The Gem State

We traveled to the Gem State, Idaho that is, over Father's Day weekend.  Idaho really is a gem if I do say so myself.  If you've never been to McCall you should probably go.  We had a little family reunion at my Dad's house and Kaley and Jimmi and the kids even made it after their 3 week trip to Costa Rica.  

We couldn't have asked for better weather.  It was hot enough to be on the beach and in the water but not so hot that we couldn't enjoy hiking and walking around. 

One evening we went to the park and the kids really enjoyed the swings, and going around on the razor scooter. Gavin clearly loved the swings. It was a perfect evening and the evening sun was pretty awesome.

The first morning we were there we took a hike to Boulder Lake.  The water was super cold as evidenced by the fact that there was still ice on the lake.  I think Lee looks awesome in this picture.

That afternoon was filled up with some lake kayaking. We actually kayaked up the river for most of the time.  I'm pretty sure the highlight for at least Brent, Jimmi, and I was when we went down a dead end fork in the river and just decided to climb overland to get back to the river.  The bushwhacking was great but what was even better was when we got to the river there was about a 3 foot drop and so we just sat in our kayaks had got pushed into the river.  I don't know how we didn't flip over or fall out because these kayaks aren't really made for that but it was a half second of fun.  The other highlight was when we were coming back to the lake we found some more off the beaten path kayaking.  After standing up out of our boats, lifting it over a log, and getting back in we were able to slowly make our way through a little outlet lined with lots of overgrowth and persevere through to the lake. 

The one thing I was a little bit let down on was the lack of a great sunset. The best sunsets I've ever seen have been in McCall.  Still, this clearly isn't a bad view. 

The other hike we did was out onto the peninsula that jets out from Ponderosa State Park.  Madison was a great little hiker but did enjoy the pack for a little section. It was a beautiful hike and the view at the end wasn't too bad either. 

Clearly we had a pretty good time.  You can't beat really good weather, a really pretty place, some delicious food, and family.