Our Journey Living In Nature – Part 22 – Northwest Passage Campground and the Sawtooth Lodge

June 13, 2019 – Thursday – Northwest Passage Campground

It was a long winter and I am glad it is over, but part of me will miss it, I will miss the beauty nature provided to us each day during the winter months of rejuvenation. Experiencing cabin fever though was not much fun to say the lease, and wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Going through that mental ordeal I wasn’t really sure if I was able to survive it. I didn’t get those things done that I wanted to because of it, as with other challenges we faced, but it was indeed an interesting experience. The small town of Kamiah did become a home to us as with every place we camped, just with more people. The people were friendly and hospitable with our 8 month long stay. I wish I could have connected more with the native people in the community, but that has always been a challenge for us.

We got all our stuff packed up on Wednesday and Thursday, and left our winter camp around 8:30 am, Thursday. I was happy with that early time. We would have about a three hour drive to reach McCall on our first stop. I was not sure where we would make our first camp. If we can, we will try to camp at Northwest Passage Campground again. I was not sure how easy it would be to find a campsite being so close to the weekend crowds. It was a beautiful areas we enjoyed camping. We said, thank you to Jeff for letting us stay at his homestead for the 8 months.

We stopped in town to fill up the tires on the trailer, and truck, got gas, and stopped for coffee and a few slices of bacon for me and the boys. Before I got coffee at the cafe, I talked with two women that were walking down the street that mentioned my canoe, and asking about my writing. One of the women knew us from us doing our morning walks on the road. I think she lived next to Jeff’s place. I talked with them longer then I should have, but it was a nice chat. We then stopped at the grocery store for a few items, and then departed Kamiah at 10:30 am.

It was a nice drive through the Idaho countryside as it has always been. We finally reached Northwest Passage Campground, hoping we would find a nice campsite. I was pleasantly surprised there were only two campers there. We chose campsite #6. It had good shade and a comfortable layout for our needs, but the bad thing was it was very close to both sites on either side of us. It was nice having an near empty campground. But more campers soon came in, in the afternoon.

We didn’t have to go shopping in town, so it gave me and the boys time to settle into camp, and relax. The boys always remember the camps we have been at, and settled in quickly.

Because I was now a resident of Idaho, we saved some money on camping, which was nice. But unfortunately most state parks with campgrounds were reservation only, which we don’t do.

The tent was easy to set up once I got it all untangled, then set up the rest of the camp. The weather was warm and overcast.

Behind our camp, and hidden by the woods, a cow moose and calf lurks not far from us, and always out of sight from us. where they graze in the open meadow along the river. There is a trail that the deer use, but some reason not the moose that we know of.

We met one of our neighbors, nice people. On their return to camp from a kayak trip along the Payette River, they came over to show me some photos they took of a moose they saw on their kayak ride. They saw two cows. Paddling along the river is a scenic place to be, especially while seeing moose and other wildlife.

For dinner we had roast beef and cheese. I also had a salad with dinner. It was nice being back here. We were experiencing biting mosquitoes though.

I was looking forward to a free shower at the Ponderosa Campground.

We turned in at around 9:00 pm. I watched a short film on bears.

While relieving myself before going to bed, I saw a white tail buck coming closer to our tent. I was talking to the buck, not to come any closer. I didn’t want to boys that were now in the tent to get too excited. The buck didn’t seem to be too concerned with me and the boys. The boys didn’t seem to be bothered by the presence of the deer. The deer also seemed not to be too bothered by me, so I went back into the tent so as not to encourage him in getting closer.

Around 11:00 pm, we got some rain with a bit of lightning and thunder. I got up to close the window openings and the door opening up to prevent rain from coming into the tent , and put the other tent that was in the bed of the truck under the canopy. The canopy did well during the night with the exception of some puddling on the cover.

I had some restlessness during the night and in the morning off and on, on not having a clear plan on what each day will bring pertaining to my writing, and on our story. Right now it is still an open book to be discovered.

The morning had a bit of a chill, with clear skies. The air had the clean and sweet smell from the rain that we had during the night. We got up and went for a walk on the road next to the campground that was covered on each side with the lush green foliage of plants and trees in the area. The birds were singing this morning with their songs.

Afternoon Entry

We went to Ponderosa State Park to take a refreshing shower. In town I tried calling the company about my canopy, and the only way to contact them was by email. And trying to deal with the company who makes the tents for Columbia. I was getting no where, so I will try tomorrow. Since I have an unusual situation than most, most people I deal with can’t understand that I rely on these products for our survival.

Back at camp and with a couple of beers, my frustration dealing with people slowly disappeared. The boys are lying in the huckleberry bushes napping.

Last year I bought some insect repellent from Cabela’s by Sawyer that is suppose to be non toxic vs. using Deet. I got it out and started using it. It seems to be working so far.

We can stay here for 14 days maximum. I am not sure how long we will stay here yet. It is so beautiful here, and away from the crowds of the tourist in McCall.

At 8:30 pm, a total of 5 new campers arrived here.

June 14, 2019 – Friday

I woke to a beautiful morning. I slept pretty well. Another cool morning, with some clouds in the sky. Once up, we went for a walk on the road with no moose sightings. Back at camp, I fixed coffee next to a crackling campfire. I will fix breakfast for me and the boys, then back into town.

So far the birds I have seen are robins, Canadian geese, some larger birds, maybe hawks or eagles that came above the trees and above the camp. We had a small chipmunk running through our firewood pile.

I was just watching a young boy riding his bicycle by our camp on the road, then turned around, back to where he came. It brought back memories of my experiences riding my bicycles when I was young. It always gave me a sense of freedom, and joy. And I was able to make money using my bike for a paper route with the Oakland Tribune. I had friends who also had paper routes, where we all folded our papers together, and in ways of causing trouble. My friend Bill and I spent much of our time riding our bikes together, and we had paper routes together.

It was because of my oldest brother, Don who took on the role as our caretaker after our Dad died, always providing me and my brother with a good Christmas each year in our younger days. As a family, we did not have much money, social security took care of our essential needs. Don had a good job that allowed him to provide us with a nice Christmas each year. Although we didn’t have a lot of money, it seemed life was good overall. We had a good close family support system.

My friend Bill had two bicycles, a Schwinn ten-speed, and the popular Schwinn Sting Ray. The Schwinn bicycle was the original American bike brand of the time. The City of San Leandro where we grew up in had a Schwinn bike shop in town where Bill and I would go visit to check out the new bikes where I would dream of having a new Schwinn of my own, and where I could use on a paper route to deliver the newspapers. On the Christmas prior to starting my paper route, I woke up on Christmas Day to see both of the two brand new, shiny Schwinn bikes next to the Christmas tree. I was so excited and couldn’t wait to take them outside for a test ride. For a young boy, this was truly the best gifts a boy could have. It meant freedom.This was the best Christmas ever. It would mean I had a cool bike for my paper route, and Bill and I could spend all our time riding our bikes for exploring new area. And that is what we did.

On one of our many visits to the Hobby shop we would often visit for model cars, and model airplanes, that I enjoyed building, we would occasionally visit the Schwinn bike shop, where Bill and I would check out the bikes, and on this occasion I saw two sold tags on two of the bikes. One on a blue Sting Ray, and another on a blue Ten-Speed. When I saw my name on the tags a feeling of joy and excitement swelled inside me. I could not believe my brother bought not one, but two bicycles for me. I could not wait for Christmas.

My brother Ron, had a paper route for a time, and I would go with him to go to collect the monthly charges from his customers for the newspapers. Once we finished he would take me to the soda fountain at the drug store to get a soda. I knew I wanted to do that when I was old enough. When I did get my paper route at the age of twelve, my route was right next to where we lived on Dutton Ave. The route was a straight line starting at MacArthur Blvd, to East 4th Street. I once timed how long it would take me to do my route and I did it in 15 minutes flat. I had one of the smaller routes with about 60 newspaper delivers on average. I loved doing it, but never liked the collecting part of it. And I got to do it with my friends. They were fun times for us, and we got to earn a little money. Our newspapers were dropped off under the 280 freeway at MacArthur Blvd and Dutton Ave, where we would insert advertisements into the newspapers, fold them, and stuff them into our newspaper bags, then off we went on our routes. Wednesdays and Sundays were the worst days, because the newspapers were always the heaviest with all the advertisements. Bill and I only had two blocks from where we got our papers at, and where we lived. We called them “The Boxes.”

Times were so different in those days. We were always playing outside, and always active. I was also consumed with watching television on our black and white TV. A color TV was a luxury back then. We had foothills near by that we would always explore. We had Bud’s Ice cream parlor close by that we always visited if we had the money. We even had a Zoo in walking distance, and horse stables near the Zoo where we could rent horses to ride. We had two theaters in town for more entertainment. Bill and I would walk to the Del Mar theater that was next to the Hobby shop when there was a movie we wanted to see. And if we had the money, we would go alone. And that way, we could misbehave. We always found ways of misbehaving when we were together. Life was good in our tiny community, and on our block. We had lots of kids to play with. For the most part it was Bill and I who spent the most time together, and it always felt safe where we lived in our small community. I could write a book about it.

Evening Entry

Our neighbor’s left today. A nice couple that enjoyed the boys and the boys enjoying them. I was considering moving to their site, but decided not to. Our site was fine. Some campers did move next to us on the other side, and it felt cramped with them being there, but they should be leaving when the weekend is over. And we should have the whole week to ourselves.

June 15, 2019 – Saturday

It was a beautiful morning with a little chill in the air. There was a fresh scent of nature in the air. The music from the birds are singing, that begun in the early dawn.

We began our day on a walk in nature. I took the boys for a walk on the road where nature was all around us. Back at camp the chipmunks were feeding on the bird seed I spread out in camp yesterday. A Chickadee was gathering something on the ground, but not sure if it was the bird seed. He was pretty brave getting that close to me. The boys just ignored him as they do most of the birds that come to visit us.

I found a hole in the tent screen from an ember from our fire. I was not happy about that, but what can one do?

There are still a few campsites open this weekend.

While on our walk, I was talking with a guy who spotted some good size trout by the beach. Maybe I will try some fishing this week.

It is a beautiful place here, especially when it is quiet from people. But me and the boys have also met very nice people on our travels. And the boys love meeting new people. They get so excited having new friends.

A scrub jay just flew by our camp. It may seem not a big deal for most, but to me the experience of being in nature, and experiencing it in any form is a gift to me.

There is a light mountain breeze coming through the camp that is always welcome on these warm days, and enjoying being able to take in the deep breaths of the fresh air filling the lungs. It is in the simple things the natural world brings life to us, within us, through our senses that we have a greater appreciation for all life. When we can truly experience these things, we truly experience the essence of life deeply within. And in that, we realize this is all we need to be fulfilled. Unfortunately most people have become habituated to the materialistic world that can only bring us joy that really has little meaning. Or our false realities of our ego self needing to have control over others, and ourselves, to be better than others, to be separate from all others, and to all life. And always wanting things that really never gives us real joy. It makes for a messy and tangled web we weave in our lives – a life without meaning. It can be difficult pulling way from this trap humans have made for themselves. Our cultures who control us don’t want us to pull away from these perceived needs, and these false illusions because it gives them control over us. Our whole culture is built on profit, and creating this false illusion it will give us a better life.

I am not saying certain things in the material world shouldn’t give us joy, but it shouldn’t pull us away from what truly brings us true inner joy in experiencing pure awareness. There can be a balance between to two. We shouldn’t see what we have in the material world as who we are, or being better than others that is driven by the ego self. We should see the impact we have on the world and to all life as a whole with the path we walk. It is hard to do with the powers that bind us to materialism. Most of us in the modern world have never been taught this. This is why I suggest, we can learn these teaching and wisdom from traditional indigenous cultures, and go within. This will seem foreign to many at first, but once awaken, the shear beauty and truth will show herself in us. We then will experience peace and being within and without, and this will permeate throughout the world.

More birds are showing up around our area such as the ravens and the beautiful Western tanagers.

June 16, 2019 – Sunday

As usual, most campers began breaking up camp to leave for home. Many hating to leave from this garden of Eden we call nature. A weekend is never long enough in nature, especially when most truly don’t experience being in nature. Me and the boys are fortunate, we don’t have to leave nature because we made nature our home for now, which has been a true gift that materialism can’t provide.

This morning has a pleasant coolness in the air, with blue skies filling the vast void.

The birds were singing together in concert throughout the forest in the early dawn of light. Then with a short lull, they began again. Their songs bring life into the silent forest.

I have coffee on, writing in my journal next to a small fire. The boys are relaxing. These are always perfect moments for us in starting every morning.

Evening Entry

We went on our evening walk before going to bed. We past two bucks next to our camp. There is a trail next to our camp that they use in getting into the campground. Both the deer walked into our camp. The youngest one was licking up some urine I had just poured at the base of a tree. It was digging up the area to get to the urine. Then the older deer followed. The boys and I were just watching from the inside of our tent. I was not aware of deer being so attracted to human urine. I heard stories about mountain goat harassing people, for their urine. I was glad I could help. It may sound disgusting to many, but they get needed minerals from the urine. The deer in this area are Mule deer. A larger species than the white tail deer.

June 17, 2019 – Monday

On our morning walk I looked over to the other side of the river, at an open area where moose like to graze. I spotted something dark brown and large. I went through the animals it might be, such as a cow or a horse and discounted those possibilities. So it was most likely a moose. It was grazing on the grass and watching us. It was cow moose. I also realized that area was very close to our camp. I am surprised we don’t see or hear moose coming through our camp.

I was excited to finally see a moose. The boys were also sniffing something intently on the ground. I spent a few moments just watching our first encounter of this spectacular creature. Then the moose slowly moved into the trees and disappeared from sight. I then saw a small head following her, mostly hidden in the tall grass. It was a calf with her. That was a big treat for me. Nanook could hear them from the dark shadows of the forest. All I could hear was silence.

This area was alive with creatures that mostly stayed hidden in the wooded areas. Once in a while they will show themselves to the intent viewer, or the lucky observer by accident. I always feel grateful for this gift they have bestowed upon us. And at the same time, show respect on this creature of the wild.

As for the nasty biting flies and mosquitoes, they have been quite the nuisance. Luckily no problems with yellow jackets thus far. These creatures can be an irritant for sure, making camping out in the outdoors a miserable and nerve racking experience. But they are part of nature that I knew I would have to deal with, as with the bad weather at times. I have learned to enjoy hearing them buzz around and flying in the air, but it is when they bite or sting it gets to be too much.

The Western tanager and Scrub jay were playing cat and mouse in our camp that was enjoyable to watch. The bird seed I left in camp wasn’t eaten by any birds. Only the chipmunks. I was hoping I would have more bird activity around camp, but it was not to be.

Evening Entry

It was a busy Monday for this campground. At last count there were 10 campers still here which is very unusual for a Monday.

I was observing the mosquitoes and I had noticed they don’t bother you when you move around, but when standing in one place or sitting down to relax, they go into attack mode. Also walking into a swarm of them doesn’t help. I know everyone hates it when they buzz in the ear, and especially in bed.

June 18, 2019 – Tuesday

We had a good day today. I got a replacement for my other canopy that was missing a part from Amazon today although it was difficult dealing with Amazon. We should get delivered on Friday. Amazon gave me a credit of $150.00 for the last canopy we received originally that was missing a part that made it not function properly. Hopefully the one we get this Friday works. We also went into town to pick up some groceries

June 19, 2019 – Wednesday

Clouds are beginning to roll in. I had heard it was going to rain on Thursday and Friday. We plan on leaving next Wednesday for our next camp.

We went on our morning walk on the road, and spotted a cow moose on our way back, about 50 yards from us standing on in the middle of the road. She was just standing there looking at us. We stopped to give her some space. After a few minutes it moved off into the woods towards the campground. Then from the other side of the road her calf that was hidden in the brush slowly began to cross the road following her mother. The mother always being aware of the calf. They then both disappeared quietly into the abyss of the woods. The mother moose seemed calm during this whole time. The nice thing about the boys, they never bark and usually just watch in these encounters with wildlife, but they were getting a bit excited with the sightings of the moose and in their scent as I was.

We continued on the road being watchful for the moose while we headed back to camp. What an incredible experience.

Back at camp the only critters interested in the bird seed seemed to be only the chipmunks.

This morning we had bacon and eggs, then we left for the other campground for a shower, and then grocery shopping in town.

In the beginning of our journey a year and a half ago, I had no interest in people. But slowly this perspective changed. It was nice meeting new people, we just did not spend any time with them. We always kept to ourselves overall, because people would be distractions to me getting things I wanted to get done, done. When people are together all they want to do is talk. I just wanted to experience silence, and observe.

One of our times camping here, I went to the bathroom and left the boys tied up in camp. They soon started howling for me. The camper who was next to us (a couple in a camper) yelled at my boys to shut up. It seems this guy wasn’t very friendly. We didn’t talk at all. He thought he needed to carry a fire arm on his waste in a campground. It is legal to do so, but very seldom necessary. Most people enjoy hearing the boys howling, and they only do it for a short time.

The family camping next to us had one young girl around 11/2 years old. She was an adventurous one and loved to camp. They were Spanish and very nice people.

Another family with three young girls camping a couple of sites from us, The three young girls also enjoyed camping, and being in nature. The boys seemed very comfortable with the kids, and with the family. It seemed Nanook felt very comfortable with them and wanted to spend more time with them.

It is 10:40 am. We have blue skies with a nice alpine breeze coming through camp.

My goal was to spend much more time camping in the backcountry, vs in campgrounds, but because of the cost of getting packed in, that was not doable. I did not see my age as being a problem, but in reality, it was much more dangerous to do, and especially doing it alone. But I did so much enjoy the solitude being alone with the boys. Each day in the backcountry was a gift. I believed we were guided by our Helping Spirits to keep us safe along our path. I asked for the wisdom and for nature, and for the Source to teach me, and provide me with a much deeper understanding and deeper connection through pure awareness in my consciousness. This can be accomplished anywhere, but spending time in nature makes it much easier, and especially doing it alone. So much of our camping will be in campgrounds. We will try to stay in the Ketchum area, and the Sawtooth National Wilderness Area most of the summer. And I will try to do another film showing of the documentary “Standing On Sacred Ground,” there in Ketchum.

It seems I still want to do so much more. Do more reading, being out in the backcountry working on bushcraft skills, writing, photographing, spending time being with native people, filming nature, and just being silent in nature. But time goes by so fast I really don’t get much done in a day. There are the everyday things I have to do as well, such as looking for campsites to stay at, driving time, breaking down and setting up new camps, shopping for food, propane gas for the stove, dog food, getting block ice for the ice cooler, laundry, getting fire wood, dumping garbage daily, getting water daily, cooking, etc. and the list just goes on. Things always take longer when camping as well. Once in Ketchum I want to focus on getting the film showing scheduled for a showing at the Library. This may be my only, and last chance to show it.

When I first began practicing bushcraft skills in the backcountry in 2009, I had a list of things I wanted to get done. And I was soon getting overwhelmed with the things I wasn’t getting done because of the time it takes for the simplest tasks to get done. Getting water and firewood and chopping the firewood was an everyday task. For the projects I wanted to work on, always took longer than I thought they would take. I eventually stopped focusing on all the things I wanted to accomplish, and focused on the present moment, and I began experiencing those moments much more. One project I was working on was building a dry smoker. It took two days to build the smoker and the ditch, then testing it. Then spending the whole third day keeping the fire going and gathering the wood. It took the whole day to only partially smoke the meat. So I gave up on it, and I finished cooking the meat on the stove for dinner. There is always a process of trial and error in practicing these types of skills, as with gather the right materials one needs. Everything takes more time in doing things in the wilderness. Nature teaches us to slow down and experience each and every moment. There is no past, and no future, only the Now. The lesson I learned with the smoker as, that I should have made the smoker Tee Pee much bigger, and giving it more time to smoke. It also takes a lifetime to learn traditional bushcraft skills.

Evening Entry

We had salmon for dinner, and enjoyed the evening with a nice campfire.

We met some nice campers two campsites over.

We turned in at 8:45 pm

June 20, 2019 – Thursday

This morning we woke to clear skies, but I know this could be deceiving and could change quickly. The clouds soon began to come in. We had a nice light rain on our morning walk. The temperature is also cooling down.

Coming back towards our camp we saw the moose cow and calf near the entrance of the campground standing on the roadway. They both soon disappeared in the woods once again.

I slept well last night, and felt much better than I have in a long time. The cobwebs that are usually hanging over me did not exist. I felt awake and alive. Since my time in nature I have felt this way, but the nights can be brutal for me.

Today we will stay in camp.

June 21, 2019 – Friday

This morning started out being clear skies, then clouded up again with light rain.

It was still a nice day being in nature.

Only a few campers came in on Thursday, maybe due to the weather. The weather outlook is suppose to be nice for the next 10 days. We will see. Hopefully we will have nice weather on our moving day on Wednesday.

Takota threw up twice in the tent this morning. Then on our walk he was eating grass and threw up again. He obviously had an upset stomach. He then threw up again in camp twice. He just wasn’t feeling well. We had roast beef last night, and my stomach was a bit upset, so it could have been the roast beef.

We are supposed to have more possible showers today.

We should be getting our new canopy hopefully today so I will run to the UPS, and do a little shopping.

June 22, 2019 – Saturday

The campground is mostly full. It is nice and sunny out, but cool out. I got the new canopy up on Friday, and so far do good. No missing parts. Some campers down the way wanted my other canopy, so I gave them my other canopy exchange for some firewood.

Takota ate most of his dinner last night, and seemed fine and spunky this morning.

Since we began this journey I have noticed that the boys have been telling me when they are ready for bed. Usually Takota is the first by lying next to the tent and looking at me, or if the tent is open, he will go in when it gets dark, Takota knows it is time for bed. Most of the time with Nanook, he prefers to stay out a bit longer. But when it is time for bed, we all go in usually together.

The gal I gave the canopy to said a red fox came into their camp yesterday looking for food scraps on the picnic table. She showed me some photo she took and it was a good size fox.

Afternoon Entry

While we were filling the water container at the water pump, we saw a large, beautiful fox near the water pump. It had a beautiful blend of colors on it’s coat with a mix of brown and blond. It’s tail was blond and full with a white tip. I was watching him or her leave the campground, then cross the road to the other side and into the woods. It’s home must be close by with easy access to the campground and it’s easy food source left by people not keeping a clean camp. I am sure it was the same fox.

June 23, 2019 – Sunday

On our walk this morning we saw a cow moose at the clearing next to the river where they like to graze behind our camp. I did not see any calf with it. But it could have easily been hidden in the tall grasses near the mother. It is amazing how protective wildlife are with it’s young and how they teach their young to survive in the wilds, especially with humans around.

We were fortunate to see a few moose sightings of the moose and the calf. And of the beautiful red fox. It was a real treat for me and the boys.

The pesky mosquitoes were a nuisance last night and this morning. They can really ruin a good day.

It is a beautiful morning. Warmer then it has been, with partly cloudy skies.

I have been sleeping well overall the past few nights.

The mind plays tricks on ones being, in one’s subconscious. It is like the cartoon of the devil on one side of the shoulder telling you what to do, and on the other side of the shoulder, the figure of the angel telling you to do the right thing. We are always told to do the right thing, but never taught by example to do the right things. In early television programs some had good examples of right and wrong. It is always a choice we have between right and wrong, good and bad. The bad nowadays in movies sells better at the box office with more graphic violence, and showing women as sex figures feeding a violent society, as does the violent video games that children are getting hooked on, and addicted to. Even adults are getting hooked on such video games.

Evening entry

I was feeling a bit stressed today. It is hard to focus when being stressed. Yet, it is all in the mind that we create this stress. We can illuminate this stress simply by being aware of it.

The thing about walking a spiritual path, it is through self discovery. Making a choice, not by what other people tell us to do, but by going within. It is as simple as how we choose to be as a person.

When we understand the power of the ego mind, we can then choose the right path to go on within and without. If we can learn to have a silent mind, to eliminate judgement, and labeling towards others and towards oneself, can we then see a clearer path. We will trip along the way on this path, but our focus will continue to guide us in the right direction. We may see small gains followed by big crashes, and if we are lucky, a big shift will occur, or a succession of smaller shifts will occur one after another other. One may see these shifts as truly miracles appearing in one’s conscience. One of those shifts for me that I experienced was self love. I had never experience this inner love before. It took over forties years to recognize this.

June 25, 2019 – Tuesday

Last night a camper pulled into a campsite two sites away from us at around 7:30 pm. He was an older gentleman around my age. He was alone, tall with a slender build, with long gray hair and a long gray beard. He was talking to himself while setting up camp. I kinda of felt we had a connection with each other because we looked alike. I walked over to him to introduce myself. We were the only ones in the campsite. We chatted for a bit and I liked him right off the bat. He asked about Takota and Nanook while they were watching us talk, and I asked if he wanted to meet them? The old guy dropped by our camp once he got his camp set up. We spent a little more time chatting. The boys immediately liked him. His name was Joe.

This morning I took the boys for a short morning walk, and passing Joe’s camp I said, “Good morning.” He returned the greeting, and asked if I wanted a cup of coffee? So we talked for a bit more. It was like we had known each other for a long time. He was leaving this morning to head to Riggins for a one day raft trip.

After returning from our walk, I invited Joe over for another cup of coffee at our camp before he left. It was a beautiful morning. The campground was peaceful and quiet while we chatted a little bit more before he left.

The boys were excited to see Joe again when he was talking towards our camp. They greeted him as an old friend. There was something about it that connected us together. We shared more stories while sipping on coffee, and the boys relaxed in our company. He told me he lived in Maine building sailing boats in the winter. After his short rafting trip, he will slowly head to Long Island to visit family. He returned to his camp to get ready to depart. And I started breaking up camp for our departure for tomorrow. He was a great guy, and it was a wonderful pleasure spending this short time with him. It seems we were meant to meet for some odd reason. I had never had such an encounter with an individual like this before. It was like it was suppose to happen.

June 26, 2019 – Wednesday – Back to Sawtooth Lodge

We didn’t leave until 11:30 am from McCall to get to our next camp at Sawtooth Lodge at 3:45 pm. On our drive to the lodge I thought since we will be getting to Sawtooth Lodge late in the afternoon, I thought we would splurge on a cabin for the first night if one was available. When we arrived at Sawtooth Lodge, cabin #5 was once again available, with the cracks in the walls allowing slits of light to show though to the outside. This cabin lacked the cracks in the floor or ceiling the other cabins we had offered to us. We did have to watch for the nails protruding out from the wood porch deck though. This part of being rustic is a bit much. It could cause injures to me or the boys getting snagged by them.

New employee are working here from the last time we were here. The lodge looks even more rustic and run down in the cabin area than before. It looks like a tornado hit the grounds. But it still remains a beautiful area. I did not have much expectations with the lodge, but it would have been nice with a lower price for the cabin. Not much has been done to the place as far as improvements to the lodge. They did have a wildfire here, and a road slide that washed out part of the road giving no access to the forest service campground, but to hike in. They also had trailers for the employees to live in.

I am sure the boys remember this place from last summer when we were first here.

We checked out the upper meadow they use for tent camping that we camped at last year, and the campsite we camped at was trashed. I did see a campsite across the way that looked much better and that offered some shade from trees, a picnic table, a fire pit, and a good tent pad. I will use our old 6 person tent for this site. Luckily the fire did not damage the lodge itself. It would have been a great loss losing the rustic feel it had.

First thing in the morning tomorrow we will have breakfast at the lodge, then I will get things set up at this campsite. We will spend five days total here for our layover, then to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area to hopefully spend the rest of the summer around the Ketchum area.

We had mostly blues skies here so far.

I said hello to old Daryl, the outfitter at the cafe.

We got situated in the cabin, then we had a take out dinner from the cafe, with a couple beers, and relax with the boys at our cabin porch.

Evening Entry

On our evening walk the sweet and pungent smell of the sage brush filled the air. I picked a limb of the sage, and brought it up to my nose to breathe in, and appreciate it’s lovely fragrance. One of the many beauties in nature that many choose to ignore and see within. The many wonders of life are all around us, and yet we don’t take the time to truly experience and appreciate what she offers to us.

June 27, 2019 – Thursday

We received a light rain last night that we heard slapping loudly on the corrugated metal roof of the cabin. As with the light rain falling on the fabric of the rain fly of a tent, it always sounds louder, and heavier than it is. This rain fall would last maybe no longer than 15 minutes at a time. Occasionally coming and going. So far we would not get heavy rains, they would be light showers or light misting. The hardest part is to keep the boys dry, and even when I dry them off, they are still wet with their two layers of coats.

We got up around 7:00 am and went for our morning walk. I decided to let the boys roam off leash away from the lodge, and they both took off for their freedom to explore the great outdoors. When they were going too far, I would call them to come back. They would both return to me eventually in a joyous pace, with a doggie type smile on their faces. It was nice seeing them running around as free spirits and being so happy.

Last night when we went to bed, I forgot Takota didn’t like the flooring in the cabin. He would alway slip on the badly worn linoleum. I gave up my bed cover to put on the flooring for him. They both appreciated the comfort. Takota felt much more relaxed not constantly slipping on the floor. Luckily I was able to stay warm only with a thin blanket, and a thin pair of sheets. I usually did keep the windows open for fresh air, but I soon had to close them when the cold began setting in.

Today is a little breezy and overcast with a possible chance of rain. I was a bit concerned about the wind in using our old tent, so we went over to the campsite, and the wind was not so bad there. I was thinking about doing one more night in the cabin, but that would be another $100 bucks including meals. And I miss camping in a tent. We will take a chance on the weather for camping. They are also charging for firewood, so I may be able to scrounge some wood up for our stay.

Afternoon Entry

It is 1:24 pm MDT. I got our camp set up for a 4 night stay. We are relaxing in camp, and I am sipping on a beer and writing. The day turned out very nice, with scattered clouds.

We are the only ones camping here. It is a nice camp with our picnic table, and stone fire ring, and a good bunch of firewood that should last two days.

The boys are napping at their new campsite. I want to keep the camp simple so we will have an easy move to our next camp which hopefully will be Redfish Lake, at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area on Monday. There are two camping areas that are first come first serve and the rest of them are reservation. This is a very popular area for camping and hard to get into.

We have butterflies flying around our camp, and a Western tanager came by for a quick visit.

I do question myself if I made the right decision in making this crazy journey, but I would not want to do anything else. Especially spending these magical moments with the boys in tent camping. Our camp permeates with the smell of sage brush. During my time outside in nature, I feel so at peace with what nature brings to us. Although my sleep times can be rough.

For dinner I will cook some sockeye salmon for me and the boys, and I will also have a salad. I think the boys like the sockeye the best over steak and chicken. They have a keen scent over all three.

So far the upgrade to a cabin wasn’t really worth it, with the exception of the time saved setting up camp. The cook that was here last year was really good, this one they have now is okay. Everything is overprice for what the guests get in the cabins, food, coffee and having to purchase firewood for the campers. Last night for dinner I ordered a burger, a meat patty for the boys, and a beer. It cost me over $24.00. For breakfast this morning I ordered two eggs and four slices of bacon for me and the boys, that cost $7.00 that was reasonable, the coffee for $3.00 (refills not included), overpriced, and the firewood was $7.00 a bundle for six or seven pieces. And those renting cabins had to take out their own garbage. I think they were squeezing for every cent they could get.

June 28, 2019 – Friday

Last night I had a difficult time staying warm. It was a bit chilly during the night. I had the air mattress with a blanket over it then my sleeping bag. I did not use my old Cabela’s air mattress that is getting tattered with use. It doesn’t hold any air in it, but the foam does still provide some insulation and cushion. I wanted to try the night without the mattress and discovered that it still has a function. If there is something that still has a function, I hate throwing it away. I have many solutions that I have to stay warm, but I just wanted to see what works and what doesn’t. This one test wasn’t one that worked.

It is overcast this morning and feels like we may get some rain.

It is nice being in our little camp, and just nice with the simplicity of our lifestyle living in a tent in nature – being only a few steps away from nature, and to her wonders. I think the boys enjoy it much more as well.

Last night while getting the tent ready for bed. I left the door unzipped and welcoming any critters to come inside. I usually keep it closed for that reason. We had flies coming in, a big fury bumble bee buzzing around, and a Zebra swallowtail butterfly hanging from the ceiling of the tent. It was getting caught up in the mesh material of the tent. So I gently tried to get it untangled and onto my hand. It seemed this gentle creature was fine being on my hand. I took it outside, and thought it would fly away, but it remained on my hand. After a few photos of this beautiful creature, it was time for it to fly off, but it had no desire to leave it’s comfortable spot yet.

A visitor we found in the tent and wanted to hang out with me.

There was a family that set up camp near us with a young girl with them. I walked over to their camp and asked if they wanted a butterfly? The young girl was excited. I placed it on her hand, and I left, leaving her with the butterfly.

We went on our morning walk on the forest service road that was closed due to a washout. I let them off leash and of course they took off running and exploring the smells. They were heading towards the corral where the horses were, so I called to them to come back to me. They finally decided to come back to me, running back with excitement on their faces. We continued on the road to the empty campground. They were always ahead of me, with Takota occasionally looking back to see where I was. Nanook couldn’t care less, he was focused on the trail. If they thought I was leaving them, they would change directions and follow me.

We took a different path back to camp. Nanook had his attention on something in the brush and I was thinking it was a bird, a big bird. Maybe a turkey? On a closer look, it was a heron.

Today we had overcast skies, with a little rain. In the evening the mountains of the Sawtooth had a glow to them with the setting sun appearing above the cloud cover.

June 29, 2019 – Saturday

We took our walk on the road and I let the boys off the leash once again to explore the area. And I explored the area to see what I could find of interest.

It is a beautiful morning with clear skies, with the birds singing, the sounds in the background of the waterfall cascading down from the mountain side near by, and the scent of sage brush in the air. And with a warm cup of coffee next to a warming campfire, it was a perfect and peaceful Saturday morning setting.

Afternoon Entry

A couple with their dog came in early afternoon, and camped in our camp we stayed at last year. A couple of hours later two young girls in their twenties came and set up camp close to us. One of them had a dog. I warned both campers about my dogs not liking other dogs. I was checking out the young girls to try and determine if they were quiet campers or not. They seem to be. They were going to go backpacking the next day so I figured they would be going to bed early. I chatted with them off and on about the area of the little I knew of the area while they were setting up camp.

There was another camper, a single guy who set up camp in the area. He only had a small chair he put outside, and slept in his small SUV.

Early evening the two girls headed for the springs along the river. I was then awakened to them and two guys at 12:30 am at their camp. They had been drinking and was making a lot of noise. It sounded like they were breaking camp. Unfortunately they weren’t. They were making a lot of noise throughout the night. I put my headphones on to muffle the noise. I was eventually able to fall asleep.

The two guys left early. And the girls and dog left early for their backpacking trip.

I talked with our other neighbor and she told me they were going on until 4:00 am. I didn’t think they would make it too far on their backpacking trip in the shape they were in with being up all night and drinking. While I was talking with our neighbor, we saw the two girls, and their dog returning only two hours later from the time they left camp. I guess their priorities got turned around. The young minds, and how they think. Especially when alcohol comes into play. The human species do stupid things when drinking, and even deadly. Yet they continue to do it. I know, I was one of them. I enjoy having a beer or two, or a couple of glasses of wine at times, while relaxing in nature, but I don’t like getting drunk and out of control. It just isn’t worth the outcome. But in some cultures, especially like the US, drinking is, and over drinking is the norm. Just like smoking cigarettes has become. Television and film has been very successful as a hook for addiction. And of course, as well as in drugs. For many, we look for the secrets of life on a dead end road.

Today I began our packing up for our departure to the Sawtooth and Redfish Lake for Monday.