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Summer camping in Idahome picture portfolio, and getting old

whazoo
Explorer
Explorer
I pulled a picture out of my mind and put it in a trip report, I called it Idaho.

It was our first summer living in Idaho and the camping was just what we'd hoped, it was famndamtastic! Did I mention water? There is water enough to make a desert dawg go aquanuts!
And most every night we camped we had a pillow of running water, there's no better way to sleep if you ask me. In a total of 15 summer nights camping we spent just one night away from water, and that was because we wanted a view from here to yonder.

Before I start posting pictures I wanted to speak for a minute about a growing problem, getting old. Not so much the whole aspect of getting old, just two issues at the moment. One is the losing of filters, the orally uttered variety. In the last few years poor ol Wayne has had to bail me out here for things that just...pop-out. Five minutes later and even I am wondering where those things came from. It has been mentioned to me that with age comes a reversal in the direction of thought process and speaking. Instead of thoughts forming in the brain and working their way to the mouth, words now start in the rear, skip the brain and just pop-out of the mouth, making for a very self-flatulating Whazoo. Now I don't really know what self-flatulating means butt I think it stinks when a guy feels like whipping hisself for words that are no longer his, do women has this issue also? I am thinking of giving classes in something I've had to learn to do, apologize sincerely.

The other issue I'm grappling with are brows, the eye variety. Yes there are other body parts sprouting hair as fast as it leaves me head, the nose and ears mainly. But the brows are getting the best of me. With nose and ears you stick in that little electric dumaflatche whirling and sounding like a high speed chain saw cutting saplings yet doing a very nice job of things. Unless of course the battery dies while yanking out the hair it's supposed to be cutting painlessly. However if you mess up trimming the brows it's pretty obvious.
I figure if I let them go wild they may get caught up in the stratosphere with Jefe's brow-rug and the jet stream would cause a hairy nuclear winter scenario in the eastern U.S.
At the same time as so many of us guys are getting older we'll have new meanings to old terms. I can see me now, cruising Home Depot isles with unruly brow hairs catching, intertwining and yanking things off the shelves. A young employee approaches and asks if I need help? "No thanks young person, why I'm just browsing!"
Or watching the evening news and seeing a bruised up young person being helped up off the sidewalk. The reporter asks what happened and the young person replies, "I was just brow-beat by an old man that could hardly walk!"
And while young guys have their bromances, us old guys will have our browmances.
Well I'll let you take it from here, just don't ask me to update my browser. (?)

So much for getting old, like these trip reports, they can hardly stand on their own anymore. And look, I have no story to tell about these trips. Well just some snippets I guess. But I'm trying to figure out how to take pictures of something besides the open desert. Bear with me please.

I've heard how well dryer sheets work for insect repellent, as well as toilet paper. Ok not so much the TP, could you tell I was joking? Hey maybe not! Butt I thought on one trip I would try it out, the repellent I mean. Mrs. Whazoo abstained. Well I do have one picture that would get me killed to show. She was quite fetching in dryer sheets.


Lo and behold it worked very well, look at them skeeters! I will say the strong oder of all those sheets has quite ruined my olfactory and I now have a serious dislike for clean clothes.


As a side thought I now have the perfect remedy for those clueless campers that come right up next to you to camp after you have the perfect spot and you're all set up. No picture, yet lol, but just imagine...an ol guy (that looks a little like Whazoo) with a tin foil hat, dryer sheets stuffed all over his body, and a cup of koolaid. "Welcome friends, we've been waiting for you to join our harmonic convergence. Do get out and have some koolaid!" Would you get out? There you have it, I rest my case.

There is one downside I should mention, they do attract another kind of pest that could bruin a vacation.


My dog would protect us I know.






I've heard that Idaho has no beaches, I beg to differ. "We" have a million beaches.


Yes, Duke is my step-dog.


Lil Bailey likes to hang out under the truck and practice her mathematics. This trip she was into differentials but it was over her head. (Was that a boo?)


It seemed all the butterflies liked to hang out near camp. Maybe the water had a magical quality to it.






Duke too, likes Idahome.




Hey there Camper Jeff! Ah, but he does catch trout!


Oh good gosh, Duke drank the butterfly water!








From the movie "A Road Runs Through It"


Yes I kiss all the girls.


The Salmon River north of Stanley. I hate to say it, yes I do, but in a pinch Idaho has the best camping along the highways and rivers of anyplace I've ever been. Even for those of us who like the boondocks these places can be a perfect place to spend the night.


The Salmon River is in the darkness to the right of the fence. Not a great picture for sure.


But it sets up the next photoshop pic.


The awesome Sawtooth Mountains!








We couldn't believe it, a singing bluebird! Of course the song, "May the bluebird of paradise fly up your nose, and an elephant caress you with his toes." What, you haven't heard that song? Google it my friend hah.


What can I tell you, I was a squatter for a moment. It was tough too, getting up from that position.


Next up was the River Of No Return. After Stanley, Idaho, the main Salmon River dips into the Frank Church Wilderness. And what a wilderness it is as we just oh-so briefly touched it.


This was the raft ramp to let your boat into the river. Thought we'd give it a try but at the last minute remembered I didn't have life jackets and had to pull it back up. Do you believe that?




It is amazing to see what man has done to help nature, this being a fish ladder of sorts to help them around the rapids there.




Then we found a place right off the road that had a sign. I was hoping to not be toad.


I heard a sound and looked down, it was weird let me tell you. Kinda like a moo-ribbett. Well you had to be there. I didn't know if it was a horny toad or a bull frog but I didn't want to try and catch it and cook it. Can you imagine trying to pull that dude's legs off and throw em in a pan? The story at the ER would be that you were gored by a bullfrogs horns while trying to pull his legs off to cook them. Wait...what?


The dogs were quite reflective about this new camp spot.


Besides strange bullfrogs there were elk in the distance. I wished I had a longer lens, they are incredible animals to see.


A thunder storm settled in for a while and added to the magic of this place.






Evening was a gorgeous affair. There was a bridge over the river with hundreds of birds and their mud nests on the underside of the structure. Their sounds were cacophonous yet harmonious, (Wait, I don't know what that means!) and the entire flock would fly high and come swooping down and under the bridge so fast it sounded like the middle lane of the freeway as they came out the other side and back up again. It must be what they do for fun or maybe they're playing chicken with the bridge.











During the dark of late evening we kept hearing this jurassic park kind of sound but couldn't see what animal was making it. Loud and spooky it was, sounding like a dinosaur. The only animal we had seen larger than birds and bullfrogs close to camp where cranes of some sort. To later find that they were sandhill cranes and their noises are out of this world to hear.

Come morning there was an oh so cool fog bank along the hills and we could barely see the elk still there feeding.












Àndale, àndale, there are more camp spots to see, sì?


Tho Duke seems to like the back seat.


Dave and Duke streaming video













Duke has severe anxiety when we move on and is beside himself with energy.




We drove by this guy and I yelled out the window "I like foie gras"! See what I mean? A total lack of filters from my aging mouth. I eggretted it immediately but it wasn't herron me, it was a sandhill crane.


Meanwhile, camping on the western side of the state...












We had a hike to make...


To this little emerald of a lake in the high mountains.








The mountains had a ruddy red color to them that from a distance we thought were rocks. What a surprise to find such color in the death of a bush.








We saw several of these birds and Mrs. Whazoo asked me what you call more than one grouse. I answered in my know-it-all Whazoo voice, "That would be grice Dear."


Our first view of Hells Canyon and the Snake River that separates Idaho from Oregon. We had a bit of signal here and found the our phones had us on Oregon time. And we call them smart phones?


We found the perfect Christmas tree only to discover that there were about a dozen trees all packed in and growing into what looked like one tree.


While not a good picture of this tree, it was as big around on top as the trunk at bottom making for a very sturdy tree. At the same time it was half as dead as alive. That used to amaze me until a couple of years ago when I hit sixty years old. Now I see half dead half alive every morning in the mirror.


We were truckouflaged in the trees. It was the beginning of bow season and you never know who'd be hunting a big Outfitter.


Our shack of sit looking over Hells Canyon.


I could see Oregon from my house.


Thanks for reading...The Whazoo's from Idahome


And remember, don't drink the water...



PS. I just finished reading a book on the war of 1812 that was very interesting. The second American revolution it seems. Dolly Madison who was President Madison's wife, was smart enough to save a portrait of George Washington from the White House while it was being pillaged and burned by the British. All these years I've been eating Dolly Madison baked goods not realizing that she was also a real smart cookie.

PSS. I'm heading to Longmont Colorado tomorrow for some camper fix-its from years of abuse and am hopeful you'll excuse the lack of response from your's truly. Have a fabulous fall to oh-so-many good friends on rv.net!! See you again soon...
39 REPLIES 39

flgator4
Explorer
Explorer
Love your report; thank you! We visited Craters of the Moon and City of Rocks last year and loved Idaho. We were only going to stay 1 night but ended up staying 6. We had to start going back home but want to return this summer. We'll be coming from Glacier NP and will start in the north and work out way south. We have 4 young children.

Where are the pictures taken in the western part of the state? Where did you see Hells Canyon? Where was the river where your dog caught the trout (and what did you do with the trout? :)) What are your favorite parts? Thanks for any info.

spacedoutbob
Explorer
Explorer
Great Whazoo, I have been away for a few weeks and didn't see your outstanding Trip Report and Photos until now. Thanks again for posting, Happy Holidays to You, Mrs. Whazoo and Your Family.

Bob in Calif.
Good Sam Club Life Member

clikrf8
Explorer
Explorer
Wow, Whazoo, what a fantastical TR! We have been gone on 3 and 4 weeks trips this fall so just catching up. In fact, one jaunt was to your home sweet Idahome. So, your photos and descriptions brought back some memories.

We came in from Washington toward Priest Lake then just sort of meandered all over the state venturing into Montana. Our favorite areas were the Salmon-Challis area and Moon Pass Road from Wallace to St Joe River.

I am ashamed to admit that although we are one state over, we have barely explored your gorgeous state. 2017 will remedy that glaring omission.

Thanks again and very merry holidays.
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c_traveler2
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Whazoo, you're the king of the yarn spinners and inspire one's imagination.
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Eugarps
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Whazoo,

As always, thank you for taking me along. I'm still confused, was that a bulfrog or a horney toad?

Best,

Bill
1978 27' Southwind MH - Gone
1982 19' Terry Taurus TT - Gone
1990 24' Prowler TT - Gone
TC - Still in the Hunt

Big1
Explorer II
Explorer II
Wow, thanks for sharing, I see that life is good.
2022 Ram Laramie 3500 6.7L CTD CCLB
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dakonthemountai
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Explorer
Oye! I continue to live vicariously through your trip reports!! Thank you again for sharing them with us! 🙂 Life and family health issues prevent me from such wonderful adventures right now, but the truck and camper are always at the ready when the time comes again!

Cheers!
Dak
2018 GMC Denali "Extreme" and 23' EVO 2050T Travel Trailer
Escapee member #224325-Since 1992

whazoo
Explorer
Explorer
Whoya to good friends, I'll hope a good summer was had by all.

54suds, say I think you may have invented a high number word for scrabble. Thanks for that!!

Hi Wo.ody, I'm thankful too, for Mrs., Duke and Bailey Rogers. That other guy is getting hard to put up with. Thanks for your patience.

aka, Well hi Bryan, haven't seen you in a while lol. Thanks for making the effort to meet up even briefly with me on the road to Colorado last week. You're ageless!! How do you do that?

Oldtymeflyr, Yes Rick, Mrs. does take a good portion of pics plus I do use a remote but not often. She sees and takes my best pictures. I need to pay her more hah. Sorry to have not been available in Colorado, I ended up having to yank a front axle to replace a retaining clip and seal. What a hassle it was but I did have use of the Outfitter air tools and such, which made it as convenient as possible. Finding the parts was time consuming. Thanks Rick, see ya...

Hi K Mac, and now you've made mine. Thanks mucho.

TCINTN, Howdy Ed!! Hey I hope you and your bride are doing well, and I figure the trout know to hide when you pull up lol.

Thank you gloriebkj, have a beautiful day...

67avion, Hi D, how's things? Another dimension seldom traveled huh, thank goodness for that. I don't even know what my dimensions are anymore. I hope you and Sweet Jane are out and about there D, best to you.

Hi Ya DJ, Haha that's good. move to Idaho. Well you are a bit to the east, the country is very nice out here in Western Idaho, along the coast. Wait, what?

Hi Wayne, Thanks and boy that's good, forget to start again. I'll try, to remember that one. Spoken like a true sage Wayne, no not the bush.

GpnAZ, Mark! Thanks much Mark, but you always have a smile on your face. Have a great day Mark, if I make it to Phoenix this spring we'll get together.

Howdee Tiger! Well truth be told, Colorado has some beauty all it's own. The view of the Front Range is one of my favorites and we always though we'd end up in Fort Collins. Funny how plans go sideways yet work out for the best sometimes. Thanks so much Tiger, hope you're heeled up finally. Yes, I did.

bighatnohorse, Boy I love your handle there, very funny. Thanks for your reply, I liked that one a little too. I was partial to the bull frog though, never seen one before. Take care...

lots2seeinmyrv, And a big thank you for your time to read and reply.

billyray50, I can't say it was fantastic, but I sure appreciate you saying it. Thanks Billy Ray.

Whoa to ya Silversand! Silver, you've made a whole bunch of my days, in fact I can't count them all. Cheers to good days camping, relaxing and seeing the sights. Maybe one day, one day we'll knock glasses together around a good camp fire. Hello to your lovely wife!!
And yes, I'll use that one by Wayne too, but tell my friends I made it up hah.

Hello exaustipated, It's always good to hear from you and my trip report wouldn't be the same without your most excellent replies. Have a very very good day!

Hi Ya Cal, Yes we feel like Idaho will be our last stop in moving around. I may have to mislabel my trip reports though, we don't need more crowds here. And no to the new roof, I'll have to save up for that one. No, my bottom floor was collapsing with broken frame pieces. Something about rocking and rolling all these years. Heck, my bed ribs are mashed flat in places. I need this camper to hold up until I can afford a new Outfitter. Those composite campers sure look nice!
See Ya Cal...

Camorhino, We have not been to the Magrudedr Road yet but it is on the list. I read that it takes you into Montana along with more gorgeous scenery. I'll look up the places you mentioned, thanks for the tip and your reply!

Ah Jefe, my high brow friend. I LOVE THAT PICTURE! And now you've made my day. Hahaha, that does sum it up yes? "Closer to the ground", that explains that extra track in the sand. Wait, what?

Hi there Steve, it's nice to hear from you. A big yes to not knowing Idaho was so beautiful, we didn't either. It's been a fabulous surprise to us. And with Nevada, Wyoming, Montana, and Oregon so close, well, we'll never run out of places to go!
Cheers back to ya Steve...

Demi Joel, Thank you for the response! And you're right, she's pretty and I'm not so funny. But I feel funny when you say it lol. Have a good one!

Hello jmckelvy, Thanks for looking at the TR and responding. We've not been to St. Anthony area yet but like MagruderRoad it's high on the list. I hear the dunes are pretty incredible, especially if you had sand toys. Which we don't at the moment. So I guess you have to make a big ol circle to visit family now. We're in that boat to lol, just not that big a circle.

Thanks Mad Norsky, as always!

Hah Clarryhill, Nothing fickle about loving two...places at the same time. That's why we have TC's/rv's so we can have it all. I'll hope the same, and keep a cold one on hand.

Hiho Skip!! An art form you say? Surely you jest, what a sad piece of art that would be, but you know I appreciate your sentiment, always. Personally, I think I'm losing me marbles. Now, about frying bacon in the nude...Wayne! Too much information!

Hey there Bill!! Yes, a lot of us "ol timers" have other interestes these days, myself included. We just don't seem to be able to camp without thinking of a TR, sadly haha.
The new posse of pups are wonderful to camp with and yet Bear is a wonderful memory we hang on to. He was the last full "family" dog that grew up with the girls.
Bill, it's great to hear from you and I'll hope your family is all well. When I see Andy I'll say hello lol.

Camper Jeff, Hey Jeff, you didn't miss a thing. Well I did mention your name in one of the pics, in reference to your statement about Duke not catching trout. I imagine you've been doing some camping yourself, I hope it's all good!

2cknights, A big thank you to you CK, I hope things are well in NC and you didn't get too much rain recently.

I really appreciate the time friends take to reply to trip reports, I feel we're dying out here a little and I understand that. It's really a nuts and bolts kind of place, this forum we have. Thanks for letting me inject what little foolishness I do from time to time. Now that this TR is heading for the barn we can all dance and rejoice. Ah but if we could only be Jerry Seinfeld.

Thanks again,
Dave

2cknights
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Explorer
As always, Yaz, another great report. Ck
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Camper_Jeff___K
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How'd I miss this. Must come back later.

billtex
Explorer II
Explorer II
Hi dave, first I have to apologize...I just don't hang out here so much any more (I thought we are supposed to work less as we get older?!).
That brings up another point; we are getting ol....what was I going to say? Oh well...

It is wonderful to see you and the Mrs with a full crew of pups again...I am sure memories of Bear are with you always as you make new memories with this posse!

Idaho sure is something beautiful...haven't been there yet...but it is on my list. We'll do that hike yet.

Hope all is well with the Family...Grand Daughters and all.

God Bless...say hi to Andy Rooney for me,

Bill
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Reddog1
Explorer II
Explorer II
skipbee wrote:
... Getting old is like frying bacon in the nude, you know it's gonna hurt but you don't know where !

Love to all,

skip, out of service ( temporarily)
I gotta ask, you been frying bacon?

Wayne


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skipbee
Explorer
Explorer
Lo Dave,

Once again, iffen I had sox, you'da knocked 'em off! You have invented a new art form, it's true, fun, and really beautiful.

Getting old is like frying bacon in the nude, you know it's gonna hurt but you don't know where !

Love to all,

skip, out of service ( temporarily)
skipbee
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Clarryhill
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Lordy, Lordy, Lordy, Dave, and I always thought your pictoral journeys in the South-west were the be-all end-all. I am now officially in love with Idaho. Call me fickle, but.... Naahh, I'm a Northeast guy all the way, not to say I won't take a few visits out that way, whenever I get the chance. Know just what you mean by the getting older comments. Look in the mirror every day, and wonder who the he?? is that old fa?t. Absolutely fabulous pics as always, my rv.net friend. Hope to share a cold one some day.
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