FUN-travel: 2nd 2015 Road Trip – Stanley, Idaho to Bend, Oregon
September 25, 2015 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-travel: 2nd 2015 Road Trip – Stanley, Idaho to Bend, Oregon
- We headed out of Stanley after fueling up with a big hot cup of java from Peaks & Perks. While I don’t like long drives the only place to stop would have been Burns. And after getting there I was sure glad we kept going to Bend! The best place in Burns – the Safeway! We stocked up and made it to Bend by 4:00.
Old Mill District
- This Hampton Inn was the best so far and Joe at the front desk was extremely helpful. He suggested we have dinner Anthony’s and even gave us a coupon for a free appetizer! It was just a short walk across the river to the Old Mill District. We sat on the outside patio taking in the setting sun and the full moon rising on the river’s edge.
FUN-food – We took Joe’s recommendation on the Crab Cakes (free and most expensive) and had the Bleu Cheese salad accompanied with the fresh Salmon entrée. And of course, a nice bottle of wine!
Anthony’s Patio
- The following morning we met up with our friends Mary and Tom from Portland and spent the day exploring Bend. The downtown is really cute and after checking out where to eat opted for sitting in the bar/lounge of Pine Tavern. Our bonus – on weekends Happy Hour starts at noon!
- After a nice stroll and some window shopping we headed back to the Old Mill District to Deschutes Brewery. We had hoped to get a reservation for a tour but they were all full. Not all bad, as they give you four sample tastings at no charge.
Mary & Me
- Dinner was at the highly acclaimed Greg’s Grill. They offer a pretty diverse American menu and the food and service were good.
FUN-fact – We got a nice big “blue moon” when this July had two full ones.
Our Blue Moon
FUN-travel: Idaho – Rafting Middle Fork of the Salmon River – End
September 2, 2015 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Idaho – Rafting Middle Fork of the Salmon River – End
- This morning was a fast pack up and then a short morning raft of 2-and-a-half hours before
our journey ended where the Middle Fork meets the Main Fork. It was sweet sorrow leaving our guides (most especially Mr. T) but we were ready to get back to civilization with a nice hot shower and a bed.
- We boarded a school bus for our long 4-hour drive back to Stanley with a couple stops and lunch to break it up.
- Shortly after we departed we spotted a herd of big horn sheep on the bank of the river.
- Thanks to Mr. T’s recommendation we had dinner at the Redfish Lake Lodge which was fabulous! – Steelhead Trout, Baked Brussels Sprouts, and a Watermelon Salad with arugula, feta, and beets.
FUN-fact – The first sockeye salmon completed its 900-mile migration to Redfish Lake Creek. Rivers with hotter than normal temperatures have killed many salmon this summer in the Columbia River, including more than half of the sockeye heading up the Snake River to Idaho’s Stanley basin.
- We stayed overnight in Stanley at the Mountain Village Resort (which isn’t) because unlike most accommodations they allow one night stays.
Big Horn Sheep
Trip Recap – We picked this time of year based on water volume and speed. Given our age, the plan was to not ride the “rafting rodeo.” Going with Sobek was truly “first class” and a wonderful experience. We agreed that this was our last camping trip and are grateful for the incredible memories we will treasure forever.
Stanley & Sawtooth Mountains
FUN-travel: Idaho – Rafting Middle Fork of the Salmon River – Day 5
August 31, 2015 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Idaho – Rafting Middle Fork of the Salmon River – Day 5
- Bright sun and cobalt blue skies greeted us this morning and we had yet another beautiful warm day. Our stop included a hike up to Veil Falls, which was the most challenging thus far. The steep assent and loose gravel made it hard to keep my footing. But the end result was worth it. A narrow stream of water flowed from high atop a massive rock amphitheatre-like-cavern that ended in a shallow pool below.
Bald Eagle
- As I stood at the base and looked up, the waterfall swayed like a pendulum as the wind shifted. And because it was so high, by the time it reached me at the bottom, the droplets varied from a mist to that of a rain shower.
- Our wildlife highlights of today’s adventure were spotting a brown bear foraging for food along the side of the mountain and a bald eagle perched high in a dead pine tree.
- For the last portion of the afternoon I hopped on the oar boat to get a taste of “real” white water rafting. Mr. T had said this section of the river was a good opportunity as there were more rapids. (The only other “real” white water rafting I have done was the Kern River and it was a pretty intense two days.)
- Our “Testosterone Fueled Happy Hour Entertainment” was provided by two of our guides who dove into the river, swam to the other side, and attempted sheer rock climbing. (I am not sure if anyone won.)
FUN-food – Our last dinner was Prime Rib! We had great desserts every night, but I don’t eat them very often so I didn’t keep track of them.
- Then for more FUN our guides brought out a box of crazy clothes and we all donned mix-matched outfits for a group photo op.
Our Guides
FUN-fact – The Middle Fork is a 104-mile free-flowing river that moves through a variety of climates and land types; from alpine forest to high mountain desert to sheer, rock-walled canyon, the third deepest in North America.
More FF – It ranks #3 on National Geographic’s list of the Top 10 Rafting Rivers in the World. It flows through America’s largest roadless wilderness area outside Alaska. Only a few trails, landing strips, private ranches, and Forest Service stations are evidence of man’s intrusion.
FUN-photos: Rafting Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
August 28, 2015 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-photos: Rafting Middle Fork of the Salmon River, Idaho
- This was the whole reason for taking our 2nd road trip in 2015. Our friend and sailing buddy “Terrible Ted from Tucson” told us we had to make put this on our bucket list.Ted died of pancreatic cancer in 2013 and so we toasted and thanked him for his insisting we do this.
- We chose Sobek Mountain Travel for our rafting adventure because everything was “first class” and taken care of, so we could just sit back and enjoy the ride. And that we did!
- The Middle Fork is a 104-mile free-flowing river that moves through a variety of climates and land types; from alpine forest to high mountain desert to sheer, rock-walled canyon, the third deepest in North America.
- It ranks #3 on National Geographic’s list of the Top 10 Rafting Rivers in the World. It flows through America’s largest roadless wilderness area outside Alaska. Only a few trails, landing strips, private ranches, and Forest Service stations are evidence of man’s intrusion.
FUN-travel: Idaho – Rafting Middle Fork of the Salmon River – Day 4
August 28, 2015 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on FUN-travel: Idaho – Rafting Middle Fork of the Salmon River – Day 4
- This morning was a bit brisk and after yesterday we were totally prepared. We took every precaution to not be cold, so we had every layer on. After the usual morning drill of a leisurely wakeup, hearty breakfast and breaking down camp, our “motley crew” hopped on their rafts of choice and floated down river. The skies cleared and the full sun was warming us up quickly, so the fleece was the first to come off followed by the long underwear.
- First stop was another hike up to see more Indian Pictographs. After another great lunch we continued on with our next stop at the Flying B Ranch. We all got to pick an ice cream treat from the store. As we departed a flock of Canadian Geese flew in and landed on shore. The rest of the afternoon was pretty calm water as we lollygagged down river.
Flying B Ranch
FUN-food – Dinner tonight was huge think cut pork chops and dessert was s’mores by the campfire.
- And tonight’s camp fun was glow-in-the-dark Bocce Ball. It was the first time I had ever played and we had loads of fun with the challenging terrain.
Our Bathroom With A View