Just a short inland flight from Portland Oregon, is the beautiful location of Boise Idaho. Boise became a new destination for us after meeting the Hill family from there while we were all in New Zealand. Even though they hardly knew, us Ben & Libby made the brave decision to invite us to stay with them. An offer we didn't refuse!!! It was pure joy to be met at the airport by a friendly face and transported though the blistering temperature to their beautiful home. They even allowed us to meet some of there friends for a Sunday teatime gathering which was rather brave of them don't you think?
We had an action packed week with them and their youngest daughter Mahalie. Mountain biking then gentle kayaking on the Boise river to cool down. A guided tour of down town, thanks to Mahalie our nine year old tour guide.
White water rafting was a hoot, with six of us in a raft on grade 2 & 3 rapids. Thankfully we didn't loose anyone overboard, but we got very wet. The children were brave enough to 'ride the bull' which involves perching on the front of the raft while passing through the rapids holding on with both hands.
After rafting we drove further on to the Sawtooth Mountains where we camped by Redfish lake. Despite the heat and the enormous mosquitoes we were able to admire the awesome snow covered mountains beyond the lake. Our hosts expected it to be chilly as we were high up in the hills (6000ft), but it proved to be warmer than any camping trip in the Lake District.
The next morning the sun was up and we spent some time around the lake admiring the view and the kids even tried fishing although all they caught was the trees behind them as they tried to cast out even further. The surprise was that even Ellie took to it and was having a ball. Latter on,on our way back to Boise we stopped off at several hot springs that bubble into the rivers, but due to the rivers running high we didn't manage to bathe in any but the kids spent some more time fishing.
Before we knew it it was time to head back to the airport and catch a flight to Seattle to really begin the last of our journey to Canada. It was wonderful staying yet again at a family home and somehow it got our heads around heading home for real. Thanks to Ben, Libby and Mahalie (oh and Heidi the dog) for a very special week.
