Small Places, Smiling Faces

---

We set out this summer to buy a houseboat on Lake Powell so we could have a short drive out of "The Valley" (Phoenix area), low elevation for Tom, and somewhat cooler. We stayed at Wahweap Campground in Page, AZ for two weeks while we searched. Many of you know we had a small boat on Turkeyfoot Lake in Akron, Ohio before we started RV-ing. I had the best of intentions to support Tom on this. But finding a 40' houseboat, what we didn't know was that my stomach doesn't like big waves on a big lake. Such a gorgeous lake. Tom appreciated my efforts.

Then we decided to look for a campground with a view. This took us North to a city park in Heyburn, Idaho, population about 600 folks. It is on the Snake River. We intended to stay a few weeks but the park ranger booked us for August instead of July and when we arrived they had no spot for us. Shuffling their books they fit us in for one week. Evenings we strolled along the Snake River. Our little Arizona dog was introduced to grass! Oh, how she loves rolling in grass!

I found another park, Swiftwater RV Park, in northern Idaho along the Little Salmon River in the town of White Chief, population 50 people. Unfortunately, the owner lied to me, saying they had full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a view. The tall trees in front of our rig blocked the view although if we went to their gazebo we could watch the rafters and fisherman on the river. Next morning, we moved on.

Unfortunately the only way out in our search for a view was South on Idaho 55, or as I call it "The Jaws of Death!" Our mountain directory warned of 7% grades but Tom felt confident our diesel-pusher could handle them. The good news is that because part of the mountain road had collapsed the construction crew set up a one lane road with traffic lights to handle traffic both ways....on the switch-back part of the mountain!

Arrowhead RV Park in Cascade Idaho was along the Payette River. A really nice area in a mountain meadow. We didn't stay long enough to take the totem pole classes offered there, but really enjoyed the friendly people. We will NEVER go back driving a big rig though. After our stay we had to continue south on ID-55, a two lane road with about 10 miles of switchbacks and jutting mountain rocks along the Payette River.

We've reassessed our summer plans and decided to test the high elevations. We've never been to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon so we're on our way. Meantime we are in the small town of Rupert, Idaho, population about 600 people. Oh, the Snake River is a hop, skip and jump, and horses graze within view!

---

Photos

Lake Powell
Really blue water!

Payette River
Not the white water part!

Rupert, Idaho
My new friend Kenzie with Zeus

City of Rocks
On the Calif Trail

Tom strolling the Snake River
With Charlotte

Comments

[Sue Alsobrook]

Happy Trails
Good to get your update...we loved the northern rim of the Grand Canyon and Flagstaff...but that was a few years ago. Sorry to tell you that my mom, Katie, died in May. She is whole again and that makes me thankful. Sorry to hear about Tom's lung problem and hope for a helpful treatment.

[Mullibear]

Katie
Katie was my friend and spiritual mentor. So sorry for your loss. Blessings to you and CB

[Joannie]

Beautiful Pictures
Glad to hear you are both well and THANKS for sharing the beautiful pictures. The Payette River as well as Lake Powell are so beautiful with the mountains in the background. Mountains, a rig and switchbacks sound pretty scary to me. Please be careful!!! Charlotte looks like she is enjoying too!

[Rod and Nan]

So nice to hear from you.
Hi Karen and Tom. It was so nice to hear from you. Sorry the houseboat didn't work out and sure hope you enjoy the grand canyon. We loved seeing the south rim many years ago but have never been to the north rim. You'll have to tell us all about it next time we get together. Please take care and hopefully we'll be able to come down this winter and maybe get together. Nan~