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.
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.
Day six drive from Twin Falls, Idaho to Maryhill State Park on the Columbia River in Washington State: 452 miles
Capitol Building, Boise, Idaho
Liberty Bell, Capitol Park, Boise, Idaho
 Sniffing the "Hospitality of the Nez Perce" Statue  Why is he not petting me or giving me treats? |  This food and these people don't smell right...  And what is he pointing at? |
River Sculpture, Grove Hotel & Bank of America Centre, Boise, Idaho
 Huxley & Brychwyn cruisin' Boise  It's pretty hot for being so early in the morning |  Wilhelm happily enjoying the stroll  Nice cool grass at Julia Davis Park, a huge, lovely park on the Boise River in downtown Boise |
Wilhelm enjoying the art and the breeze outside the Boise Art Museum at Julia Davis Park: Click on the photo to see more of this cool sculpture in our Black & White Sunday post
The Julia Davis Park Rose Garden indeed smells as wonderful as it looks.
The Boise River
The Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial
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.
 The streets are filled with people who all want to pet dogs! |  Only Huxley is in this picture because Wilhelm & Brychwyn were dancing |
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.
Oregon is on our "States I've Visited" shirts and the Blue Mountains welcomed us to the state
 Enjoying the pet friendly trails at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, Baker City, Oregon |  Our last stop on the Oregon Trail |
6,693 miles
 We're back in Washington |  Home state wrestling |
Moonrise over the Columbia River, Maryhill State Park, Goldendale, Washington
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