Moscow, Idaho

Made a trip over to Idaho to visit one of my closest friends, Meghan.  Can't believe she gets to study these cuties for her PhD. 

Chloe the Pygmy Rabbit.  Had the opportunity while there to sit in on an informal interview and lecture of a Post Doc looking to work at WSU.  Was interesting to hear about the different disciplines and what these scientists are studying to help our environment.

We decided to get out of the "city" (Moscow is a bustling metropolitan area of about 20,000) and head out in to the Idaho wilderness.  Meghan surprised me with this great gift. 

What girl doesn't need a purple case filled with the essentials- ie bug spray, baby wipes, pocket knife, etc.  I love it and it came in very handy!

We went camping at Heyburn state park which was only about an hours drive. 

The tent was GINORMOUS! Plus cots... we sure know how to spoil ourselves
 There was a nice bike trail that we rode on for a little bit.  I guess it goes pretty far, the Boy Scouts camping next to us went on 100mi ride!

 Self pic- Meghan and I on our bike ride

 Checking out the views from the bridge

 Meghan loves to ride her mountain bike and even races on occasion.  Thankfully she was very patient with me.

After our bike ride we went over to the visitor center and took advantage of a nature walk they had. The park itself was made a state park in 1908 (it's the oldest park in the Pacific Northwest) by President Taft.  (I hear there are no national parks in Idaho)

 A nice viewing spot for birds

 A boardwalk out in to the marshes

After exploring we headed back to camp to cook up some dinner and relax.  Man the fire was a pain.  The wood just would not catch.  Finally had to suck it up and buy a bundle from the camp host.  Once we did that we had a fire in less than 5mins.

 Unwinding with a glass of wine. 

 Preparing our firewood

The next morning we got up and went on a short hike "Indian Cliffs trails." The trail led us up a mountain for spectacular views of the park and the lakes.  There are 3 lakes that make up Heyburn State Park-Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden. Plus the St Joes river that flows through these lakes.  A little interesting tidbit- this is the highest navigatable waterway in the world.  (Is navigatable a word?)

 Check out all those Ponderosas.  It's like N. AZ but with more water : )

Enjoying some breathtaking views

 

After the hike we went and rented a canoe.  The lady was awesome and only charged us $15 even though she could have charged us at least double that. 

 

 The canoe.  Felt like the current was trying to pull us to one side, but we figured it out and made our way across the lake

 Hmmm think I will take some pics and let Meghan do the work : )

 Attempting to fly fish from the boat.  Which resulted in Meghan get the line wrapped around her neck.  Needless to say wasn't very successful

 

We eventually decided to stop at one of the islands and try fishing from there.  No luck , but at least no one got strangled. 

The next morning we woke up to pouring rain so decided to pack up the campsite and headed back to Moscow.  Reid, Meghan's husband came home from doing field work and we all went out and played some pool and had a bite. 

This was an amazing trip.  Wish I could have stayed a little longer.