Idaho Bound: August 2021
Sometimes you are the windshield,
Sometimes you are the bug.
Sawtooth Mountains, Idaho
Several of our friends had extolled the beauty of Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains. We agreed it was time for us to go there.
Sawtooth National Forest information HERE.
Angel Camp, Ruby Mountains, Nevada
We had really enjoyed our 2019 visit to the Ruby Mountains and were keen to return. After an early morning start we reached Angel Camp at 5:30pm. We had reserved a campsite in advance because travelers often use the camp as an overnight stop. The camp was fairly busy in the evening and emptied during the day.
Cleveland Lake East Campground, Albion Division, Sawtooth National Forest
Trevlyn injured her leg during her last tennis match and it was markedly impacting her mobility. Therefore, we opted to camp at sites with amenities.
This juvenile sparrow harvested grass shoots around camp.
Guessing it is a Chipping Sparrow. All suggestions are welcome!
Mount Harrison Botanical Special Interest Area
The botanical area at Mount Harrison (9265 feet elevation) had sparked our interest and was the reason we came to Cleveland Lake.
Christ’s Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja Christii)
Only place it exists is on this mountain.
Pondered on its future in a warming world.
Harrison Mountain summit has a fire lookout station. The smoke in the valley below is from California’s massive Dixie fire which started in Plumas County.
Smoke was present on every day of our Idaho trip.
Cassia Crossbill
Drove to Thomson Flat and scouted around the lodgepole pine forest for Cassia Crossbills. The Cassia Crossbill does not breed with other crossbills and was recognized as a species in 2017. Unlike the nomadic Red Crossbill, the Cassia is resident year-round in Idaho’s Cassia county – the only location where it occurs. Using its strong thick bill, it feeds on lodgepole pine cones that the Red Crossbill can't open. More information HERE.
(Photo by Zak Pohlen, Macaulay Library)
Bowns Campground, Fairfield District, Sawtooth National Forest
7hr drive to relocate to Bowns camp which is along the S. Fork of the Boise River and provides a vault toilet and potable water (handpump).
A lovely site, 20 yards from the river, with good birdlife - Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Osprey, Northern Harrier, Black-chinned and Rufous Hummingbirds, Belted Kingfisher to mention a few. Douglas squirrels around camp and coyote on far bank.
Young Friends
Made acquaintance with Jayven, Gus, Virginia, Madison and Hanna (ages 6 to 8 years) from the neighboring RV.
Grandparents were hosting them for a camping adventure.
In 2021, the West was burning. Fire experts point to climate change and a century of fire suppression management.
What’s in a name?
A woman hurried through camp yelling “Bear!” We quickly bear-proofed our van. Turns out she has two diminutive mutts - one named “Grizzly” and the other ”Bear”.
The Bug
Message on our GPS to call Renza, who was looking after our house. Established cell phone contact at Dollarhide summit. Extensive home damage from burst water pipe.
Party over, time to go home.