Portland's Gardens

Portland's Forest Park has miles and miles of hiking trails. After wearing ourselves out with a 12-mile hike on Saturday, Sunday was for a little relaxation. The Japanese Garden at the edge of the park was beautiful and very authentic. It includes five formal gardening styles: a pond garden (see above), a natural setting garden, a sand and stone garden, a flat garden and traditional tea garden. Just down the hill, the International Rose Test Garden bursts forth row after row of fragrant flowers. Ever since its founding in 1917, the garden has received the best roses from around the world.

Totally Tubular

At about a mile deep, the Lava River Cave is the longest lava tube in Oregon. It was created by lava from volcanic eruptions flowing through to feed the front of the lava flow. The temperature in the cave is a cool 40°F year-round. There are some geologic formations similar to other caves, and some specifivally volcanic. Hollow cylindrical “soda straws” were formed by escaping gases, and other cone-shaped formations were created by remelted lava dripping down from the ceiling. Toward the back of the tube, sand gets thicker and thicker until it completely blocks off passage. We made it as far as hands and knees would allow.

Boise Area Adventures

Idaho in general has proven to have much more to offer than we'd imagined. After a single event in Sun Valley (most of which is owned, supposedly, by Demi Moore and Bruce Willis), we arrived in Boise. We made the most of the weekend. Saturday was for mountain biking in the foothills. The way up was a killer, but we were rewarded for all that work with a speedy, breezy descent.

Sunday we went whitewater rafting on the Payette River. Cascade Raft Co. showed us a great time on it's tour called "The Rush," which included Class III and IV rapids. Our guide, Dustin, was professional, passionate about the outdoors, and not hesitant to share his opinions. I liked his pro-wolf water bottle that said "Little Red Riding Hood was wrong."

Bikes, Bison, Bears and Bacteria Mats

Waterfall from the Broadway Bridge

The city of Idaho Falls began with miners, trappers, fur traders and early settlers. It's location along the Snake River ensured its survival, and adds to its appeal today. The falls themselves are created by the diversion of a dam that provides hydroelectric power. The original dam was built in 1909. Idaho Falls' three hydroelectric power plants produce 50% of the electricy needed. People, including us, enjoy strolling, jogging and biking along the 6 mile Snake River Greenbelt. 20 miles north of Idaho Falls is the Yellowstone Bear World. We got up close and personal with Stiltz the moose as well as lots of other wildlife. We actually drove the truck through the different habitats for the hooved animals as well as the bear area. For some additional pics: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/d3loeber/Idaho/Idaho%20Falls/




Only 100 miles away, Idaho Falls is also a gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. Grand Teton's pinnacle is 13,770 feet, but the park as a whole has twlve peaks over 12,000 feet. (For more info on Teton, visit the National Parks Service site). Elk, moose, mule deer, bison and pronghorn roam both parks, as well as black and grizzly bears. Our big sightings were bison and elk. Yellowstone is the first and oldest national park in the world. It covers 3470 square miles in three states (Idaho, Wyoming and Montana). The park is famous for its geothrmal areas including the super-famous geyser Old Faithful. We took tons of pictures. Check them out at: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/d3loeber/Idaho/Tetons%20and%20Yellowstone/

Montana Blow-Out

From Spokane to Idaho Falls, we had to pass through some seriously mountainous parts of Montana. Somewhere near Missoula (thank goodness!) we had a blow-out. Not to worry, we didn't even notice it 'til we exited the highway to find something to eat. (There are two tires next to each other on each side of the trailer.) Red's Towing Service saved the day, and, since there wasn't a single hotel room to be found in Missoula, we were back on the road in a few hours. Check out the rest of Montana's highlights, including the tiny town of Dell, pop. 35, here: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/d3loeber/Montana/