Cascade, Idaho (76 degrees, clear blue skies, nice breeze)
"IDAHO
more than just potatoes.
well okay, not really
but the potatoes
sure are real good"
seen on a t-shirt in a gift shop
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| BIitner Vineyards |
This is our first visit to Idaho and there sure is more here than potatoes but we have seen some large fields of them growing. In fact, Idaho farmers grow lots of crops such as wheat, sugar beets, grapes, alfalfa, and even mint. We started off in Caldwell and fell in love with the fields and vineyards and tried a couple of some delicious wines along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. The soil is very sandy, fertile, and has to be irrigated.a lot.
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| These cows found a fun way to cool of |
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| Williamson Orchards and Vineyards |
After a couple of days we headed up to Cascade Idaho. On the way we went through some very desolate landscape which was eventually enlivened by the rapids of the Payette River. As the elevation rose we entered cooling pine forests. The temperature dropped 20 degrees from where we started in Caldwell.
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| Crazy rapids of the Payette River |
We came here for the Idaho Newmar Rally. We decided to join Newmar's Kountry Klub after touring the factory in Indiana. Each state usually offers a rally at a reasonable cost and every other month we receive a magazine packed full of some nice options. This is our first rally and 14 rigs attended. Our campground is called Arrowhead RV Resort and is known for the wood carving classes on the premises. They also offer jewelry and art classes. It's a very scenic campground on the banks of the Payette River made more complete with a nice boat launch.
Our rally hosts are Terry and Linda and on the first night cooked a prime rib dinner for all the attendees in their home located in Cascade. Wow! Now that is a great way to start a rally. They have a beautiful home which accommodated everyone. The dinner was delicious and the pleasant environment helped everyone got acquainted very quickly.
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| Top of totem pole |
The next day the campground carvers showed us all about the work they do each season. The carvers, who stay here in the summer, will teach you how to make small wooden items or even a totem pole if you are so inclined. It was very interesting. They provide all the supplies and the cost is really reasonable. Many of the campers are here for a month or more working on their projects. There are over 80 totem poles all over the property. I really, really liked the manger creche made by one of the carvers. The detail was amazing.
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| Small totem poles |
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| Manger is made from a dried gourd |
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| Alligator Totem pole being installed |
One afternoon we took a nice drive up to a very scenic overlook and radar tower. after feasting on huckleberry pancakes for breakfast. Let's just say we ate really well thanks to our great hosts and all their planning.
On our own we drove around the beautiful Cascade Lake and with a few friends even went to a very nice Gold Fork Hot Spring. This is the second time we have tried a hot spring. They are just wonderful. Do you have a favorite one?
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| Cascade Lake |
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| Gold Fork Hot Spring |
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| There were five pools of varying degrees |
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| Young pizza loving base player |
We enjoyed meeting everyone in the group. Most were from the surrounding western states.
One evening at the campground a fun three piece band entertained us and other campers. They were great!
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| Great evening by the river |
The rally lasted for four days and the time went by quickly. Most everyone is attending the national rally in Pueblo Colorado in September. Over 450 rigs have signed up so far. We will be attending a full time rally prior to the Pueblo rally. Stay tuned.
We decided to stay a little longer and explore more of the area. Our rally leaders joined us on a nice paddle trip down the Payette River. They dropped off their truck at the take out and we put in at the campground. It was about a four hour easy paddle. There was a fairly quick current which made paddling easy. This section does not have any rapids.
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| Bald Eagle |
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| Linda and Terry our rally leaders |
On our own the following day we drove to McCall and spent a nice afternoon exploring the lake, Ponderosa State Park, and McCall RV campground recommended to us by others. It's a picturesque town with lots of shops and restaurants.
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| Bear Beach |
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| Payette Lake |
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| Ponderosa State Park |
The Ponderosa State Park has a beautiful overlook of the lake and a nice campground with full hook ups. We liked it. The McCall Campground and RV Park was also very nice and more satellite friendly with beautiful landscaping.
Our first Newmar rally was a five star event. Terry and Linda really know how to organize a great rally. Thank you so much! We are now on our way back to Boise. Our jeep windshield needs to be replaced due to a long crack. Cummins is also going to probably replace our thermostat. Baloo the Bus has been overheating climbing up the mountains. Afterwards Salmon Idaho will be our next stop for ten days. We are meeting up with our dear friends Jann and Barry. Check back soon and thanks for stopping by. Happy Trails!
This is our first visit to Idaho and there sure is more here than potatoes but we have seen some large fields of them growing. In fact, Idaho farmers grow lots of crops such as wheat, sugar beets, grapes, alfalfa, and even mint. We started off in Caldwell and fell in love with the fields and vineyards and tried a couple of some delicious wines along the Sunnyslope Wine Trail. The soil is very sandy, fertile, and has to be irrigated.a lot.
After a couple of days we headed up to Cascade Idaho. On the way we went through some very desolate landscape which was eventually enlivened by the rapids of the Payette River. As the elevation rose we entered cooling pine forests. The temperature dropped 20 degrees from where we started in Caldwell.
The rally lasted for four days and the time went by quickly. Most everyone is attending the national rally in Pueblo Colorado in September. Over 450 rigs have signed up so far. We will be attending a full time rally prior to the Pueblo rally. Stay tuned.
On our own the following day we drove to McCall and spent a nice afternoon exploring the lake, Ponderosa State Park, and McCall RV campground recommended to us by others. It's a picturesque town with lots of shops and restaurants.
Sounds like y'all had a super experience for your first rally. We still have it attended one.
ReplyDeletePaul would love to talk with the carvers. House to do chain saw carvings. He was really good.
Great photos today.
The carvers were some very interesting and talented people and so willing to share their knowledge to others.
DeleteIt was a great rally, I feel we have made a lot of new friends. We look forward to seeing you both and Jimmy at the International Rally and the balloon festival. Wish we had stayed longer and joined you for the visit to the hot spring, and the kayaking. Great photo of the bald eagle, that is special. Safe travels and see you in Pueblo.
ReplyDeleteIt was so great meeting you and your husband and beautiful Cavaliers too. Looking forward to meeting up again soon.
DeleteEvery photo and every word make me yearn for the west. We are so happy you are having the best time ever. Thanks for taking me along with you. Have fun with Jann and Barry.
ReplyDeletethanks so much. Hope to travel again with you soon.
DeleteSounds like a great time for everybody!!
ReplyDeleteBack to the "real" computer, so now I can comment...so much to enjoy! I love that part of Idaho, used to travel 95 on a regular basis between Boise and Coeur d Alene when I worked in Idaho. McCall is a fun place. Never did try that hot spring. Have to say that Llaird Hot Springs in the Yukon on the Alaska Highway is my most favorite of all. Except maybe for the little springs in the meadows at Hart Mountain.
ReplyDeleteWe have heard a lot about those great hot spring in Alaska. They are fun to try.
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