Old Folks at Home

Scotchman Peak Hike 9/17-18 2011

2011-09-20T06:46:00.000-07:00

Friday we drove to Clark Fork ID and overnighter at the trailhead to Scotchman Peak, the highest point in Bonners County, 7020'. Last year we attempted this peak but had to abort when one of the boys had a problem.

This year we succeed. We had a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, and hashbrowns. We took down camp and stowed it in the trucks and were at the trailhead by 8:30. It was a 10mile hike and we gained 3800' of elevation. It worked us. The boys did trail repair and we had some first aid instruction along the way.

Camp (cold) Cowles Outdoor Leadership Skills Trng

2011-05-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

Friday, Howard Ashby, Kameron Barnett, Mike Taylor and I attended adult Boy Scout leaders training at Camp Cowles...in a word-MISERABLE. We had rain both days, cold temps, sleet and some wind to boot. We did have good food and good fellowship. We resolved that we'd work harder to make troop meetings more fun and better prepare our boys with better teaching skills. We really appreciate the work the council and volunteers went through for us.
Too bad you weren't there to see our skit. Had there been a competition, I am sure we would have taken first place.

Chris

Spring (Showers) Camporee-Camp Easton

2011-04-17T17:50:00.000-07:00

Troop 323-The few, the proud, the brave-braved the threatening weather and had a great time at Camp Easton on Lake CDA this past weekend.

The theme was Wilderness Survival. Zac and Daniel proudly wear the Wilderness Survival MB on their uniforms don't take anything for granted and honed their skills as they helped Isaac Grimesey work toward completing the MB.

Isaac braved the winds and rain and slept out under his own shelter and told me if he got wet he'd just have to tough it out. We were one of only a couple troops that showed our true colors by attending camp.

When asked what the first aid is for sunburn, Zac McMaster gave the fitting answer of;
"Man Up!"

We chose Bedrock as our campsite and noted the damage in the camp. Brother Ashby suggested we tackle a repair, which we did. We used our lashing skills for two beams that had come down since last summer. We are proud to have left the camp much better than we found it.

For dinner we had an outstanding meal cooked over a bed of coals. All meals were not just edible but desirable.

Breakfast was sausage, scrambled eggs, bagels and bananas.

Lunch was a sack lunch and dinner some mac and cheese with garden peas.

We hiked to the black powder range and built an improvised shelter from what we could glean off the ground to show Issac how it can be done.

I am proud of our scouts, their ruggedness and determination. We will surely appreciate a warm summer day next time

Chris Howell SM 323
Howard Ashby ASM

Rock Show at the Fairgrounds

2011-04-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

We missed all the boys but Daniel Springman....too bad he had to eat for the whole troop by going to Five Boys afterwards. Geology is pretty darn cool we decided after seeing gems being faceted, petrified trees, potato geodes, fish fossils and DUNG...oh yeah don't eat that Daniel!!! We saw pearls and rubies and all kinds of pretty cool rocks, minerals and gems from all over the world.

Hog Lake/Fishtrap Lake Campout March 25-26th

2011-04-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

The theme for March and April is Geology. As part of this MB we camped at Hog Lake and hiked to Fishtrap Lake. Howard Ashby talked to us about how streams can become ponds and marshes with sediment from the erosion and build up. We saw this along Hog Creek where logs had fallen into the stream creating a dam and promoting vegetation to grow.

We were blessed with very little rain and beautiful weather.

Friday night we set up camp overlooking Hog Lake. We had a nice hot dinner of chili and french bread. Our campfire included songs and scripture study.

Saturday we had french toast and bacon with oranges.

We hiked to the inlet of Hog Lake and the waterfalls and then Zac led us to Fishtrap Lake where we ate lunch and returned to camp.

We came home with memories and a reptile-ask Daniel about his snake.

Chris Howell
Howard Ashby
Kameron Barnett
Joe Geren

President's Day Hike-20 miler in Spokane

2011-02-24T21:02:00.000-08:00

Last year Troop 323 did a 20 mile day hike at Escure Ranch; a 20 sq mile sheep ranch south of Sprague Lake. The purpose was to satisfy the toughest requirement of the hiking merit badge; a 20 mile hike in one day. This year I took inspiration from an article in the Spokesman Review, titled the City Wandered. The author did a 3 day, 53 mile backpack trip starting from his home near Northtown Mall. We left about 6:40 am on a holiday! We drove north to Painted Rocks (indian petroglyphs) on the Little Spokane River. We hiked downstream to the confluence of the Spokane River then up the Spokane River to Latah Creek, up Latah to the South Hill for a total of 20 miles in approx 9 hrs. Thanks to James Clark, Howard Ashby and Michael Whiting we had an awesome experience and a lot of laughs, besides getting much better acquainted with our fair city. James showed us graphically how to avoid needing first aid, Michael taught us that Abe Lincoln never drank liquor nor smoked and walked three miles to return a few penny overcharge, Howard will yet teach us a fun song on the next outing.

Zac, Curtis and Daniel epitomized manly men!

Well done Troop 323.

Steamboat Rock and Northrup Canyon Hike

2011-02-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

Troop 323 had a great winter camp out. We drove to Steamboat Rock State Park on Banks Lake near the Grand Coulee Dam.

We ate in Davenport at Edna's Drive In and arrived at the park around 8pm. We got a fire going, set up tents and put out our sleeping bags.

Our campfire included a hot cup of cocoa, some songs (we were in trouble til Howard saved us), a game of run sheepy run, thank you Matt Borders, a visit from Ammon and how a scripture prophet epotomized the scout law...Bravery and Helpful come to mind. We also had two reports; one on eagles by Zac and the other on Banks Lake by Daniel.

We or at least some of us turned in about 10 pm.

Aaron was up early to warm up and get the fire going. We had a hot and hearty breakfast of "All in One" breakfast from the dutch oven. ( hashbrowns, eggs, sausage and cheese)

About 9 Kent Morris joined us and we hiked to the top of Steamboat Rock for an awesome view of Banks Lake in north and south. We also saw a small herd of deer.

We returned to camp, had some lunch, broke camp and headed to Northrop Canyon by car.

There we hiked to Northrup Lake and got back to the trucks about 3.

All told we did 10 miles of hiking. We did spot 3 eagle but not the hundreds that have been reported.

The weather couldn't have been nicer, given it was early February.

Thanks to Kam, Howard, Aaron and Kent!

Fairchild Airforce Base Visit

2011-01-28T19:14:00.001-08:00

As part of the Citizenship in the nation merit badge, we recently were given a guided tour of the SERE (Survival School Lab) by Staff Sargent Josh Strom. Enjoy.

Winterfest 2010

2011-01-01T09:38:00.000-08:00

Troop 323 participated in the Council Sponsored Winterfest at Camp Cowles Dec 29th.

Attending:

Daniel Springman Star Scout & SPL
Cullen Fletcher-First Class
Zac McMaster-Life Scout
Jace Culley-Star Scout
Ryan Culley-2nd Class
Hunter Geren-1st Class
Chris Howell-SM
Howard Ashby-ASM

Absent:

Spencer Harlan
Kramer Geren
Josh Keetch
Adam Culley

We left on the 28th and overnighted in the cozy comfort of Howard Ashby's cabin on the opposite side of Diamond Lake from Camp Cowles. We arrived around 7, had a hot dinner of pizza and green beans and apples. We played some chess and had a little scripture reading and prayer.

Wed we were up at 6:30. Some even earlier. (Cullen) We had a breakfast of cereal and fresh fruit. Next we had a presentation of the flag, recited the oath and left for Camp Cowles.

We arrived about 20 minutes early to a winter wonderland of snow. It was warm and snowing. We checked in and offered to help with the set up which included packing the sled hill and clearing the new snow off the mini golf and bowling games.

The morning was taken up by winter camping instruction and demonstration.

The afternoon we turned our attention to the snowman building competition. Our guys had lots of ideas, but decided on two "snow scouts" around a fire roasting marsh mellows. You could see they had scout spirit by looking at their eyes-we used neckerchief slides. One of the biggest challenges was keeping the new snow from burying them. We placed first in the diarama class-prize is either pizza or ice cream at some later date.

About 2:30 we helped with the take down and headed back to the cabin.

When we got back, some wanted to try their hand at building a snow shelter and all ended up in the hot tub after that!

Wed night was games, a quiz on the winter camping instruction, (ask them the normal body temp or what about windchill) some scripture and troop prayer.

Thurs we were up a bit later than Wed and had a hot breakfast of bacon, french toast, hot chocolate and fresh fruit. (Daniel can take care of his guys with good food)

Next order was flags, scripture and the Oath followed by house cleaning. We did dishes, vacuumed, took out trash and did some other work to leave things tidy.

We left around 10:30 for Pend Oreille County Park where we put on our snow shoes and hiked to a hill overlooking the Newport Highway with Zac leading the way and then down into a ravine and doubled back to the van. Watch out for Hunter he was well prepared with gaiters, boots and his own snowshoes-he is a prepared scout and knows how to work.

We were home about 3pm.

Great food planning and execution. Great team work on the snow scouts and lots of fun and snow.

February we'll go to Northrup Canyon for camping and eagle viewing.

2010-10-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend was our Fall Camporee at Camp Cowles. We arrived Friday evening and had a nice hot bowl of chili and built up a big fire to sit around during our campfire program.

Saturday's activities consisted of teaching cub scouts first aid in the morning and scout skill competition in the afternoon.

We were lucky to have Howard Ashby, Kevin Innes and Aaron Binns (two docs and a chiropractor) with us to help our boys develop their presentations using the EDGE method. (Explain, Demo, Guide and Enable.

Logan Binns and Daniel Springman's graphically demonstrated the himelick method of helping someone that is choking. Logan would load his mouth with munched pretzels and spew them on the thrust.

Jacob Presley and Scott Innes did an outstanding job teaching how to dress an abrasion to the arm.

Zac and Spencer discussed how to wash and bandage an eye injury.

While we weren't graded, I was very very impressed what outstanding teaching skills the boys of troop 323 have.

The afternoon was full of scout history questions at each skill station. Of course you know the scouting came to America in 1910, but when did it come to Spokane and when did Camp Cowles come to be??? 1915 and 1920 respectively.

The skills stations included the following:

First Aid-simulated life threatening injuy. The boys had to assess and address.

Pioneering-rope throw, log tie, hoist and tie off with clove hitch.

Tomahawk Throw

Team Building obstacle course

Plant Identification

Fire Building-build a fire, light it at the bottom with one match and burn a stretched string 4' above the ground-timed.

We took a third place in the fire building event with a time of 58 seconds, BUT we took Grand Champion award for best overall score in the camp.

We had a very fun and successful camp.

Mancation in McCall

2010-10-03T12:23:00.001-07:00

Last week we had our annual mancation in McCall. We rode three days to three different hot springs. We had a hard ride and and easy ride each day...but the easy ride almost cost an overnighter for three of the group. We ate breakfast pizza, burritos and lots of trail dust. We had devotionals and prayer. We got tired, dehydrated, cranky and sweaty. Our machines were beaten, smashed and abused in the rough terrain....but we came back to our jobs and routines with memories of good times and brotherhood to support us when times are tough. This trip was not for the faint of heart. Surprisingly we only did about 25 miles per day....but it was like a marathon on motos.

City Council Sept 20, 2010

2010-09-20T20:36:00.001-07:00

In connection with the Communications MB we attended a City Council Mtg on Monday Night. We observed our City Government in action and noted all the challenges we face in our city. e.g. noise regulation, street and road construction, bicycle paths, code enforcement, traffic calming devices, gas lines under our city, water and sewer, etc. It was most enlightening for our Scouts. The purpose of scouting is to help young men make moral and ethical decisions based on the Scout Law. The opening prayer asked God to bless our city leaders with wisdom to do the same.

Scotchman Peak

2010-09-19T07:57:00.000-07:00

Fall is here and the inclimate camping season begins. It was our first campout with Howard Ashby as our Assistant Scoutmaster. He has decades of experience and we are so lucky to have him. We celebrated his birthday by giving him a participant hat from the World Wide Jamboree and a new "cat hole" shovel, if you know what I mean.

We did have rain, but we did not have the non stop rain like we are having now as I type this.

We had Zac MacMaster-Life Scout, Daniel Springman-Star Scout, Jacob Presley-First Class and Spencer Harlan-soon to be Tenderfoot Scout. We missed Hunter, Ryan, Jace, Cullen, Adam, Josh and the other older boys. I hope we have all boys with us at the Fall Camporee next month.

Our purpose was to help Spencer advance to Tenderfoot. We also planned to summit Scotchman Peak; the highest peak in North Idaho. We did well with goal one and will have a second attempt at Scotchman next year, 323 doesn't give up.

Zac and Jacob tested and taught Spencer about the scouting skills required for Tenderfoot e.g. fuse a rope, explain EDGE as teaching technique, recite the Oath, Law, Motto, Slogan AND Spencer taught us all about the flora. He knows his forest plants. Huckleberry, Thimbleberry, Yarrow, etc. In fact he is the recipient of the collectible vintage BSA compass for his woods knowledge.

While we did not summit, I observed that we were the only group gutsy enough to overnight at the trailhead, disciplined enough to be on the trail at 8 am and the ONLY group our age. We saw approx 30 people on the trail come up behind us and NO one was younger than their 20's and most of the group were tough seniors.... amazing, where are the BSA of the Inland NW?

Happy Birthday Howard Ashby.
Well done Troop 323.
Well done Spencer Harlan.

Glacier Adventure

2010-08-29T21:39:00.001-07:00

Derek and I have dreaming of a motorcycle adventure for sometime. Last December Derek bought an old 1982 Yamaha Maxim 750 and I had already older 1974 Triumph Bonneville 750. So we picked some dates and last Thurs/Fri/Sat we put the wheels in motion and rode some 800 miles and three states. The crowning glory was the ride in Glacier National Park, but the whole three days was an adventure. We camped out and ate some of our own meals from food we brought to keep it low budget. It was all we had hoped for and then some.....

Eagle Cap 50 miler

2010-08-22T21:48:00.001-07:00

Troop 323 takes on Eagle Cap Wilderness in the Wallowa Mountains of Eastern Oregon.

We hiked 52 miles over 6 days, saw 17 lakes and hiked to the summit of Eagle Cap Peak (9500') What is more fitting for future Eagle Scouts. Howard Ashby and Bob Howell provided additional adult support. Scouts included Kramer Geren, Zac McMaster, Daniel Springman and Bridger Howell. This was Kramer and Zac's big scout event this summer, while Daniel and Bridger double dipped by attending Summer Camp as well.

Two of the boys completed their Hiking MB and two just need their 20 miler to complete.

We identified flowers, trees, mt lion scat, read compass, stayed dry while sleeping two nights, prepared and eat our own food, swam three times, read scripture daily, discussed the new DTG requirments, had scout master minutes daily from the three adults, cleared trail of downed trees and removed fire rings within 100' of the lakes. We grew by leaps and bounds... all of us. Some of the boys helped Brother Ashby get his pack over the pass to Minam Lake.

Chris Howell

Camp Grizzly July 5-10

2010-07-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

Thompson River Hike

2010-06-26T07:21:00.001-07:00

Mt Kit Carson Hike June 5,2010

2010-06-06T06:34:00.001-07:00

Troop 323 took a 10 mile hike to satisfy one of the 5 required for the hiking merit badge. We hike Spokane State Park from the entrance to the top of Mt Kit Carson and back. We left at 6 am and returned about 2:30. The woods were at their best. Aaron Binns and Michael Whiting came with us. Thanks.

Eaglets on Eagle Peak May 25,2010

2010-05-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Consistent with our monthly theme of the Hiking MB, we took our troop meeting into the field, actually to the top of Dishman Hills.

Scout Fun and Fundraiser

2010-05-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 22nd we celebrated 100 yr of scouting in America. Everyone knows Lord Baden Powell is the father of scouting, but it was William D Boyce that brought it to America and now we're over 4.7 million registered scouts.

Check out the some of the fun we had. Later thanks to the generosity of the members and friends of scouting a bunch of money was raised to help pay for camp and the program.

She loves me... she loves me not...she loves me....

2010-05-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

2010-05-16T14:20:00.000-07:00

Old Folks Left Home.....to see Ferry County and reflect on 340 yrs of wedded bliss or when you have lemons, learn to make lemonade.

Bluff Hike May 11,2010

2010-05-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

We've taken our troop meeting into the field the past two weeks. This week we hiked the bluff above Latah Creek at High Drive and Bernard. We hiked from the top to nearly the bottom. We met a couple mountain bikers, saw the end of the Arrowleaf Balsam Flowers, Blue Lupine, Ponderosa Pine, some random car body parts and talked about first aid for hikers. e.g. insect and snake bites, blisters and sprains.

Troop Meeting May 4th

2010-05-09T16:27:00.000-07:00

We took our Troop Meeting to Lincoln Park to simulate an outdoor accident. Cullen Fletcher played our victim (can you sense the pain he is in?) and we used the skills James Clark taught some of us on the Bonnie Lake Campout in April. This week we'll meet at the church and drive to High Drive and hike some of the trails and discuss how to deal with blisters, bites, sprains, etc.

Chris Howell

Derek and Rachael's Visit

2010-05-02T17:21:00.001-07:00

Kids & the Marshmallow Test

2010-04-18T20:57:00.000-07:00

To help us all remember Elder Uchtdorf's Talk. I have posted the test.... but here are some lines from his talk and also a link to the talk.

Patience is more than waiting.

Often our valley's will be better understood from the mountains of our future. (paraphrased)

Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying with something and doing all that we can—working, hoping, and exercising faith; bearing hardship with fortitude, even when the desires of our hearts are delayed. Patience is not simply enduring; it is enduring well!

http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1207-20,00.html

Acea Sand's Eagle Court

2010-04-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

March Campout to Bonnie Lake

2010-03-28T08:06:00.000-07:00

Troop 323 hiked to and camped at a remote yet close in lake south of Cheney. The theme was "No Trace Camping" That means minimal impact to the environment, which meant no campfire which is traditional in scouting overnighters, but if you ask the boys I think we did very well without one, we still had a fireside complete with Scout Master's minutes from Howard Ashby and Chris Howell-ask your scout about jaw bones and Marsh Lakes. Thanks to James Clark no one will ever hike again without a very complete First Aid Kit so that we can get him home to his family. Can't wait til next month when we return to the Mountains-Kamiak Butte.

David falling off the wall in a chute canyon in Whitewash near Green River, UT

2010-03-27T23:44:00.000-07:00

Moab Madness 2010

2010-03-27T21:36:00.000-07:00

Annual pilgrimage by them Howell Boys. Good times had by all.Bobby roosts Tyson Gray.

An Eaglet sprouts wings.

2010-03-13T22:24:00.000-08:00

Today we saw an outstanding Eagle Project by Acea Sands and his vision of where it could go with yet another Eagle carrying the torch.

Zac McMaster has decided to leave his mark and make his contribution to Scout Park on Up River Road, Spokane, WA...... can you see it?

Who'd of ever thought it would run again?

2010-03-02T21:26:00.000-08:00

Troop 323 successfully took apart, cleaned and replaced the rings on my old mower....better yet it works and should prove to be environmentally friendly this summer.

Well done, Jace, Zac, Jacob, Daniel, Cullen and Cole!! You guys rock!!

Escure Ranch death March

2010-02-18T20:21:00.000-08:00

President's Day we did a 20 miler to satisfy one of the hiking MB requirements.

What we did:

Walk and walk and walk.
Start early-met at 5:30 and began walking at 7:30
Finished-about 4:45....that's most of the day.
Enjoy a mild day and dry day between two days of rain-thank you Heavenly Father.

What we will do differently next time:

Take a topo
Purchase good hiking boots.
Wear a thin and thick pair of socks.
Stay together to avoid getting (lost) separated.
Spend several days doing some short hikes to prepare our bodies.

Troop 323 performs surgery

2010-01-27T21:17:00.000-08:00

My mower is the vic....pray we can put it back together and that it will run again!

Automotive Maintenance

2010-01-19T22:02:00.000-08:00

Tonight we visited Dale LaBounty's small engine repair shop to get the basics on the workings of an internal combustion engine. Quiz your scout, what is a piston, what does the carburetor do, what are the four strokes of a 4 cycle engine?

Thanks to Dale, we saw the inside of an engine and learned a great deal that will help the boys earn this MB and save them thousands over the course of their lives. There is lots more to do to earn this MB. Calculate the cost to own and operate three different cars for starters.

Hell's Canyon Adventure 12/31-1/2/2010

2010-01-03T21:22:00.001-08:00

Troop 323 and 317 hiked into the Historic Kirkwood Ranch and repaired and improved 2.5 miles of the Scenic Snake River Trail between Kirkwood and Suicide Point as our Dec and Jan outdoor activity.

Good Citizenship in the Community

2009-12-28T12:55:00.001-08:00

Troop 323 has been working on the Citizenship in the Community MB in Nov and Dec.

One requirement is for the boy to give 8 hours of service to the community e.g. a non profit, charitable organization, city, church,etc.

Before our hike in November at Palouse Falls we raked off the camping area, which was a huge undertaking. Some thought it couldn't be done. That gave us 2 hours....hard hours I'd add.

Monday after Christmas we met at 9 am, yes 9 am on Christmas vacation and did some work at our place of worship; the Church. We took inventory by conducting a walk through and identified a couple areas often overlooked. Sacrament Trays, Water fountains, sinks and the member closet..... fair and balanced....I report it...you decide, does Troop 323 know how to
tackle a tough job and do it? Do these Priesthood holders honor their Priesthood and know
how to serve?

Biggest Christmas Tree Ever

2009-12-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Steve Nicolaysen-Completes BSA Training

2009-12-12T16:17:00.000-08:00

Steve Nicolaysen, my long time friend and current Assistant Scout Master completed the following training:

"This is Scouting"
"Youth Protection"
"Scout Master Specific Training"
(5 hrs of training)

Steve has been my right hand since long before he was called as Assistant Scout Master and continues to make a huge contribution to the development of the greatest generation of missionaries the world has ever known. Thank you, Steve!

Jace Culley Slays a Dragon

2009-12-09T04:48:00.000-08:00

Congratulations Jace. Jace is a boy that sets and accomplishes goals. He is on the trail to Eagle!!

Jace Culley is a Boy Scout in Troop 323. He is an outstanding young man. Everyday last year at summer camp he endured cool weather and cooler water temperatures to pass off his swim requirements for Second and First Class. He made huge progress in his swim ability, but did not meet the test at the time, however last night we're proud to say that with the help from his Assistant Scout Master and Quorum Advisor; Jake Scott, Jace did pass off the Second and First Class requirements with flying colors!!!

This One's for Jack!

2009-12-08T22:29:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday night grandpa and I went to the Pantra Christmas Party (that's his motorcycle club) and he won this hat. He's very proud of it and I promised Jack I would post a picture on the blog... well, here it is!

Over the river and through the woods to.....

2009-11-29T09:40:00.000-08:00

...Maple Valley and Derek's house we went.... for Thanksgiving and a couple fun single track rides on my new Gary Fisher.

Christmas Tree Cutting in the Couer d Alenes.

2009-11-29T09:33:00.000-08:00

Last Wednesday, James Clark and I went up Hayden Creek to cut Christmas Trees. James is convinced now that artificial is the way to go; too far, too cold, too much work otherwise.

Palouse Falls Campout 11/20-21/2009

2009-11-22T08:44:00.000-08:00

Friday the forecast was rain snow mix. We did see some rain going, but none while we were there. It DID blow like crazy. Our carefully staked tents stood through the night. We had a great time. We raked the leavcs off the park for Ranger Melinda and then went exploring the canyon and falls, from the top to the bottom and back. This is one trip we will never forget. Thanks to James Clark and Michael Whiting for their assistance.

First Snow of the Winter of 09-10

2009-11-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

Howard Ashby and I took an early morning hike to Rocks of Sharon, just south of Spokane from the Dishman Hills area. We left about 7:30 and returned home about 12:30 happy and excited from the time in the woods and together. I took what it would take to heat some hot chocolate along the way, but failed to bring the gas for my backpack stove so we improvised with a match built fire.....boy did that test our scout skills. We had a couple false starts and blew til we almost passed out and finally with lots of dry pine needles that Howard found, we had our cup of hot chocolate albeit with some ash in it. Hello winter!

2009-11-04T19:55:00.000-08:00

Spokane City Council Meets Troop 323

Monday Nov 2, 2009 our Troop attended the Spokane City Council meeting. The agenda included the following: Presentation by an elder from the Spokane Indian Tribe-display of artifacts at the Masonic Temple Nov 3 2009. Three proclamations:Elevator and Escalator Safety Awareness Week and Women in the Military. Afterwards Madam Mayor Verner presented the 2010 City Budget. The troop under the leadership of Senior Patrol Leader; Zac MacMaster led the audience and council in the pledge of alligence. Afterwards each introduced themselves by name and rank to the council. Troop 323 represented the BSA and our sponsoring unit, the Spokane First Ward with honor and respect.

Stanley Hot Springs-Selway Bitterroot Wilderness

2009-10-13T22:15:00.000-07:00

Good bye summer, hello fall. Here comes old man winter.

Howard Ashby and I avenged ourselves of an aborted snow shoe hike last winter with a very successful backpack trip into Stanley Hot Springs.

Spokane to Canada and Back Sept 2009

2009-09-20T20:03:00.000-07:00

Derek, James Clark and I rode our bikes ( think pedal) from Spokane to Canada and back on Thurs, Friday and Saturday. It was cold, wet, fun, long, fun, beautiful, fun, long, trying, sweating, fun and lots of laughs.

Sullivan Lake Sept 11-12 2009

2009-09-13T09:16:00.000-07:00

Here we are. Left to right. Darian Farnworth, Cullen Fletcher, Sam Ramos, Zac McMaster, Scott Farnworth, Cole Shirley, Chris Howell, Steve Nicolaysen. The plan was bag Hall Peak, approx 6,000 ft elevation, instead we hiked from the gate near Sullivan Creek to the trail head approx 3 miles each way. It's hard to fit a monthly overnighter in a very very busy calendar. We had Regional Conference this weekend. But it's all good. We traded a 5mile trail hike to the peak for a 6 mile road hike and cool shade for the view we would have had of the Selkirks from the peak.

Second photo, same players except substitute Matt Borders for Chris Howell.

Third photo, Courtney Goodey, Jake Scott and Matt Borders.

All in all a great campout. We had ice cream and cookies for our campfire at least those that stayed up til 10:30. We heard scary stories, sang a couple songs, had a spiritual thought and a scout masters minute commemorating 911 and Scott Strauss. Matt painted the picture of Capitan Moroni and how he was bold, powerful and armed to take on the enemy in his day. We also had a couple games of Run Sheepy Run, which cost Scott a nasty abrasion on his knee, but pre med student, Steve Nicolaysen did a nice job bandaging him up.

2009-08-16T21:09:00.001-07:00

Priest Lake Canoe Trip 8/13-15-2009

2009-08-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS-SAM AND MATT CAST OFF FROM THE PORTAGE LAUNCH AT BEAVER CREEK CAMPGROUND. FRIDAY MORNING.

A VIEW OF UPPER PRIEST WITH SENIOR PATROL LEADER ZAC MCMASTER AT THE HELM. A STORM IS A BREWING ON THE HORIZON.

SOGGY, BUT SAFE. BORDERS RAISES OUR SPIRITS WITH A NICE FIRE. WE ROASTED OUR HOTDOGS AND HAD SOME LUNCH. L TO R MATT, COLE, SAM, ZAC.

A PORTENT OF STORMS. WE HAD RAIN, HAIL AND THEN HAIL AND RAIN. WE CASTED OFF A SECOND TIME IN SEARCH OF THE PROMISED BEACH.

FINALLY THE LAND FLOWING WITH GOOD FIRE WOOD AND SANDING BEACHES. OUR HEAVY WEIGHTS HERE SHOW OFF THEIR STUFF. L-R SAM, STEVE.

SAGE AND SEASONED, CAPTAIN ASHBY WITH A VIEW OF UPPER PRIEST TO THE SOUTH DURING AN EVENING WALK ALONG THE SHORE.

NAVIGATOR HOWELL

MATT BORDERS AND ZAC MACMASTER. JUST A WORD OF CAUTION-DON'T EVER CHALLENGE ZAC NOR STEVE NICOLAYSEN TO A STAR WARS TRIVIA

HOW DO YOU SPELL CONTENTMENT? DRY, WARM, AND A WARM BURRITO. THANKS, COLE AND CHERYL. NEXT UP, A STIRRING DEVOTIONAL BY MATT BORDERS AND WHAT DO YOU KNOW FOR SURE TESTIMONY MEETING.

7 AM SATURDAY. STORM THREAT PURSUADES US TO LEAVE AT NEARLY FIRST LIGHT.L-R JACE AND STEVE. COLE AND HOWARD.

NOT WHAT WE IMAGINED FOR A SUNSET THAT WAS TO BE A SAILOR'S DELIGHT ( SUNSET AT NIGHT)

BACK SAFELY IN THE THOROUGHFARE BY 9 AM.

SAM AND MATT SHOWING US HOW TO DO IT. I WON'T TELL YOU HOW THEY ENDED UP ON A SUBMERGED LOG.

L-R SAM, MATT, JACE, HOWARD.

HIKING THE TRAIL TO PLOWBOY AND NAVIGATION. ASK ANY OF OUR SCOUTS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A PINE, TAMARACK OR
FIR.

Hidden Lake Overnighter Troop 323

2009-06-29T20:53:00.000-07:00

1976-2009 Wedded Bliss

2009-05-20T21:19:00.000-07:00

On the eve of our 33rd wedding anniversary I came across this quote that is worth posting here for the world to see and ponder. All you that know me, know how far I have to go, but you don't realize how far I have come due to a loving, supporting spouse and the influence of the holy spirit (against my will most of the time).

“Nothing is more important than marrying the right person, at the right time, in the right place, and by the right authority.” We hope you will avoid too quick courtships. It is important that each of you become acquainted with the person you plan to marry, that there is certainty that each of you is looking down the same pathway with the same eternal objectives in mind.

By the grace of God, I did marry the right person (one who shared by faith in God) and in the right place (God's Holy House), at the right time (when I was an adult and prepared to take on fatherhood), and by the right authority (God's Holy Priesthood).

I am proud to say that this most important decision was carefully considered and carried out according to God's plan by each of our children. For that we are eternally grateful.

Chris

Great Day at Black's Creek

2009-05-03T22:35:00.002-07:00

When spring comes we (mostly David and Bob) find their way on several Saturday's before the high country melts out at Blacks Creek to the South East of Boise, ID. This year I drove down to meet them and do just that. We were unbelievably blessed with almost no rain while we rode from 1-5pm. Boise on the other hand was hammered. ENJOY! We did! The title of this entry is a take off from the Spencer Tracy Movie: Bad Day at Black Rock.

Troop Meeting at Dishman Hills

2009-04-30T22:14:00.000-07:00

We chose to do some litter patrol and take a hike for our weekly Troop Meeting. Here are a couple pics from the Dishman Hills Natural Area.

Spring Camporee

2009-04-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

Troop 323 attended Spring Camporee at Camp Easton on Lake CDA, Idaho. The three aims of Scouting are: Build Character, Build Citizens and Build Physically Strong young men. The theme was Pioneering and we were building.... builders of the nation. In attendance were: Chris Howell SM, Tony Stenlund-SM, Sam Ramos-Troop Guide, Cullen Fletcher-Assistant Patrol Leader, Jace Culley-2nd Class Scout, Cole Shirley, Daniel Springman and Jacob Presley.

Click on the photos to enlarge them.

Jaceplanned and organized our meals, here he shows a baggy egg omelete. Cole and Cullen test their square lashing.
Tony and the boys did a full blown breakfast with pancakes, sauage, and eggs. We started Sat at 8:15 am with a flag ceremony and Cullen shows off the Badger Patrol Flat that has a tradition dating back to Jaden Long-now an Eagle Scout.
We learned to splice rope, tie knots, lash poles, build a bridge, create a bandage for a dislocated collar bone, or sprained ankle, operate a GPS, find locations, perform skits and start fires. Ask Cole to show you the 8 basic knots with his eyes closed.
Ask the boys their favor skits. Paper Cut or Is it time for Pucha?
They learned how to project and be heard on the stage.
Ask the boys about GPS and geo caching.

Give a boy enough rope to ...... himself.

Tony provided us a great dessert-Peach Cobler.
Tony not only made dessert he was pressed into service serving up lunch.
Building the tressels for the Monkey Bridge. Ask Sam to tie a clove hitch!

Jacob tests his faith and our knots and lashes by crossing the bridge.
Daniel walks the bridge too.
"Paper Cut"

Softy falls the light of day, as our campfire fades away.
Silently each scout should ask,
Have I done my daily task?
Have I kept my honor bright?
Can I guiltless sleep tonight?
Have I done and have I dared, everything to be prepared?

Scout Swim Test April 2 and 9th

2009-04-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

On the first two Thursdays in April our Troop went to the Valley YMCA where we worked on the Swimmers Test for First Class and the Line Rescue. 9b and 9c. Besides this Sam Ramos worked on his Swim Merit Badge Requirements with Matt Borders. While I didn't have time to capture all the work that took place here are a couple pics of our time at the pool. We will return in May for at least one more session. All the boys need to be able to swim continuously for 100yds to be able to enjoy the lake and boats at Summer Camp.

McCall get away..... Gold Fork Hot Spings.

2009-03-21T21:05:00.000-07:00

Donna, Steve Clinger and I drove to McCall to spend a little time with by brother David and his wife; Michelle. We also hoped to be of some help. Friday night we went to Gold Fork Hotsprings in the area. They have a yurt for a changing room and the hot springs cascades down a series of 6 pools. It was a great a deal of fun. It appears that spring may have come this weekend too.

A night at the Museum....ooops Gym

2009-03-19T06:41:00.000-07:00

HOG CANYON CAMPOUT MARCH13-14,2009

2009-03-15T06:41:00.000-07:00

Chef Cullen Fletcher plannned and cooked the meals in order to meet one of his First Class Rank requirements. Under the guidance of his grandfather he planned, organized and cooked chicken chow mein complete with chopsticks and fortune cookies for dinner and french toast, hot maple syrup and bacon for breakfast. UMMMMMM, UMMMMMMM Goood!!
Here we sit like birds in the wilderness, birds in the wilderness-you'd have to be a scout, it's a campfire song. We did have an amazing campfire program under the direction of SPL Jens from the Spartan Patrol. We had a skit that got us all doing the hoky poky, some instruction about the geology, wildlife and history of Hog Lake by Michael Moline, a faith promoting story by Jens, before we had the Scout Master Minute from Scout Master Joel Blake, Future Elders Adam and Jace Culley had us read Moroni chapter 10 in keeping with the Stake President's challenge. ( these future missionaries must get some great training at home)
Survivor Men-Senior Patrol Adam Culley and Patrol Guide Sam Ramos did just that-they improvised this make shift shelter and endured a long cold night BUT they survived. A test of endurance and survival skills. Both have a greater appreciation for their warm beds and have some ideas how they'd do it different next time. This was a requirement for Adam in completing his Wilderness Survival MB. Well done Adam!!
Adam is on one side of the log and ...
Sam on the other side.... reminds me of an old tune; Slip Sliding Away.
Breaking camp Saturday morning. Scout Master Joel Blake and Michael Turner Troop 324.
Cullen Fletcher ready for the hike to the water falls.
Michael Moline bringing up the rear.
The few, the proud, the brave; Adam, Jen's, Jace, Tyler, Jacob, Cullen, Sam, Michael, Michael, Joel, Zac.
Hog Canyon Water Falls. Cullen, Chris, Jacob, Michael, Joel, Jens, Michael, Sam, Adam, Jace, Zac
The man's man; Tyler Forbush gave us lessons in animal identification and tracking. Ask Michael Moline he knows Marmot droppings at first sight. Jacob Forbush also knows by sight Quaking Aspen, and all the Scouts know Ponderosa Pine!
Scout Master Joel Blake.
Adam, Zac, Jace on a plateau above the lake looking West.
Balance and agility skill test for all of us and Michael Turner showed us how.
No wet feet here!

We we so blessed on this outing:
1) We were planning to hike approx 2 miles from the highway with all our gear but the day before the hike the BLM opened the road making it possible to truck all our heavy gear.
2) While cool, it was far milder than the single digit temps we had earilier in the week.
3) While the wind kicked up by noon and rain threatened, we didn't see any til we pulled out.
4) All had a growth experience.
5) In keeping with the Outdoor Code, we left the area cleaner for having been there. We dismantled an old fire ring and removed litter.

Fish Trap Lake

2009-03-07T20:38:00.000-08:00

Saturday after we took the boys to Merit Badge Clinic for the third Saturday, Jake Scott and I did some recon of the lake we'll take them to next Friday afternoon for an overnighter. Here is the cataracts of the inlet to the Lake.
We crossed above the falls and did so without having to get our feet wet. We weren't so lucky at the outlet where we waded above the spillway. Jake promised me I wouldn't slip and slide down it. Thanks, Jake, it worked!
Jake, doing what he does so well, riding in style!

Here I am IN THE SHADE on the south side of the lake looking at the cliff in the background that we were previously riding on.

NO IT'S NOT AN EASTER EGG HUNT.....

2009-03-02T19:43:00.000-08:00

..... IT WAS CHURCH YARD CLEAN UP FOR STAKE CONFERENCE. Check out the chain gang.

Lydia, Carver and Ellie!

BREAKING AWAY....to Maple Valley

2009-03-02T19:16:00.000-08:00

Here is a shot of Derek on the Green River Gorge Bridge.

Breaking Away was a movie made in the 70's or 80's about four teenagers trying to grow up.
If you haven't seen it, rent it. You'll laugh and giggle. Bon Jour! I lived my own version of Breaking Away last weekend, when I threw in my bike, sleeping bag and a couple essentials and left town and WINTER long behind. Nothing like a bicycle ride to get over the winter doldrums!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J1jzs6dk4bs&NR=1

Here is a view looking upstream.
A shot near the beginning of the ride not far from Derek's home.
The view into the Green River Gorge looking downstream.
Me at Lake Nolte.

Buongiorno!

GO AWAY WINTER!!

2009-02-22T09:43:00.001-08:00

After three hours of hard work and profuse sweat I succeeded in reclaiming part of our drive way. What was here...

and here ....
...is now here and
and here,
Come on spring, I know you can do it!

Steptoe Butte Hike Troop 323/324

2009-02-16T15:11:00.000-08:00

The Steptoe Butte Hike.

A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly,curteous......

Scout Motto-Do a good turn daily: Sam, Michael and Cullen cleaned this roadside historic site of the cans, bottles and a tire!! Well done.

Brown the beef! Peel and chop the onions, potatoes and carrots!

The Ascent!

Summit party!!

Michael Moline, Sam Ramos, Tyler Peterson, Adam Culley, Jace Culley, Cullen Fletcher, Chris Howell.

From up top over 1,000 feet about the palouse we could see north 75miles to Mt Spokane. There was a tourist hotel up here in the late 1880's complete with dance hall, theatre and observation deck on the roof.

Look who helped with the park improvements.....the BSA!
Down the easy Way! Michael and Sam.

Yummmm....yummm, hot beef stew for you!

What motivates you?

2009-02-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

Merit Badge College Freshmen

2009-02-07T13:32:00.001-08:00

Well it was off to college for Troop 323 this morning.... Merit Badge College. Think of them as the Class of Eagles 2011 and 12. Check out Freshman Jacob Presley, Cole Shirley and Jace Culley. Sophmores; Cullen Fletcher, Zach McMaster, Adam Culley and Junior Sam Ramos.

Course of Study:

Cole-Weather, Citizenship in the Nation, Geoloogy
Jacob-Personal Management, Citizenship in the Nation and Coin Collecting
Zach-Collection, Family Life, Citzenship in the Nation
Cullen- Personal Mgmt, Citizenship in the Nation, Coin Collecting
Jace-Collection, Citizenship in the Nation, Family Life
Adam-Engineering, Citizenship in the Nation and Music
Sam-Personal Mgmt, Bird Study, Family Life

SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS: Have the boys do their homework-pull the workbooks off www.meritbadge.com and complete their homework for these classes.
We go again Feb 21, Mar 7th and 21st.

Liberty Lake Night Hike

2009-01-17T07:15:00.000-08:00

Chef Boy Are we Scouts-Zach and Jake-Specialty-Stuffed Franks
Yummmmmmy!! Spicey Italian for me!!
Dessert anyone?? Nutty Buddies! Oh yeah!!! Bring it on-one surprise after another.
Line up, short to tallest!! Sound off, one, two, sound off three four!!
Hey, what is different? Where's waldo?

Brother Shirley oriented us to the winter sky including Orion and Plades? North Star? Thomas ya got to come again and give us the full lecture under summer skies.

Sam Ramos is our Troop Guide and gave us the wisdom of his experience in the woods and winter camping.

Jace is our Quarter Master and made sure we had a working stove and plenty of gas. Thanks, Jace.

Adam, our faithful SPL. Led the way from the parking area to the trailhead and through the dark woods up toward the Cedar Grove.

Zach; our Instructor, helped us read the map and most of all planned a killer meal that was hearty and tasty.

Jake-ASM-surprised us with a hot and sweet dessert-thanks Jake. You're the best.

Cole-Cole, our newest scout was there with his WAVE Leatherman to handle anything we'd encounter.

Finally we have an outing-can you believe it's our first since Scouting for Food and our Fall Camporee....burr...remember the Polar Bear swim and our singing They the Builders of the Nation to all of the camp??

How Joseph Smith "Wrote" the Book of Mormon

2009-01-16T07:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByJY-N85i7s&feature=email

HELP, I AM ......

2009-01-07T06:43:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfV_ENR5IZE&feature=related

Can you spell sasqautch?

2009-01-03T22:13:00.000-08:00

Saturday Howard Ashby and I snowshoed up Mt Pisgah above the Little Spokane River just south of Newport, WA. It was clear and beautiful but frightfully cold.

What do you get with 68" of snow and 18 below??? ICEBURRRRRRRRGS

2009-01-03T21:57:00.000-08:00

When the snow reaches my upper lip.....

2009-01-02T14:28:00.000-08:00

You'll never guess what it did today...SNOW!! I was at ACE Hardware looking for two part epoxy for a plumbing repair and there had to be two dozen old, some might be antique snowthrowers in for repair and don't think you'll find a snow shovel. I am afraid to leave my old, twice thrown out one in the open. I think I'll go snow shoeing tomorrow. Any takers?

Spokane River Dec 31,2008

2008-12-31T23:43:00.000-08:00

Good by 2008, look out 2009!

INSULT TO INJURY

2008-12-21T06:07:00.000-08:00

Well we picked up another couple inches last night and the five day forecast is more S-N-O-W! Yup you got it, but hey it's filling my favorite lakes, rivers and water faucet! Here is one during the day, one of the Stake Center and one of the neighbor's growing icicle collection.

HO HO HO-MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS

2008-12-19T05:59:00.000-08:00

Yesterday by 10 am we had 19.3 inches of snow that day which beat the record of 13" and it continued to dump mountains of unwanted white stuff til about 4 pm. I can safely say we had over 25' in a 24 hr period and today it's resumed. It's the end of the world as we know it, but I feel fine!! It's a WINTER WONDERLAND!

CHRISTMAS MESSAGE TO THE WORLD

2008-12-18T06:46:00.000-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxKas2Mcjg4

WHAT MORMON LEADERS REALLY TEACH

2008-12-11T05:47:00.002-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFvIwXJhxCY

My idea of a Turkey Bowl-Juniper Sand dunes-Pasco WA

2008-11-30T07:55:00.000-08:00

PARIS FOR THE WEEKEND ON THE CONCORD

2008-11-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

BACK IN THE DAY.....

2008-11-01T06:05:00.001-07:00

Here is one of my earliest recollections of a family trail ride. We owned two Suzucki motorcycles and I borrowed one from my cousin to ride into a high mountain lake in Idaho. As I recall, some of us made it. Dad took the picture.

Here is the family car, truck and trailer all loaded for another big adventure somewhere, complete with our two motorcycles, a wooden kayak and a rubber raft. Life has been an adventure.

The Last Frontier

2008-10-27T22:04:00.000-07:00

Saturday on the return to Anchorage I hiked a trail called Bird Ridge and got part way up before I had to head back to town. Background is Turnagain Arm of the Cook Inlet.
This is a sample of the scenery on the drive from Soldotna back to Anchorage.
These little guys are orphans that were rescued and being nursed back to health at the Alaska Sealife Center in Seward. Just one of the many businesses we insure in Alaska.
This is another sight at the Alaska Sealife Center.
Kachemak Bay and the Homer Spit in the distant left. This photo was shot as I was leaving town Saturday morning about 9:30 am

FALL CAMPOREE

2008-10-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Here we are all framed in by the railing of the Cub Country Tree House, hey who is that intruder?
Cole Shirley fanning the flames!! We had lots of fire starting practice.

FALL CAMPOREE

2008-10-19T08:05:00.001-07:00

Here we are in the Cub Country Tree house after the Trebuchet competition. Senior Patrol Leader; Adam Culley and Assistant Scout Master; Jake Scott.
Kent Morris (moose) in the tree house.

FALL CAMPOREE

2008-10-19T07:53:00.001-07:00

Protege of Lord Baden Powell and song leader, Zac McMaster.
Stand clear, heads up, ya never know about these homemade (WMPS) weapons of mass pumpkin destruction.
The one on the right was built by Troop 430 from a valley ward. Lance Simon is their scout master and coincidentally grew up in the First Ward. ala Dick and Terry Simon. The first couple launches almost took out the spectators as the pumkin went straight up and fell back behind the Trebuchet.
MEGA TREBUCHET-This one had diesel truck engine flywheels for the weights. We met the scout that designed it, he is 15 and will be a world class engineer one day.

FALL CAMPOREE

2008-10-19T07:33:00.001-07:00

Check out the tans of the Polar Bear Club; Jake Scott and Chris Howell, all ready for an early (7am) swim in Dimond Lake, come on boys, next time you're going with us. We had to reel Jake in, he was going to do laps on the lake, (8 time triathaloner).
Pioneer Kent Morris showing us the tripod lash, followed by the square lash, followed by the diagonal lash.... well maybe.
JOTA-Jamoboree On the Air. We tried to hook up with someone in South America and later the people on the International Space Station as it went over us.
Brother Howell's first attempt at edible dessert; Memphis Molly-Cherries, blue berries, pineapple and walnuts. I'd say it was edible, we didn't have to bury any.

The Cabinets and Lakes.

2008-10-12T06:44:00.000-07:00

For fun here are some scenic pics of my trip this weekend.

Hello winter, good bye fall.....Dome Mtn or Die.

2008-10-11T21:48:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I took a short excursion into the Cabinet Wilderness of Western MT with Howard Ashby, my faithful four season backpacking pal. We left Thursday from Spokane and got to the trailhead on Cedar Creek about 5pm. We made it about 3 miles up the trail which starts at 2880 and goes to 7560 on Dome Peak. We hadn't hiked long before we started to get some snow. The wind kicked up and the daylight was virtually gone from the beginning, given we were hiking up a narrow canyon that runs north-south. We had hoped, hikers always hope for more than they can get, but we had hoped to spend the first night at the Lower and maybe the Upper Cedar Lake. The going was tougher and we were later than we wished. We chose to camp along the trail, abeit steep, rocky and heavily timbered everywhere we did find a small flat spot to pitch the tent and build a little fire for something hot before we crawled into our tent. Day two we were on the trail at 8 am and made the lower lake at 10:30. We set up a campsite and headed off to bag Dome Peak. It was breathtaking and the higher we got the more intense the wind and the lower the temps. I had 21 degrees at about 2:30 on top with gusts up to 20mph. The wind chill was dangerously low. We got off the mountain about 4:30 and made a hot dinner of speghetti, read some scripture and fell fast asleep. Sat was another early up and on the trail by 9:30. We had a great adventure and managed to get home in one piece and enjoy the comforts of central heat and indoor plumbing once again.

My take aways:

God's creations are immense and wonderful.
The commandments are my friends.
Enjoy the journey.
Converse with the scriptures.
Pray like a patriach.
Hope ya know we had a (good) hard time.

It's Autumn time, it's Autumn time, the leaves are....

2008-10-06T23:05:00.003-07:00

It's official, we fired up the furnace last night, we pulled in the lawn furniture, we cut back the flox, we transplanted a tree, we've tried again to seal out winter with caulk and weather strip, but alas it's coming, but it's been ever so gentle thus far.....dang, I am going to miss all the day light and warm sun.

MY WORK....

2008-10-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

HER GLORY......

2008-10-02T07:06:00.000-07:00

RUTS, GUTS AND SORE BUTTS

2008-10-02T06:57:00.000-07:00

Last week Donn and I drove to McCall Idaho. I went to ride motorcycles in the woods with old and new friends, Donna went to perform a selfless act of service; paint the dinning, living and kitchen areas of David and Michele's Cabin. Here is my story and some pictures.

What a wonderful three days....

Day one, Box Lake and Twenty Mile. 38 miles. The most strenous thing I have done all year was get up and out of Box Lake. Hot Pizza

Day two-Seven Devils Area-Indian Springs Trail, Rapid River, Smith Look Out. The veiws the challenge finding the trail back, the broken bridge, mud bogs, the slippery boardwalks, Black Lake, Zims, ah hot springs, dinner out. 54 miles

Day Three-Lick Creek Summit, the views, Seesch River, South Fork of the Salmon,East Fork of the South Fork, false start, refuel, Krassel Ranger Station, how many switchbacks?,Lunch on Indian Ridge, Phoebe Meadows, The injury, the blessing, the ride down and back. 25 miles

I woke early this morning and decided I had to find the poem quoted by Allen on Indian Ridge.It's written by a man named Doug Mallock and called, Good Timber, but I found the it quoted by Vaughn Featherstone, who spoke at my mother's funeral in 1990. Coincidentally he quotes it relating to an experience he had while on the South Fork of the Salmon near where we were. He also quotes one about touching shoulders and drawing strength that epotomizes some of the benefits of our rendevous this past week.

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=d55e82178cb9b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1

It was just perfect, beautiful weather, good food, friends and times.

Chris

END OF THE ROAD, ROAD RIDE

2008-09-21T06:56:00.000-07:00

Steve Clinger and I took a road ride on our motorcycles yesterday to the end of highway 58 in north Idaho. Our first stop was Rockford, WA where the county fair was in full swing. We met an old friend of Steve's working at the McIndtosh Grange food concession stand. This is where the first pic was taken by an unsuspectiong couple running a trinket booth. I asked them if they'd take a picture of me and my brother. They were willing. We spent the night in the historic logging town of St Maries Idaho on the St Joe River, see a common theme here? Early Catholic Missionaries left their mark. John Mullan in the early 1800's built a road from the Missouri River in Fort Benton, MT to the Columbia River in Walla Walla, WA that went through here originally.

http://www.stmariesidaho.com/history.htm

Saturday morning we took a walk to the city park and county fairgrounds where we read all about the early history. On the return we walked past a yard sale, where Steve picked up on some authentic Harley Davidson leather gloves for himself, a new helmet for his buddy, and a nice HD polar fleece. I am sure he paid less than 1/10th the cost new. BONUS

Second pic is at the old SM High School. You guessed it, they are the Loggers.

This next pic was outside Bud's Burgers, where we had dinner AND breakfast, not by choice, but by necessity. Saturday morning we got to celebrate Archie's 95th birthday with he and his old pals. His advice to me, was don't get old, it ain't worth it!

We rode through Santa, Id, Fernwood, Bovill and finally our distination, the end of the road in Elk River, ID. Here is Steve in front of the Elk River Lodge and at the end of the road. We were bummed not to have dual purpose motorcycles so that we could have ridden to the Granddaddy Bridge, seen the oldest tree in Idaho. 3000 yrs old and 18 ' in diameter. We also missed the Elk Creek Falls, a series of 3 falls with 300 ft of cascading water. Their real claim to fame are the huckleberries. We could have had a fresh baked pie at the Elk River Lodge for a mere $20. We did meet Connie, the proprietor. She and her husband used to run a ranch in Augusta, MT.

http://www.elkriverlodge.net/index.htm

We then road back by way of Harvard, Princeton, ID (and I'll bet you thought there were only hayseeds in Idaho) and I ran out of gas before Potlatch ID where we had a burger at a bar- last pic. Then it was on home by way of Rockford, WA where the county fair was still going full tilt. We started getting a little rain and were glad to be home.

Steve Clinger aka Easy Rider
Chris Howell aka The Fonze