After our amazing visit to the California redwoods, it was time to leave the Pacific Northwest. We had cancelled a few planned stops due to summer wildfires in the region, so we ended up with an extra 2 weeks before we needed to be in Colorado. As full time RVers, we have learned that sometimes things happen, plans change, and flexibility is key. We had been wanting to make it to Idaho, so we jumped at the opportunity to stop in to see friends in McCall.
Idaho:
We didn’t know how beautiful the McCall area was but can now see why our friends Jim & Jeanne retired there! A small town of about 3,000 people, it sits at 5,000 feet in elevation on the shore of Payette Lake near the center of Payette National Forest. McCall is a popular destination for 4-season outdoor recreation and adventure enthusiasts. While we weren’t there for the many winter activities, there was lots to enjoy in the summer too.
We experienced the beauty of the area on a hike to Goose Creek Falls and then another day we kayaked on the Upper Payette River. Jim and Jeanne took great care of us with amazing food and fun activities like golf and a concert in the park. We also enjoyed a fun day on the lake with them and friends Tim and Kathleen in their pontoon boat.
They took us to Ice Cream Alley, an amazing ice cream shop in town that, admittedly, we went to more than once. It had the biggest ice cream scoops we have ever seen! We also enjoyed the newly renovated Black Bear RV Park where we had not one, not two, but three English Springer Spaniel sightings—we still miss our two since their passing in early 2020.
After we left the mountains of McCall, we passed through Mountain Home, Idaho. This was the F-111 base where I was first stationed in the Air Force and where Mike and I met. We thought it would be fun to visit and reminisce, so we stopped for the night. Well, you know that saying “you can’t go home again?” I recognized the front gate and the flight line, but everything else was not only new but the new buildings weren’t even in the same place as the old ones! That was a bummer…oh well, it has been 30 years so I guess change was inevitable.
We made another overnight stop as we continued through Idaho—this time at a Harvest Hosts location. The Museum of Clean is a 6-story building dedicated to all things related to cleaning. It’s 75,000 square feet showcases a variety of exhibits from the tools we’ve relied on for centuries to stay clean, to the effect of clutter and pollution, to a 3-story Kid’s Clean World playground.
The founder, Don Aslett, has written more than 40 books on cleaning efficiencies and successful leadership. His museum houses the world’s largest collection of vacuum cleaners, the world’s largest janitor, and many of the nation’s oldest cleaning tools. The whole place is devoted to the value of clean: clean air, clean water, clean health, clean floors, even clean jokes. It was actually very interesting.
Utah:
After Idaho, we continued east and made a stop in Heber City Utah for 5 days of relaxation at the luxurious Mountain Valley RV Resort. We swam, played pickle ball, and enjoyed a little down time after all of our recent driving. We did take a trip on the Heber Valley Historic Railroad with their rails and raft combo package. It included a one-way rail trip complete with a box lunch, musicians, and even a “train robbery.” Then we rafted our way back down the river where we were picked up and taken back to the station.
We happily discovered that Heber City is the location of the Ritual Chocolate Factory. My loyal followers might be thinking…didn’t they already tour a chocolate factory in another location? The answer would be yes, yes they did. But my motto is: “you can’t ever have too much chocolate!” Scott gave us an informative private tour of the small batch, high quality process that goes into producing their craft chocolate.
Ritual Chocolate Company is proud that they source their cacao from growers who prioritize sustainability The cacao is grown organically which protects both biodiversity and genetic variation. Paying fair wages for growers supports quality of life along the supply chain. Their wide variety of chocolate bars gave us an interesting comparison of the differences in cocoa beans grown worldwide. They even had a cocoa soda…not sure we will do that one again, but all of the chocolate was delicious.
After our short time in Utah, we traveled three long days through Wyoming on our way to the foothills of the Rockies and Estes Park, Colorado (next post!). We were happy to fill in the last of our Northwest states on our travel map!
It’s neat you’ve got to see so many friends on your travels and catch up on what everyone’s doing. I’m glad you’ve also had some days to rest a few days.
The chocolate tour was very interesting. They have quite the process to make their chocolates, and it was fun for us to taste some of them, thanks.
This was our biggest trip yet–7 months! It was definitely fun seeing friends and family on this one. I’m glad we got to share the different chocolates with you. I always enjoy touring the factories and seeing how things are made…especially chocolate!
I have to say Idaho has some of the most striking scenery of any state we’ve visited. It’s just so incredibly beautiful. Love that kayaking picture, especially. It perfectly captures Summer in the north.
Love the idea of a rails and raft trip. That’s a great combination!
We were pleasantly surprised by the beauty of Idaho, especially the mountains around McCall. And of course, it was fun to visit with friends there 😊. My first experience at Mountain Home AFB when I was young and single did not impress me, but then again I didn’t do much exploring back then. The rails and raft trip was a fun and unique combination.
For a brief second, I thought you’d adopted a puppy. Wow, the pictures are amazing and your adventures are enviable. I’m so glad you have found happiness in traveling. I always look forward to seeing and reading about your epic expeditions! Merry Christmas! And thank you for the Christmas card greeting.
Thank you, Pam. We are truly enjoying our expeditions. I wish I could have kept that puppy, but we are trying to be strong and resist for now! It was very cool to see so many English Springer Spaniels, though. I hope you and the family have a wonderful Christmas.
Very cool stuff in this post. What a great way to spend the extra time and the great adventures continue. Thanks for sharing 🙂
We are always amazed at the fun and interesting things you can find, no matter the location. That’s what has made our travel adventures so unique and enjoyable.😊
Always a pleasure reading of your adventures.
Stay safe and have a wonderful 2022!
Thanks, I am glad you are following along with us. Wishing you a safe and wonderful 2022 as well!