkmL5g51P4po9zsP8c2lY75II9b01_rMfinkgM1hZLAXswWizsRLgkImBRjsh-6kBvVsnYcuvYW8eRrLiM2pV4dqPQZ8du1GJt5l7b8Q/w640-h480/IMG_0052.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The North Valley Rail-Trail doubles as a xc ski, snowshoe and snow bike trail. </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></div>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7862179529682142840.post-90548494055067267332023-04-27T16:37:00.000-07:002023-04-27T16:37:15.688-07:00OMG! Five days of 80 degree weather moving into May! Five outdoorsy ideas for Spring! <p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUXiILLDEU98wL60H7UvAj6-CNTTzFZLPyJ840_hGTpugvSj6ZZ9-K9TlQ_H4hZAg-JzJtU2iSMwqXYmZwiiyYuKuGGq1xk0W900GFfS8gi-qiTyv3Q-9iryJHJL0G6TsDZXyDniPoR9HjcF6hV6_ILPoMZ-BWfbhDySUeYDXVu2ZthqH2e-Ke_xpFg/s1115/Screen%20Shot%2004-27-23%20at%2004.23%20PM%20(2).PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="1115" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWUXiILLDEU98wL60H7UvAj6-CNTTzFZLPyJ840_hGTpugvSj6ZZ9-K9TlQ_H4hZAg-JzJtU2iSMwqXYmZwiiyYuKuGGq1xk0W900GFfS8gi-qiTyv3Q-9iryJHJL0G6TsDZXyDniPoR9HjcF6hV6_ILPoMZ-BWfbhDySUeYDXVu2ZthqH2e-Ke_xpFg/w640-h224/Screen%20Shot%2004-27-23%20at%2004.23%20PM%20(2).PNG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wow! </td></tr></tbody></table><br />Hi all, </p><p>For the first time this spring, we've got a wave of really nice, sunny warm weather coming our way for multiple days in a row! In the Boise Valley, I'm seeing high temps of 80 degrees 5 days in a row from Saturday through next Wednesday. Wow! What a change! </p><p>Now we can stop whining about the long, cold, snowy, icy winter, and look ahead to springtime outdoor activities! </p><p>Here are my Top 5 ideas: </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjyttkpHBvkAD3CRsRlLFLEjgGdM9qR5j_Xgt-bDQ-a1lmFLNePLENIZocQAYRPiMHXmUs9YSFaZhyVtgUbFk6x7PAdqzjzYl_XSBTiYOQu2_XXlpN5X9D7SvqafBjovrt815Phge88R44-NqWTYZEMEWIX2HigT9nSK8oj0u2Ac2PMy8NLfTu_2o1w/s4032/H2H%20April%202023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjyttkpHBvkAD3CRsRlLFLEjgGdM9qR5j_Xgt-bDQ-a1lmFLNePLENIZocQAYRPiMHXmUs9YSFaZhyVtgUbFk6x7PAdqzjzYl_XSBTiYOQu2_XXlpN5X9D7SvqafBjovrt815Phge88R44-NqWTYZEMEWIX2HigT9nSK8oj0u2Ac2PMy8NLfTu_2o1w/w640-h480/H2H%20April%202023.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowleaf Balsomroot beginning to bloom in the Hillside to the Hollow Reserve </td></tr></tbody></table><br />1. <b>Hit the trails! Go hiking!</b> Lower to mid-range trails in the Boise Foothills are stellar right now. See the <a href="https://www.ridgetorivers.org/">Ridge to Rivers web site</a> for maps and ideas of where to go. Trails in the Owyhee Front Range and <a href="http://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2021/12/with-sunny-afternoons-through-sunday.html">Wilson Creek area</a> in particular would be perfect as well! </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjGHMhKvC3ygmdniAmr0vO4z-OsqX_bpF3-roh8vya5V959VhPuFvjtSXPyvIiO1lcedQ-x7bPAmPXqiiHHfe-HkKrzUORKif31GiNbSmylAxPfz4bZeQttKb3sjVKnnDfldKs1OCBK61AIr-2i8xZkjXowcxngrDEwZnflg29MrUZT3UDC3ABZWa_g/s4032/IMG_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDjGHMhKvC3ygmdniAmr0vO4z-OsqX_bpF3-roh8vya5V959VhPuFvjtSXPyvIiO1lcedQ-x7bPAmPXqiiHHfe-HkKrzUORKif31GiNbSmylAxPfz4bZeQttKb3sjVKnnDfldKs1OCBK61AIr-2i8xZkjXowcxngrDEwZnflg29MrUZT3UDC3ABZWa_g/w640-h480/IMG_0623.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Owyhee River - Pruitt's Castle </td></tr></tbody></table><br />2. <b>Plan a spring desert river trip </b>on the Owyhee or Bruneau River with friends, if you have experience and your own equipment, or book a trip with an outfitter. Here's a <a href="https://raftidaho.org/trips/jarbridge-bruneau">list of outfitters</a> who run the Jarbidge/Bruneau canyon and the Owyhee. </p><p>See<a href="https://ioga.org/news/post/robust-mountain-snowpack-creates-banner-season-whitewater-rafting-jet-boating-idaho-rivers"> my post about the 2023 River Outlook for IOGA</a>. With deep snowpack, this is an excellent year to do a trip on the Owyhee or Bruneau when the season will be longer than usual! </p><p>3. <b>Tackle the <a href="http://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2015/04/try-boise-grand-slam-peaks-climb-four.html">Boise Grand Slam Peaks</a></b> - hike to the top of four mountains nearby - Cervidae, Kepros, Shaw Mountain and Heinen Peak. With this warmer weather ahead, I'd expect the wildflowers to start popping and those hikes should be fantastic! One thing's for sure, they're always a workout! See my post about hiking the <a href="http://stuebysoutdoorjournal.blogspot.com/2015/04/try-boise-grand-slam-peaks-climb-four.html">Boise Grand Slam Peaks</a>. </p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_ljqAhgP1l5og0cpX8hEXiemyWIkQ_X34pJjjNgiBhR32zAvlukKEBkUu4ryt-7hIpF9sJCjG96ikkVyzJh77t8WKksRQ4YsadY5mrO-CYMlE1_WMU0yVb3dN6Rp2odrsvL7pWCN6nRj-6jLY35Tv3l6Qv-COp3qH-kgFf2zIY3cRrq_i5qQPHZYVA/s720/IMG_1357s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS_ljqAhgP1l5og0cpX8hEXiemyWIkQ_X34pJjjNgiBhR32zAvlukKEBkUu4ryt-7hIpF9sJCjG96ikkVyzJh77t8WKksRQ4YsadY5mrO-CYMlE1_WMU0yVb3dN6Rp2odrsvL7pWCN6nRj-6jLY35Tv3l6Qv-COp3qH-kgFf2zIY3cRrq_i5qQPHZYVA/w640-h426/IMG_1357s.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leslie Gulch </td></tr></tbody></table><br />4. <b>Go self-support camping </b>in the <a href="https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/idaho/morley-nelson-snake-river-birds-of-prey">Snake River canyon</a>, <a href="https://stateparks.oregon.gov/index.cfm?do=park.profile&parkId=9">Succor Creek State Park</a> or <a href="https://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/files/brochures/Leslie%20Gulch.pdf">Leslie Gulch </a>areas in the Owyhee Canyonlands. </p><p>5. <b>Go biking </b>on the Greenbelt, do a nice long road bike ride, or take your gravel grinder bike for a spin on the Owyhee Backcountry Byway. Do something kind of epic and enjoy the sunshine! </p><p>Have fun! Don't forget the sun screen! <br />- SS </p>Steve Stuebnerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16910152445933091107noreply@blogger.com0