Tag Archives: Donnelly Idaho

Exploring Life Changes: A Journey Through Nature

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Near Gold Beach, OR

Returning to San Diego in mid-June has created an odd start to summer. Usually by June, I am somewhere to the north of Southern California. This year I left San Diego at the end of June, still heading north but much later than normal.

I have felt unsettled and not sure which direction I wanted to take my travels. I had thought about heading east to visit family, yet summer is not my favorite time to visit the East Coast. It is hot and sticky. It is somewhere I would rather visit during the shoulder seasons.

Why am I unsettled? I wish I knew the answer to this question. If I knew, then I could fix it or move in the right direction. The uncertainty of the answer is hard for me to understand, emotionally and spiritually. It is about depression, sadness, and loneliness. There is more, and that is undefined to me.

After spending the winter with Drew (healing from surgery) and a whole month with other people during my trip abroad, it is hard to be solidly solo again. It has been nice to visit friends and then spend time alone and then visit friends again. It is the best of all worlds.

I decided to head north. I love the Pacific Northwest with its beautiful long days. The water, the forests, and friends. I love to visit my friends and catch up on the last year. I especially feel so welcome when friends (The Gold Beach and Whidbey Island friends) get excited about me coming and make me feel loved and supported.

As I was trying to figure out where to go, my good friends who live in Boise, Idaho, helped me decide on my summer. They were looking for a cat and a house sitter while they traveled to Europe to visit their son and explore new territory.

I spent a week in Donnelly, Idaho, about 100 miles north of Boise (still in Idaho). I have been to this small town in the mountains before. I really enjoy spending time in the higher mountain country. This year was different. There was so much smoke from the fires in the Pacific Northwest that it made the sun hard to find. It also limited what I wanted to do. I did manage to take the tram up the mountain to attend a free yoga class. I thought if I could get high enough, maybe it would be less smoky.

I have spent most of August in Boise. Misty the kitty has become a joy to be with. I am so glad to be getting an animal fix. It is also interesting to have more time to explore the Boise area.

“I realized before I even arrived that I needed to make myself get out and do things. So what did I do? I found places to explore in the Boise area. One day I went to the Peregrine Fund. For over 50 years, The Peregrine Fund has worked to conserve birds of prey.

Oliver the Owl

“We repopulated a continent with Peregrine Falcons in just 30 years, doubled the population of Critically EndangeredRidgway’ss Hawks in the Dominican Republic, and identified and addressed the cause of the Asian Vulture Crisis in the mid-2000s. Today, we work across five continents on behalf of all 561 raptor species.”

Female Harpy Eagle
India Ink Etching by CC Wari

I was able to meet up close with an Eagle Owl. I got there just in time for the one o’clock introduction of Oliver the Owl. Not only did they have birds of prey, but some of the local artwork within the facility was also amazing.

I realized that I needed some people contact. I looked online at the public library, and each Wednesday there is a group of crafters that meets for two hours. I took my crocheting and decided to give this a chance. I joined them and made a friend. This past Friday Eleanor and I went to the Western Idaho State Fair. It is good to have someone to hang out with.

Karen, a neighbor and friend fo Linda’s, also got in contact with me. We have visited and shared meals out. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. It is nice to have Karen up the street, I can walk over for a quick visit.

I have been biking and walking usually each day. When I am in need of life encouragement, being outside helps so much. I met the nicest family while cycling when I stopped at Barber Park to get a drink.

Tomorrow I am officially off cat-sitting duty. My friends arrive home from a trip to Switzerland. Misty the Not-So-Invisible Cat gets to reunite with her peeps. All will be right with the world.

It has taken Misty almost the full three weeks to decide that I am an OK person. Now she follows me around asking for pets and skritches. Cats!

Where am I going from Idaho? I am once again heading west towards the Oregon coast. I have eleven days to arrive in Salinas, CA. My next kitty sitting job awaits. Woody the Cat will need no break in period. He and I have met several times before and he is a love bug.

Elkhorn Slough

It will be nice to be back near the Elkhorn Slough. The kayak is going to get busy. Migratory season is starting so who knows what I will find out there. I love birds, and I love nature. I enjoy exploring the Monterey County area.

As I have begun to mention to others my feelings of dis-settlement and yes a mild depression, I have heard from others that I am not alone. So much is changing in my country. I try to keep politics to a minimum on this site, but there are many things that are happening beyond my control. I know the changes have a lot to do with it, yet I feel the biggest factor is the insensitivity and anger so many seem to carry around with them all the time. It generates a saddness in me that is hard to shake. Sigh.

As the season change, I am getting ready for change too. On Tuesday me and EmmyLou will be rolling west, looking for birds and other wildlife. And I will remain thankful.

Today I am thankful for Misty the Not-So-Invisible Cat. I am thankful for this big wide open country that I call home. I am thankful for all my friends who continue to love and support me as I explore my world.

Today I am Open Arms Thankful.

An Idaho Summer

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My Idaho summer is coming to a close. Summer in a home surrounded by water and mountains, what more could I ask for? I knew very little about this state before I arrived. Although I have only explored a small section of a rather large state, I now know it is a place I will return to again.

I have relished my stationary time. I was able to nest and relax. I did not feel like I needed to be on the go every minute. There were many benefits to being here. An outstanding benefit-getting to know Linda better,strengthening our friendship and enjoying her company. It was delightful.

I became part of a community, if only for a short time. It doesn’t take long in a small town for the major players to take notice of a new person. The post office in Donnelly, by the time I left, knew me by name. They also told me they would see me next summer.😁 I have enjoyed becoming part of  a community even it was temporary.

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Elsie bathing in the late Afternoon Sun

Elsie also enjoyed the larger digs. I think she was glad to be left behind to nap at will. She enjoyed having space to run. It was hard for me to have to move her again. It was me being emotional, she really hasn’t seemed to mind.

We are in Boise this week. I am, once again, house sitting for Misty the Invisible Cat. When Linda asked me if I could help them out while they are off on vacation, how could I say no? They gave me their second home without hesitation. This is what friends do for friends.

I am, temporarily,  going to become an advertisement for Idaho as I create one of my list about why Idaho is truly the “Gem State”.

  • It is called the “Gem State”, because nearly every known type of gemstone has been found in the state of Idaho. More than 72 different precious and semi-precious gemstones are mined from Idaho.
  • Idaho’s state seal is the only one in the U.S. designed by a woman. In 1890, Emma Edwards Green submitted the design for the State Seal competition sponsored by the First Legislature for the State of Idaho.
  • The drivers give wide berth to bicyclists. As a cyclist,  I noticed this again and again. It is greatly appreciated.
  • The lakes are beautiful and become warm enough in the summer to swim in. I really appreciate this, as I grew up on a lake in northern NJ and love swimming in fresh water.

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Cascade Lake

  • Outdoor activity is everywhere. Hiking? Yep. Biking? Yep. There are a lot of off the road bike paths, that are well maintained. I didn’t have to worry as much about traffic. Kayaking or Paddle Boarding? Yep.
  • Summer is full of special events. I spent one three-day weekend at the Roseberry annual Music Festival. There were three nights of great music. It was very much a family affair. Young children ran among the adults. I brought my folding chair, set it in place and wandered. The entertainment included local and nationally known bands. fullsizeoutput_80a9It was a great way to spend the weekend. The person who was in charge of parking gave me my favorite spot every night. Small towns are fun that way.
  • Wildlife abounds. I enjoyed all of it. The Sandhill Cranes called to me several times, early in the morning hours. I loved the fox that lived over near Roseberry and am happy that I got to take photos of her.

 

  • There were reminders that I was in the west. A favorite of my time here, was the day my friends and I came upon a herd of sheep, being herded by sheepdogs and people to the high country for the summer.

  • I looked forward to the drive across Cascade Lake every time I needed to go somewhere.
  • There were so many nicely graded dirt roads to venture off on.
  • Wildflowers abound. When one season is done the next one is coming into full bloom. Beautiful, just beautiful.
  • Have I mentioned the people? Everyone was welcoming. I could always find someone to aid me when I needed it. I walked into a dentist office, in McCall, and asked if I could make an appointment for a dental cleaning. No problem. They didn’t need x-rays, they didn’t contact my dentist they just got me in.
  • Water abounds. Lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and all were running wild and well above normal this past spring.

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    Sawtooth Mts & Stanley Lake

    I love water.

  • Idaho is home to beautiful mountain ranges. I loved the short time I spent at the edges of the Sawtooth Wilderness. It was stunning.
  • Boise is known for it’s Greenbelt. It was off-limits to me this spring (too much water) yet now I am able to get out and bike distance with little interference. It rides along the Boise River where a late summer past time appears to be floating the river in rafts and inner tubes.

I will treasure my Idaho summer for a long time to come. It has given me time to be introspective, have fun out there in the wilds and be reminded of the importance of community.

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Next stop, Oregon and the Eclipse.

 

The Life of a Swamper

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As many of you may know, I am spending a part of my summer in Donnelly, Idaho. It is up in the mountains and is, simply, a delightful place to be. I came into the area late in May and have been spending time, first, in Boise (a great medium size town) and now here in Donnelly.

I interrupted my stay for two weeks, so I could travel to northern Montana and join a group of people and raft down the North Fork of the Flathead River. I have never been on a private multi-day raft trip before. It has a very different flavor than a commercial trip. It is work!!! The rafts have to be hauled to the put in, blown up and outfitted. It takes approximately 3 hours to complete this project. It is not easy work. Many items are heavy.  Team effort is a definite must and this group of sixteen excelled in helping others.

I was the swamper of my friend, Mary’s, raft. What, you may ask, is a swamper? Originally the term was used in the logging industry but when it comes to rafting, well, it is a whole different story. Swampers help with everything. Loading the raft?  Yep. Unloading the raft? Yep. Hauling stuff from point A to point B? Yep. Now those tasks sound easy but there is a lot involved. Each item on a raft has a certain place. Everything is double checked to be sure it is strapped down and locks, locked. Does the raft need to be pumped up? Here, let me do that. If anyone needs help in and around the campsite, well there is another job to be done. I decided early on I wanted to make Mary’s and my life easier. I chose to learn quickly so she had less to do with the boat as each day progressed. She could, then, focus on other tasks. By the end of the week, I was pretty much responsible for packing the raft for the day. Mary and I worked well together and made quite a team. I am proud to be called a swamper.  Next trip, if there is one,  I want to learn to row.

At the end of the floating day, my fun began. I set up my tent and took off exploring with my camera. We camped mainly on sand or rock bars on the non-National Park side of the river. Glacier National Park was our east river backdrop. Each day was a beautiful ride. There was always something interesting to explore. I found bear tracks, Sandhill Crane tracks, and we think, wolf tracks. Now how cool is that? One night I camped near a Spotted Sandpiper’s nest. We made good room-mates for a night. I felt honored.

 

I found that the moments of alone time, helped me balance living for a week with sixteen other people. For those of you who have been following my blog, you may recall that being around large groups of people has been an issue for me since Jim’s death from cancer. I enjoyed all of the people I traveled with for the week. It was interesting and fun to watch the group dynamics unfold. Please remember that the majority of this group had already been traveling together for about a week. Some of these folks have been traveling together for many years. They were like one big happy family with all their quirks and fun. I enjoyed getting to know all of them. I enjoyed the stories and laughter. It was fun to join in.

Beaver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I am back in Donnelly, Idaho. I am recovering. I am healing sun burned lips. I have an infection in my big toe. It has given me the opportunity to soak my foot and relax a little. It is a good time to write blog posts.✍🏻 Soak and Write.

I am getting to know the area I am staying in for the next month plus. I take long walks, am hoping to rent a kayak and explore the lakes. I am also catching up on some much needed chores. Daily chores do not go away just because I am leading a gypsy kind of life.

My closest lake.

Sunset not too far from my door.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As this swamper rests and heals, I can look out the door at the mountains and get ready to hike. Life is an adventure I am glad to take on.

 

It’s All About Water

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Payette River

I am about water. We are all about water. We are made of water. Without water we and this planet would not exist as we know it today.

I love bodies of water great and small. This spring is about water in the west. There has been an abundant supply of snow this past winter and spring runoff is happening, in the lakes, rivers and streams. I have heard several comments from the locals here in Idaho regarding the amount of water in the rivers this spring. “I have never seen the Payette River this high.” “There is usually a beach here.” “Wow!”

Since Jim’s death the ocean has been my friend. I sent his ashes into the Pacific and I have found some comfort in being close to the ocean since then. Leaving the ocean behind was hard for me and I was wondering how much I would miss it. When I discovered these wild flowing bodies of water, I find, I have not missed the ocean one bit.

Pacific Ocean in all it’s Glory

I love water. I love it when it is quiet and meandering. I am attracted to weather at it’s worst. I think many of us are. There is something about nature in all it’s fury that beckons me to go outside, climb the mountain, stand on the sand and witness the un-tameness of it all. Big waves? You bet. Wild surf and bad storms? Yep. I once had to crawl under a boulder on a mountain peak while lightening struck and hail was coming down, fast and furious (it was a surprise storm). At these moments, when nature is in it’s full fury I am reminded that I am a speck in this universe. It is a good reminder and humbling.

Spring is a juicy time of the year. Water abounds and is usually at it’s most prevalent. There is still snow on the mountains, more water is still to come. This year I am going rafting for six days on the Flathead River in Montana. Ah, more water. I love to put my feet in water and if it is warm enough I love swimming in it. In San Diego, the summer is boogie-boarding season. There is a quiet joy in kayaking or paddle-boarding a peaceful lake. It is fun to  meander the shore-lines and see what I can see. There is nothing better than the sound of a loon on a quiet lake.

Fields near Donnelly

Since I have arrived in Donnelly, Idaho, I have been surrounded by large bodies of water, Cascade Lake and Payette Lake. As a nature photographer I really enjoy all this water. It attracts birds and all sorts of wildlife. If I want a chance to photograph, all I have to do is put on some mosquito repellant and sit by a lake or stream and wait. Right now the open fields have quite a bit of water in them. I can stop almost anywhere and wait. If I am quiet and patient enough the animals and birds will come. My favorites this spring are grebes and sandhill cranes. They are my current favorites until something else attracts my attention.

Greebe

Greater Sandhill Crane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cascade Lake

Ponderosa State Park

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water attracts all of nature, People, animals, birds, bugs-the list could go on. Water is a part of my life and I am happy to have it there. I like to camp next to it. Fishing is fun. There are times that I enjoy renting a hotel room right on the beach and sit and contemplate life, as the waves gently or not so gently crash onto the sand. When evening falls and a lake is still, the sunset is awe inspiring. It quiets my spirit before sleep.

Today and every day I celebrate water in all of it’s wondrous forms.