week three - april 27 to may 2
From Littleton, Colorado through Southern Wyoming then Idaho to Oregon.
Littleton, Colorado. A very nice visit with my cousin JoAnn and her husband Tom. Daughter-in law Carrie and grandchildren ‘ Judah (3 1/2) and Ezekiel (16 months).
JoAnn’s daughter Jenna, grandson Rafael (5 1/2), Tom along with JoAnn’s dog Kstar and Bailey. Jeena’s husband Armando was unable to join us. JoAnn’s daughter Audra visited on Friday evening, unfortunately I did not take her picture.
JoAnn’s son Aaron was unable to join us. Aaron is a Green Beret medic and has a very interesting story.
Stayed at a Planet Fitness in Twin Falls, Idaho and met a couple traveling in camper van who were part way through a 3+ year around the world travel. James & Menekse. They are avid golfers and their goal is to play 500 different golf courses. Check out their Blog. https://www.putteringaroundtheworld.com/ They recommended that I stop at Thousand Springs State Park, about 30 miles west of Twin Falls. I would have missed it if not for meeting them. However, entering Thousands Springs State Park into google maps, I ended up at Thousand Springs, Idaho Power Generator Station. I had a good visit with the operator of the generator station who told me about a boat launch on the Snake River where I could park overnight.
Thousand Springs Generator Station
Bailey and one of the springs in the background. She wants to hike up the path.
A closer look.
Far away look.
After spending the night on the Snake River, we decided to go to the Thousand Springs State Park Visitors Center only to find it is closed Tuesdays.
Information from park description: The ancient Pliocene past, when this region was home to mastodons, saber-toothed cats, and the famous “Hagerman Horse”. Now there are windmills on the Bluff Across the River.
Wondering what will be written 3 million years from now when the windmill “fossils” are discovered?
From Boise, Idaho to Portland, Oregon, we pretty much followed the 1843 Oregon Trail. We stopped at the Oregon Trail Museum at the Three Island Crossing State Park. Although we did not camp at this park, if anyone is looking for a really nice Campground, this one was quite beautiful.
The three islands are in the Snake River and this is where wagon trains following the Oregon Trail crossed the Snake.
Selected Pictures from my visit to the Oregon Trail Museum at the Three Island Crossing State Park.
Being a friend of Bob Murphy, I thought it would be interesting to stop in Murphy, Idaho. Murphy is the county seat of, Owyhee County, Idaho.. It is among the smallest of county seats nationwide, with a population as of the 2020 census of 96. I visited the Owyhee County Museum in Murphy and found it to be one of the most interesting museums of western history I have ever had the pleasure to visit. Many displays of historica western life.
Hisorical display of Western Saddles
Guarding the old bank.
Tuesday night sayed at Mountain View RV Park in Baker City, Oregon. A very nice clean campground.
A ski area, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, is in the Elkhorn Mountains, Northwest of Baker City.
Wednesday, Traveled Inerstate 84, which follows the Columbia River. to Portland. Arived at my son Brent’s house, West Linn, Oregon.
Roll on Columbia