#290: Middle Fork of the Salmon River (pg 622); 2nd Ed pg 783.

 

Aug 7, 2021

We drove to Stanley and booked a rafting excursion with White Cloud, located directly across from the Redfish Lake Lodge mentioned in the book.

Andy time you see an old school bus converted into something else, you know it's going to be a good time!

Our starting point to get on the Main Fork of the Salmon River.

And the adventure begins!

With all those rapids, we worked up an appetite!  So we pulled over....

And soaked in the view while our rafting guides started fixing up a delicious meal.

Our River Guides magically turned into gourmet chefs!

I don't know if you can see it under all that cheese, but they made us seasoned pulled pork, spanish rice, refried beans, sautéed peppers and onions topped with cheese in a big warm tortilla.  They served a side of spinach salad with strawberries and feta cheese and provided appetizers of chips and salsa and watermelon.

Combine that with the view and it was the best meal I've had in ages!

A look at the Sawtooth National Recreation Area surrounding the river.

And no trip to the Salmon River is complete without a dip!

Verdict:  This was the highlight of our trip!  We loved every minute of it!  I will admit here and now, that I messed up on this one.  I looked in the book and saw "Middle Fork of the Salmon River" as the title and then noticed in the description that you start in Stanley.  So, I booked a White Water rafting trip out of Stanley that I knew navigated the Salmon River.  HOWEVER,  after I got there and we started rafting, I learned from our guide that we were on the MAIN Fork of the Salmon River and not the MIDDLE Fork. Whoops!  He also said the only way to do the Middle Fork was on week-long trips averaging $2000/person.  So, honestly, I'm going to call this one day trip on the Main Fork of the same river leaving out of the same town close enough!  And even though I loved every second of this adventure (and highly recommend!!), I honestly think a week might be too much of a good thing, so I'm happy with what we did!

Price $100/person and worth every penny!

#289: Sun Valley Resort (pg 623); 2nd Ed: Sun Valley (pg 784)

 

Aug 5-7, 2021

No trip to Sun Valley is complete without a visit to the Sun Valley Resort.

Every nook and cranny of the place inside and out is immaculate.  And I'm a succor for attention to detail!

This is a look at the main lodge from the back overlooking the large outdoor restaurant.

As you walk around the property, you'll feel like you were transported to Europe.  The Swiss alps perhaps.  Or Bavaria.

Even with the Oregon fires coming in and a storm threatening, the ambiance is serene and tranquil.

The landscaping is full of water features, creeks, ducks, swans, perfectly manicured lawns, all tucked around lodging, restaurants, shops, pools and various forms of entertainment, all of which blend into the natural surroundings.

The pool area

Not in the mood for a swim? Well then how about ice skating?  This full-size outdoor ice skating rink is open year round and, as of this writing, has two former Olympians on staff.

And right next door is the Sun Valley Country Club with views like this.

And when dinner time comes, you won't go hungry!

Thank you for the delicious dinner, Villiage Station!

Verdict:  Yes.  I absolutely loved everything about the entire Sun Valley/Ketchum/Hailey area.  I loved the scenery, the hiking, biking, Bald Mountain, the restaurants, the recreation, the Hemingway Memorial and more.  But I especially loved this resort.  Prices are ~$500/night but will vary depending on the type of room you choose (the property is huge and has other options aside from the main lodge) and time of year you visit.  But I highly recommend coming to Sun Valley!

#272: Lake Coeur D'Alene (pg 620, 2nd Ed pg 782)

Aug 10-11, 2019

Coeur D'Alene is located just 45 minutes east of Spokane.

And it's spectacular!

My hubby overlooking the docks.

We ventured up Tubbs hill to check it out.

We saw all these people cliff jumping and we all wanted to join.  But none of us brought our bathing suits.  I told Tanner he should just whip off his shirt and jump.  He debated.....

And then decided to do it!  One, Two, Three....

Jump!

Then we explored further and found this awesome Splash Pad (McEuen Park Splash Pad, Open Memorial Day to Labor day from 11am - 7pm) and attached playground.  Thoroughly entertained my kids!  They could have easily stayed there all night!

And then we ended the night eating at Gross Donuts.

Verdict:  Yes.  Family Friendly.  Lots of reasonably priced/free things to do around the Lake. We had absolutely perfect weather, so that probably solidified my verdict.  We all fell in love with the area. We had good meals, stayed in a nice hotel (Springhill Suites Marriott) and loved how safe and family friendly the entire area around the lake was.  Everyone was out with their friends and families and kids and enjoying the outdoors with a clean, beautiful backdrop of lakes, trees, boats, etc.  Two thumbs up to Coeur D'Alene!