journal

Many of the routes I’ve driven have been spectacular.  I really enjoyed the desert landscapes of Nevada and Arizona, the cliffs of the Pacific Coast Highway and the salt flats of Utah.  But once we got to the Columbia Gorge and the Columbia River I was mesmerized.  The beauty of the mighty river and the grandeur of the mountains was special.  We drove along the river for miles.  Then we came across the Columbia Gorge museum.  This was fabulous.  We were able to hear the geological history of how the gorge was formed (glacial flooding you know) and see how the area was settled.

Our last day proved to be the most exciting for me.  After sleeping in this great campsite I was walking back from the latrine when I saw the real rattlesnake on the rocks three feet from me.  I leapt ten feet to the right and ran like Mercury back to the campsite.  Wow, it could have only happened to me.  After calming down I stayed on the river with Skip when Debbi and the others went on a hike up to “Suicide Point” overlooking our campsite.  Skip and I had a great time chatting so it was a wonderful alternative.  The rest of the day we cruised down the river, swam on a nice sandy beach, docked at the little historical museum and finished a truly memorable three days of rafting on the Snake River in Hells Canyon. 

After camping on the river we were off to a great day of rafting, swimming and georgeous views.  It was lots of fun and our paddle boat had a new guide.  This time we had Eli and he introduced some new games to the trip.  Elliot rode the front of the boat holding on to the rope as we went over the rapids (mild ones of course).  His dad Tom tried as well and they both had a great time doing so. I wanted to try the kayak but fell into the river where the current was really strong.  The paddle boat had to come and get me as I floated quickly away.  Second time being really scared.  But the campside was fabulous on the rocky beach.  We skipped stones for a long time while sitting on the water’s edge in the folding chairs.  Another great night under the stars.

What was I thinking.  Am I this rugged outdoors girl with no fears. NOT.  The night before our trip we had a meeting with the head guide to let us know what to expect.  We got lessons on how to pack in our waterproof bags, where to eat in the little town of Cambridge and what to expect on the river.  Oh, and by the way, they warned us of the poisin ivy and RATTLESNAKES.  I think I could have cancelled on the spot but talked with the woman in charge and she let me know how rare it is but just be careful.  So a good night sleep and off we go to the Snake River in Hells Canyon.  Our first day we have several Cat IV rapids and they were totally fun.  The rafting in the paddle boat was really great and Debbi was in the front.  There were six of us and our guide (Jeffrey) in that boat with others in kayaks and on the oar boat.  Our campsite was cool and the meal was great.  But the highlight was playing cards with my Elliot, Stephen and David, the young guys on the trip (10, 17 and 22 years old respectively).  Elliot’s dad also played with us and we had a ball playing poker, “I Doubt It” and other card games.  Oh, but I wanted to tell you about the guide’s little practical joke.  Before dinner when I was sitting in the “dining room” he tried to convince me that a snake was on the ground behind me.  I knew he was just joking so I ignored him until he, frustrated that I wouldn’t look, went a picked up the snake to show me.  Even though it was a rubber snake I freaked out, called him a really bad name and threw a chair at him.  So much for the first day.

Boise was such a cool city.  I really loved the art influence and of course our hotel.  I picked this hotel because of the photos I saw on line.  Yes, they have MY chairs.  The design of the transformed Travelodge was fabulous.  The bedroom was cutting edge modern, the bath had a fully tiled shower stall that had a shower head built in the ceiling and a really modern square sink.  The short walk we took in the evening brought us to “Donnie Macs Trailer Park Cuisine”.  Indoors and outdoors with live music and the best decor ever.  I perused the art and culture activities in the local newspaper kinda like our “Creative Loafing”.  It was a full schedule of visual and performing arts that would have kept me busy for a while.  Debbi and I took a walk in their “Hyde Park” neighborhood.  This charming section of town is like Tampa’s with great old houses and tree lined streets.  Can you tell that I like Boise?