Leaving Pendleton we only drove 6 miles to the TAMASTSLIKT MUSEUM OF THE Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Tribes. It had great Indian exhibits and was the first museum we ever went to that we were ask if we were veterans, and got a discount for being one. After the museum it was a short drive to the Wildhorse Casino where we spent the night and had dinner. We continued on Rt 84 to Baker city taking some back roads when we could. We had learned that Baker City was the birth place of Wally Byam, the father of Airstream trailers, and there was an exhibit room there dedicated to Wally, in the Baker Heritage Museum. Last year on Wallys’ 115^th birthday they held a rally there and had a birthday cake, red white and blue of course because Wally was born on the 4^th of July.

The museum really was a worthwhile stop, it had an 18 ton rock collection, with a black light room where the rocks glowed bright colors. Baker City was a gold town and also close to the Oregon Trail. Like Pendleton the frenzy for gold brought numerous shady characters but it also boasted Oregon’s second high school, the 3^rd elevator west of the Mississippi, and an Opera House.  Like Pendleton agriculture forms the basis of the economy with cowboys and ranching families scattered around the county.

The next day we took in our 3^rd museum in as many days, the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center. There we stood on the ruts carved by the wagons that passed by on the Trail 157 years ago. We spent a good 5 hours there, it was a must see if you get to Baker City OR. The hardships  these people had to endure for 4-6 months is more than we can imagine. They tried to travel 20 miles per day but often that wasn’t possible. Contrary to what we’ve seen in the movies the Indians were lifesavers for them. When they were out of food, because they had to throw it out to lighten their load, they often traded with the Indians for meat or fish.

We continued on Rt 86, a scenic route to Hells Canyon. Hells Canyon got its name partly because it’s hot. It is North Americas deepest canyon, with the mountains rising above the Snake River. We drove to Joseph a small town in the mountains, the area is called Oregon’s little Switzerland, it reminds us of the Poconos, it is known for its bronze statues, many done by David Manuel.  We couldn’t enjoy the views because of the smoke from all the forest fires, couldn’t see down in the Hells Canyon either, but we drove along the river where the scenery is beautiful. We saw a few mule deer and hunters hunting chuckars  along the cliffs.

We spent 2 days in Hells Canyon then started down another scenic highway on the Idaho side of the river heading toward hot springs country. We stopped at a State park in Cascade ID on rt 55 about 75 miles north of Boise. I’m putting the location in here so I can remember how to get back here! We are parked next to a beautiful  lake, with a golf course across the way, for just $5.30 per night with our senior discount. The area is surrounded by natural hot springs and Norm has enjoyed about 10 of them. The view across the lake is beautiful but until today we haven’t been able to see it for the wildfire smoke. This is our 5^th night here and now we are alone, we had some company over the weekend but the park is empty now. Yesterday we had a little rain and it cleared up. I’m staying home today to enjoy the view from here and get a few things cooked ahead, tomorrow we’ll travel to Boise. Yesterday I went along exploring the back roads, we came upon a cute little town of Crouch. They were having an old car show there and the buildings were like the ones we’ve seen in the old western movies.

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Boise is the capitol city of Idaho and we were quite impressed with its beauty. We stayed 3 nights at the Elks which is conveniently located close to a large mall. Norm and I both went to Apple school for the Ipad, and found it to be most helpful, I even went twice. We toured the capitol building which is very nice and has been recently redone. It is all done in marble but with very little, if any, stained glass or murals. They kept it simple but elegant. Boise also has a green belt which is about 9 miles of parks and bike and running paths close to the downtown. The downtown looks like it is doing well with many nice restaurants and shops.