Backpacking-Summer-FINALLY!

Summer finally got here, and although it hasn't been warm long enough to melt the snow in the prime backpacking areas, we did make it out last weekend for an over-nighter.

We walked about 10 miles before we figured out we must have passed our destination. No matter. Our packs are significantly lighter this year thanks to some new super-light gear. Plus, we needed the exercise.

Here we are at the trailhead on Saturday morning - super happy to be out in the warm sunshine. You'll see more of the orange article around my neck. A new favorite item; it has many uses.



Wildflowers and butterflies everywhere.






We turned into pirates.




The sun set beautifully, and we woke to a crisp, sunny morning.

Mom in Boise

Mom came to visit for a couple of weeks in June. We had a fabulous time doing the things that Moms and Sarahs love to do. Susie came too.



One new thing we did was build a terrarium.



And we learned two things: 1. Susie is an alien. 2. Sarah has horns.

Northern Idaho & Couer D'Alene.

In early June we made a road trip to Northern Idaho with the ultimate destination of Coeur D'Alene. The landscape drastically changes at Whitebird pass.





Had Susie been with us, we would have stayed here.



We arrived in Coeur D'Alene on Saturday afternoon. It was graduation day, and the lake front was packed with people having a good time. We found a shady spot to hang out and enjoy the view. We loved it.

Spring Camping

Back in March and April we actually had some nice spring weather in Boise. Rick and I were able to get out and go camping three times before Boise forgot it was spring and decided to get rainy and cold again.

Our first trip was in March. We rode our 4-wheelers to our new favorite camp site in Bruneau Canyon. I remember thinking to myself "it's hot!" Looking back at the photos now, it obviously wasn't that hot.






April still seemed like great weather. I couldn't resist capturing Rick's shadow on the tent.

My Dad and Me