Whazoo's Thanksgiving #37, give or take
This is an old one by now, Thanksgiving 2016 seems like a different time and place. Maybe because of all the snow this year in the west and the fact that only a few days in two months have been above ...
Forum Discussion
Been here in Idaho only 5 years and this is the worst winter I've seen yet. We have had plenty of nights below negative 20F and have had enough snow to require clearing the roof off. The warmer months make it all worthwhile. The winter sports are wonderful but I spend all my time plowing the interstate so I'm worn out after repetitive 12 hour shifts. Finally got a break this week but the temps aren't exactly friendly for getting out on toys/skis. Worried about my TC with all that snow on it, even though it has a cover. Ice build up does bad things to stuff. I'll be able to dig to it today and clear it as well. The spring thaw is going to be a doozy. Hopefully we won't need sandbags!
I loved the trip report and especially like the dogs' personality that you seem to effortlessly portray. I hope to watch your travels through Idaho so that I can follow your escapades without treading in the same footprints. So many mountain trails and desert roads to explore! The Snake River Valley is full of wonderful variety -- We haven't even scratched the surface of it yet. The Frank Church Wilderness perimeter begs to be circumnavigated. I haven't been north of Boise -- I can't seem to pass by the scenery that is on the way without stopping! So far our favorite area is the Stanley/Sawtooth portion of central Idaho. The mountains there rival the Tetons in grandeur and the crowds are much less. It only takes about five minutes on a dirt road to leave the crowds behind. Rock hounding, fishing, hiking, four wheeling, birding, whatever your vice, it is a paradise.
I appreciated your semi-rant. The BLM and US Forest Service are definite forces affecting the landscape here. Having the government administer public lands is either a blessing or a curse, depending on one's viewpoint. Shutting off access is a very big controversy and one that is high on local's minds. Non-local investors and property barons are buying and closing access roads with tacit approval from the politicians. Folks that have long family histories here are now finding recreational opportunities much more limited. It will be interesting to see how the current political climate resolves/addresses these issues. As a "come here" I am fascinated to see how money, activism and tradition square-off against each other over one of the few sparsely populated places left in the lower 48.
Tried not to spark this into a political flame thrower of a thread, hope the pics and the warm humor of your thread keeps us in check!
I loved the trip report and especially like the dogs' personality that you seem to effortlessly portray. I hope to watch your travels through Idaho so that I can follow your escapades without treading in the same footprints. So many mountain trails and desert roads to explore! The Snake River Valley is full of wonderful variety -- We haven't even scratched the surface of it yet. The Frank Church Wilderness perimeter begs to be circumnavigated. I haven't been north of Boise -- I can't seem to pass by the scenery that is on the way without stopping! So far our favorite area is the Stanley/Sawtooth portion of central Idaho. The mountains there rival the Tetons in grandeur and the crowds are much less. It only takes about five minutes on a dirt road to leave the crowds behind. Rock hounding, fishing, hiking, four wheeling, birding, whatever your vice, it is a paradise.
I appreciated your semi-rant. The BLM and US Forest Service are definite forces affecting the landscape here. Having the government administer public lands is either a blessing or a curse, depending on one's viewpoint. Shutting off access is a very big controversy and one that is high on local's minds. Non-local investors and property barons are buying and closing access roads with tacit approval from the politicians. Folks that have long family histories here are now finding recreational opportunities much more limited. It will be interesting to see how the current political climate resolves/addresses these issues. As a "come here" I am fascinated to see how money, activism and tradition square-off against each other over one of the few sparsely populated places left in the lower 48.
Tried not to spark this into a political flame thrower of a thread, hope the pics and the warm humor of your thread keeps us in check!
