Summer Wanes

  I recently spent a couple nights with an old friend at Buttercup campground on Lake Cascade. After 40 plus days with no measurable precipitation, 2 days of cloud cover and passing bands of moderate rain were a welcome sign of the waning summer days here in central Idaho.

Mountain Pose ~ Box Peak ~

I recently added another mountain top to my collection, Box peak (8240 ft. and unnamed on many maps). Box is the prominent peak to the North and East, as seen from downtown McCall, Idaho and Payette lake. It resides in the Salmon River Mountains in the Lick Creek subrange. Approach is a very straightforward hike … More Mountain Pose ~ Box Peak ~

Fiery Narrows

Last night’s sunset proved worthy of a reflective moment, or two, of time. This is a zoomed shot of a section of Payette Lake called the “Narrows”. The Narrows proper is the frozen over area. The toe of the ridge in the left frame is the northernmost section of Ponderosa State Park,  also known as … More Fiery Narrows

Fairy Slipper Orchid

On a recent meander out the front door, my wife, to her delight (mine too), discovered the uncommon Fairy Slipper Orchid. In central Idaho they are tiny, delicate, and a real treat. We found over 10 in one area, and a couple Morel mushrooms in the same magical little spot.

Take A Hike With Me: Hells Canyon National Historic Trail ~ Idaho, U.S.A.

  This spring, my wife and I embarked on a long planned 24 mile hike along the gorgeous, rugged, and remote wilderness Hells Canyon National Historic Trail, along the Snake River. The hike began not on foot, but aboard the Kirby Ranch triple jet, jetboat. We hitched a ride from Pittsburgh Landing, with the annual Hells … More Take A Hike With Me: Hells Canyon National Historic Trail ~ Idaho, U.S.A.