CJ Strike

First camping trip of the year, went to Strike for the weekend with Tim and Di.  It was an extremely windy weekend.  The day before we arrived, three guys had capsized their boat and were rescued after 40 minutes in the water - lifeflighted out.  The guys went out once, but us girls decided it was nice to look at from ashore. 

                                                                      CJ Strike Dam

Full on waves out there, nevermind that thought...

Our first Yurt Experience

Banner Ridge Yurt

Well if spring is taking its sweet time getting here, we might as well go find some powder to play in!  There was plenty of that north of Idaho City this past weekend.  We joined the Stenquist crew for some fun at Banner Ridge Yurt for a three day trip.
The hike in was over two miles with about 750 feet climb in elevation. I yelled out a big WOOHOO once I saw the yurt, I was so relieved! 
We had a great time hanging inside eating delicious food, playing cards and listening to good tunes.  Outside we enjoyed the awesome fire pit the guys dug out for us, as well as sledding and of course, a TON of snowshoeing. 

The 2.5 to 3 mile hike in via snowshoes.  Complete with 20-50 lbs. packs per person and one sled full of delicious home brew and other goodies.

A very cold, but very cute outhouse

Love what Phil wrote on facebook,

and still amazed I was able to lure him away from the snowmobiles for once!  :)

New Year's 2011 - Donnelly, Idaho

Happy New Year!!! 

We were invited up to the cabin with the Strykowski family for New Years this year - had the best time.  The drive up North was absolutely beautiful, the region had received over three feet of snow in the previous 36 hours.  We saw one doe, a bald eagle soaring over the Payette at eye level, and also a few red fox's playing in the powder. 

Got to the cabin, Phil and Tim spent about three hours plowing snow while Di and I unpacked and warmed up the cabin.  Before we knew it, it was time for the others to arrive and fun to kick in.  Enjoyed good movies, the wii, cute kiddos Tim and Bradley, the warm fire and lots of delicious food.  All in all there were twelve of us toasting to the New Year.

The temperature was below zero for much of the time, but we still got in a few rides on the snowmobiles. Tim took us six ladies out for a few hours, across the lake even! Fun, and thrilling, especially when hitting those slush puddles halfway across. Kicking myself I didn't take the camera along for the ride, but here's some of what I did capture...

Highway 55, a winter wonderland indeed

Phil Plowing three feet off the deck. 

He loved every minute of it, reminds him of home.

The Christmas basket I got for Di a few years back, perfect for a cabin

KC and his 'touch' of frostbite - seriously

Grandpa TIm with Grandson Tim, doing what they do best

Bradley 

Yes folks, that sucker reads -17

Throttle Thumb ~ It's been a good day!

We finally got out Monday morning for our first ride of the season, happy to report that Idaho is getting hit with a ton of fresh powder!  Smith's Ferry and Sagehen were absolutely beautiful.  Sleds ran great and we enjoyed making fresh tracks the whole way in.

Overlooking the Payette River near Smith's Ferry

Phil cutting up Little Sagehen Basin

Labor Day Weekend

Just got back from Stanley, had an amazing weekend camping with all of our neighbors.  It was our usual tradition near Knapp Creek cutting as much wood as we could for everyone's wood stoves.  Gotta prep for winter!  We brought back about 8-10 cords - that's alotta wood! 

Timothy's all mighty powerful Jeep - Ha Ha

Friday night as we were all hanging out, John looked over and swore to the group that he saw a black wolf about 15 yards away.  We weren't quite sure until the next morning when some friends down the road confirmed by telling us that they had also seen two wolves leaving our camp area early Saturday morning.  So being the curious creatures that we are...Craig, Arley and I went on a 5-7 mile hike in the forest (pistols included) to see if we could find them.  No such luck, but we did visit a beautiful alpine lake and got a very good workout in the nice weather. 

Got home Monday around three in the afternoon, just enough time to unpack the camper, shower and get the goodies out for the first Boise State game of the season.  It was an amazing start to the season, Boise State beating Virginia Tech 33-30!!!  That keeps us 3rd place in the AP Poll and brings us up to 3rd in the USA  Today Coaches Poll.  GO BRONCOS!!!

Magic Reservoir

Camping Trip #4 and its only June ~ what a fantastic summer this is turning out to be.

This past weekend we tried a new spot, Magic Reservoir.  Surprising that I haven't been here before, being that its so close to Mtn. Home. Phil enjoyed fishing out on the boat for the most part of the trip.  He caught some rainbow trout and cooked it up for lunch, the taste was absolutely delicious!  I stayed on shore and soaked up the sun with a good book and glass of wine while soaking my feet in the cool water.  We had a spot all to ourselves with no nearby neighbors.  A peaceful weekend indeed!

Sunday evening our friend Jason drove down from Hailey for a few hours and had dinner with us.  I made Baked Chicken and Rice in the dutch oven, turned out excellent. 

Magic Reservoir (7 mi. east of Fairfield, Idaho)

Our camping setup

    

Two very content puppies

Fresh fish for lunch

Collecting wood for a nice fire

Happy Camp - June 10-13, 2010

Just as its titled, this must be the happiest of all camps, because I'm on a natural high for weeks afterwards.  I feel so honored to have such wonderful girlfriends.  Really and truly I am blessed to have them in my life.

This was my second time joining the girls on their yearly adventure.  There are only two rules, 1) Be happy & 2) No boys allowed.  How could you not love that, right?  :) 

The Middle Fork of the Boise river, near Atlanta, Idaho

Plenty of hotsprings, hiking, and happy adventures through and through

Heather making her FABULOUS Dutch Oven Chicken Enchiladas

Good times around the campfire

One last toast and a pose before heading home

Memorial Weekend 2010

Every year for Memorial we go camping with our neighbors.  Location this year was the Banner Mine area north of Idaho City. 
It was a beautiful weekend, overcast, high 50s with just a little bit of rain/wind.  No sunburns, no bugs - always a good thing.

The best lil' guy I know, Tim.  He couldn't get enough of Phil's "wheeler". 

Our Cody Bear in Dog Heaven

Thanks to the guys and all those chainsaws - awesome bonfire

Great photo of Phil...being Phil.

And me, the dirty work of a dutch oven (yes, that's soot on my nose)