We need a kayak!

We have been so many cool places that are perfect for a kayak. We already thought about getting one for the bay, and that is a great place, too. But the roof rack we got for the camper is really not conducive to putting anything on it but a kayak or a canoe. We thought that was a mistake because of how unlikely we were to carry a kayak on our trips. Not so!. Eagle River in Gypsum, Colorado was the first to call our name, a class one river section in such a beautiful place and running right by the great campground we stayed at there, River Dance RV. It had heated floors in the bathrooms and showers and all were one person private. Anyway, I kinda wanted a kayak there. And then there was Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho. They call it the Niagara of the West, but I think it was more beautiful for being smaller and having so many different falls instead of one huge one. No, I’m not going over the falls, but underneath you could kayak on smooth waters going up to the falls for a view like no other. And then, low and behold, you could kayak to the famous bridge in Twin Falls, where the side to side view is just too amazing to describe. I definitely think a kayak is in order, especially since we paid for a rack that is otherwise  not useful.

As you can tell, we spent our extra day in Three Islands Crossing State Park going to Twin Falls. It was definitely worth the trip as Kerry’s pictures will later attest to. The park itself was located on the Snake River which is still a beautiful sight in spite of having been dammed for irrigation, and also another great place for kayaking, which it would not have been without the dams. The campground was fantastic. Lots of room between sites and each one with shade from old trees and with a picnic table and fire pit. The showers and restrooms were centrally located in a circle of sites. Unfortunately, ours was on the long end of the circle. The bathrooms and showers were decent and we did not have to pay for hot water. I remember that you did not want to run out of quarters in a pay for hot water shower like we found in many of the places we stayed on our trip West with Steve. There was a path that meandered down the snake river between the two campground areas and by a day use part of the park that also included the coolest little cabins with beds and ac and a little porch with a great porch swing. There was only one family there so we went to one far away and spent a leisurely conversation on the swing. No pets were allowed in the cabins, but I think you could leave them leashed or in a cage on the outside porch. There was also an education center about the Oregon Trail and a small hike related to that, but it was not dog friendly so we didn’t do that this trip. I think it may definitely be a stop on future trips to our beloveds. We have just had such a wonderful trip. I am continually humbled and grateful for the opportunity.  There was also a recreational trail through the city which was quite an interesting place in itself. Cute little bars and restaurants, which we didn’t check out (as we are trying to be as cheap as we can on this trip and that’s not the necessity that gas is), and all kind of murals related to Oregon Trail and the West in general.

Our first stop yesterday was at the Hagerman Fossil Beds. Well actually, it was at the visitor center which had great touchables for kids. They also offer a Junior Ranger program for anyone between the ages of 3 and 100. So we didn’t even need grandchild or niece or nephew. However, we didn’t participate as the timing was wrong. Then we went to a walk only bridge over the snake river to a small marina for motor boats. There were two ski jets that kinda ruined the scenery and olfactory ambience but they didn’t stay long moving on to elsewhere. I looked at all the signs and none said no swimming and it was so inviting there close to the bridge. I wasn’t exactly prepared. I was wearing a swim top for a bra, but as no one was around, I let my underwear be my bottoms. It was deliciously chill and it was all Kerry could do to keep Luna from following me. Just as I was enjoying myself, I realized that I had left my fitbit on. I returned to the dock and got out, congratulating myself on not having a boat with people drive up anyway. Even though my husband and daughter have taken showers with their fitbit, mine bit the dust after its plunge into the cool waters of Snake River. I had already lost the use of my phone. After all night on the charge, it had one percent, and that soon left. I tried it on several different chargers but none worked. It’s been with me for almost 3 years and I know that makes it ancient by today’s standards but I loved my phone, and I hate learning new technology. We passed right by a Verizon on our way back to the highway from Twin Falls so I guess it was destiny that I replace mine. I got the SE which is as close to the one I had as I could get. My old case even fit it… and I have a lifetime warranty on my protection cover… if I can just get it off and remember where I am supposed to mail it.

We are now headed through Idaho almost to the Oregon border. I hope there is a welcome center where we can get a map. We missed getting Idaho and Colorado. I really like having a physical map. It helps to see the whole picture when deciding where to go. Once I know where I am going I am google maps all the way. It knows things a map doesn’t.

I am now in the state with my son and have a map. Life is good.