As we get back to our normal EST time schedule this week, the question runs through my head...
Is it vacation time yet?
Seriously. If I were to inherit, win, be given a lot of money, my answer is always that I would travel and see the world... and to be honest, I would not likely return until my cash flow was diminished. That is how much I love traveling. But there still is no place like home and the comforts of our nice oversized plush king bed, cable television, computer, and community pool were all returned to us, we are at the moment satified with being home.
Here are some highlights of our vacation:
1. Weather: highs in the low eighties, lows in the low sixties and upper fifties.
(weather in Tampa last week: hot, nasty, humid 91 degrees)
2. Family: We got to spend a lot of time with the family and Elijah and his cousin Mikey became instant pals.
3. The mountains: Even flying into Boise, which has more hills than mountains, was exciting. My three (almost four) year old was so excited to see the mountains that he kept asking the first night in Boise if we could go climb to the top of one. Well, we did but it was by car and the drive up felt like going to the top of a rollercoaster because of the loop after loop of driving to the top. But the view was amazing and well worth it. We also got to see lots of views of the Teton mountains, which we love.
4. The smiles: Seriously, we did not encouter one rude person in Idaho. Everyone smiles and looks you in the eye and says hello. This took a day or two of getting used to, as everyone in Florida would give you a weird look for being so happy all the time. Here it is rare to have eye contact or a hi or hello from a stranger. We got to used to the smiles and friendlyness of Idaho.
5. The beautiful Idaho Falls: We took a couple walks, about 100 meters from the hotel, down to the falls area. It is so beautiful, quiet, serene. I miss having it be so close. The views are very nice. Also feeding the ducks and geese can be quite and adventure in itself.
6. The Blue Heron Inn: Our Bed & Breakfast for our last two nights. So beautiful and gorgeous and the rooms were fantastic. I will be posting pics so you can see. Claudia and Dave were great hosts and make it a memorable experience. Our breakfast was awesome and we wish we would have had more time to enjoy. My favorite part was enjoying a glass of wine in the hot tub at dark overlooking the Snake River with my husband. It was very relaxing.
7. Jackson & Yellowstone: Two of my favorite places. Always.
8. Heise Hot Springs: We spent a day at the natural hot pool and springs and it was very nice and relaxing. Could have done without the swarming yellowjackets though...
9. Boise: It has changed a lot since I was last there, but it is a pretty nice place to visit. Very beautiful with lots of trees.
10. Relaxing: No work makes one very happy and relaxed. Horray for vacations.
There are many more hightlights to our trip but these are just a few. I will post pics today or tomorrow to illustrate!
NeoCounter
So we are going back home on vacation to Idaho a week from Tuesday. Since I no longer live in Idaho, it really is like vacation. Many people not from the state (likely 95% of you) have never been or lived in the state. When I tell people I am from Idaho they usually reply like this:
"The potatoes right"
or
"I've known people who have been to IOWA and heard it is really nice."
For those of you geographically challenged, Idaho is next to Oregon and Washington in the Northwest. The population is around 1.5 million people.... Total. That is like taking the entire Tampa Bay and Orlando Areas and spreading them around a large state. Needless to say there is a lot of unpopulated areas, small towns, and quiet peaceful nights. So, I have decided to make a list of what Idaho should be popular for. Here goes:
1. The west entrance to Yellowstone National Park.
The drive over the hill from Ashton and onward to the park entrance is very beautiful.
2. Island Park
This is the area between Ashton and YNP that contains many beautiful campgrounds, cabins, waterfalls, the Snake River, and gorgeous wildlife everywhere.
3. Upper and Lower Mesa Falls-
Breathtaking falls. I hope to get lots of pics of these when we go.
4. The Greenbelt, Idaho Falls
The falls in Idaho Falls are man made but the river walkway area is so nice and peaceful. We will be staying at a hotel right by them and I will also take lots of pics.
5. Natural Springs
Lots of natural hot springs that make you want to never return to a hot tub again.
6. Cool evenings
You really take cool evenings in the summer for granted until you move to Florida. There is
nothing like a cool breezy summer evening.
7. Boise
The states largest city. Home of the largest state college and our only college football team
that is competitive. A very nice and modern Idaho city with a ton to do. I heart Boise.
8. Salmon/Challis Area
Some of the world's best white water rafting with the most scenic views. Nice
9. Grand Targee Ski Resort
The world's best skiing hands down. Loads of fresh powder. LOVE IT.
10. Potatoes
Yep, got to love them.
There could be many many more things to post but I better end it there with my top 10. You will see Idaho in all its glory with lots of vacation pics to come.
As you can tell, I am so excited to go back and visit nature at its finest!
Pics:
Salmon/Challis Area
View from Idaho Falls Greenbelt
View of the Teton Mountains from Island Park
Boise, ID
Lower Mesa Falls
