Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Water and snow!

Sunday 28/05/2011 Twin Fals to Boise, Idaho (via Ketcham/ Sun Valley)

Freezing! Freezing! We rugged up and started our day visiting the Shoshone Falls , 5 miles out of Twin Falls on the Snake River. With record rainfall and the snow melt we were assured of a spectacular sight and they weren't wrong, we could see the spray pluming in the air a mile away! On reaching the Falls we were treated to a spectacular display of water power as it roared and smashed its way over the fall and into the gorge to travel on down the Snake River to Twin Falls and beyond. Be prepared to get wet because standing next to the falls is like being in a rain storm! Water, water everywhere!

Back to Twin Falls and we warmed up with a hot breaky before we braved the cold again to look down into the beautiful gorge and the Snake River from the scenic lookout areas beside the impressive bridge which spans the gorge and is the scenic entrance to Twin Falls. As you drive across the bridge as you enter the town, look to your right and two impressive waterfalls plunge into the gorge and join the Snake River's journey. And so, Twin Falls!

Our destination today was Boise and instead of the 1.5 hours journey on the I-84 we took the 4 hour scenic back road through Ketcham / Sun Vally and Stanley. We soon understood why it was so so cold, overcast and foggy today! It began to rain, which we soon realised was sleet, and as we journeyed further it began to snow, layering the ground and trees with beautiful new snow - fairyland! So instead of visiting beautiful Sun Valley, it was beautiful Snow Valley today!

The trip to Boise by this route was stunning and really worth the extra hours!  Boise, capital of Idaho, is a very impressive city! Love it! We'll be back to explore here some more!

To top off a great day we met up with Guy (son#2) and Kate, who are based in Boise for the tri season,
and enjoyed a great meal at The Matador in Downtown. A special evening and Coach Pete and Guy had lots to talk about!

Off to Bend tomorrow - back were our journey and great adventure began!


Twin Falls





It is not raining, it is the spray from the falls!








Twin Falls -  beautiful town, homes and area

Th Snake River at Twin Falls







The twins!



Twin Falls to Sun Valley


Great name for the Ranch - El Rancho Costa Plente



Heading into the fog and sleet!


The snow starts to fall.




























Earnest Hemingway is buried in this cemetery.

Sun Valley to Boise























The river at Stanley, the coldest place in the USA year round.




Avon Hot Springs









Th river and lakes leading into the Lucky Peak Reservoir 



The spillway at Lucky Peaks Reservoir
The dam at Lucky Peak Reservoir
The Boise 70.3 Tri race swim in this reservoir

The Capitol building in Boise

Boise Downtown

The restaurant district in downtown Boise
Enjoyed a great meal at The Matador with Guy and Kate - a fun night!