One would think that a surprise stay in the pet-friendly Super 8 Motel in Twin Falls, Idaho, because the Craters of the Moon National Monument campground that "never" fills up was full, would mean we'd get a good nights sleep. We did not. To begin with, we checked in at almost 11PM. We were out enjoying the sunset and running around the Snake River gorge trail until dark. After such a pleasant dusk jog, I took full advantage of having a shower that wasn't in a campground and didn't require quarters. Probably the biggest reason for a way less than stellar nights sleep in a very comfy bed was that the dogs were un-crated. Normally, when we stay in a motel, the dogs sleep in their travel crates but on this trip, unpacking their crates from the van was just not a possibility in a dark motel parking lot. So that meant that every little noise the dogs heard caused them to stir and every time the dogs stirred, I was wide awake making sure they remained quiet and, most importantly, did not get up to lift their leg on anything in the room. (I would bet they'd never mark in a motel room but if they smell that another dog has done it before then all bets are off.) In the morning, because there were no crates or a tiny tent to cuddle in, when the dogs decided it was time to be up and play (a time I believed was probably too early for the rest of the motel to listen to dogs that were ready to be up and play) it was just time for us to go. So we got on the road early, headed for an adventure in the state capitol, Boise.
Typist: Bethany One would think that a surprise stay in the pet-friendly Super 8 Motel in Twin Falls, Idaho, because the Craters of the Moon National Monument campground that "never" fills up was full, would mean we'd get a good nights sleep. We did not. To begin with, we checked in at almost 11PM. We were out enjoying the sunset and running around the Snake River gorge trail until dark. After such a pleasant dusk jog, I took full advantage of having a shower that wasn't in a campground and didn't require quarters. Probably the biggest reason for a way less than stellar nights sleep in a very comfy bed was that the dogs were un-crated. Normally, when we stay in a motel, the dogs sleep in their travel crates but on this trip, unpacking their crates from the van was just not a possibility in a dark motel parking lot. So that meant that every little noise the dogs heard caused them to stir and every time the dogs stirred, I was wide awake making sure they remained quiet and, most importantly, did not get up to lift their leg on anything in the room. (I would bet they'd never mark in a motel room but if they smell that another dog has done it before then all bets are off.) In the morning, because there were no crates or a tiny tent to cuddle in, when the dogs decided it was time to be up and play (a time I believed was probably too early for the rest of the motel to listen to dogs that were ready to be up and play) it was just time for us to go. So we got on the road early, headed for an adventure in the state capitol, Boise. On the way back to the van we happened upon what seemed like the largest street fair ever. Maybe it was because we were a little lost and maybe it was because I was trying to maneuver it with three dogs, but it went on for blocks. I avoided the pop-up tents I saw when we were on the way to Julia Davis Park, but closed sidewalks from construction forced us into the market on the way back. 'R' Blood on the Tracks Boys absolutely loved all of the attention they got strolling through the crowded streets and I enjoyed talking with the wonderful animal lovers who were out to protest the circus in town. Unfortunately, I know the dogs were able to sneak a couple of snacks off the ground while I was trying to figure out which way to go to get back to our van- street fairs are tough when unprepared and lost in a strange town! As we finally exited to a street not filled with merchants, I overheard someone on their phone say they were at the farmers market. If we did indeed wander through the Capitol City Public Market, it is the biggest farmers market I have ever been to. I would like to go back and enjoy it sometime when I'm not exhausted, trying to handle 3 tired dogs and I don't have a six hours drive ahead. Just outside of Baker City, Oregon, we made one last Oregon Trail stop and celebrated traveling to 14 states in 23 days. And a few hours later, we returned to Washington! We romped and played at Maryhill State Park next to the Columbia River in Washington State. Yes, all of us. And the one of us who swims even jumped in the river. We had an excellent time traveling West through Cascadia and while we are fully aware of the wonders our region has to offer, sometimes being away from home makes you realize there is no place like home.
17 Comments
Bethany
7/3/2013 06:15:19 am
It felt great to be back in our 'hood. And, since we are Nomads, we're looking forward to our other summer camping trips now too!
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Bethany
7/3/2013 06:15:57 am
Thanks, Finn! It was so great to have your along with us!
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Bethany
7/3/2013 06:17:43 am
The amount that I enjoyed Boise surprised me. (I remember my dad hating it when we had to stop there on family road trips.) I want to go back!
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7/1/2013 05:03:37 pm
Well not long now and the big adventure will come to an end and you will be back home. We have enjoyed reading all about your impressive trip. Have a terrific Tuesday.
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Bethany
7/3/2013 06:18:27 am
It's a bit sad for it to be ending, isn't it? Thanks for being with us, Molly!
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7/2/2013 06:59:53 am
It's nice to go, but it's always really nice to get back home! Thanks for taking us along on such a gorgeous trip!
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Bethany
7/3/2013 06:20:21 am
I am glad we had this special evening on the Columbia to take away some of the let down that it is really almost over. Home is nice, though, for sure. Thank you for taking the journey with us, Jackie!
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7/3/2013 01:45:52 am
I've never been to Boise (but have stopped overnight to sleep in Twin Falls many times) so thanks for the look. Chester will snatch any kind of "edible" (debatable by me sometimes) off the ground if I am not hyper vigilant too.
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Bethany
7/3/2013 06:24:00 am
I had no idea how breathtaking Twin Falls was and I truly enjoyed Boise; super nice people, easy walking downtown and great parks. One of the best things I learned from our trip is that I need to spend more time in parts of Cascadia I don't go to often enough, like Idaho and Montana!
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Bethany
7/9/2013 04:50:36 pm
Thank you! I bet Parker will love it. Maine is on our list for the next East coast trip.
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7/17/2013 02:31:34 am
Wow, what beautiful photos! Makes us wish we were on the road too.
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4/13/2014 01:06:18 am
We just discovered Maryhill State Park last weekend! Gorgeous area!
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Bethany
4/13/2014 06:15:47 am
It must be so lovely and green this spring! I hope to get back there soon. Thank you for your comment!
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