On to Idaho

From Ogden we headed up north into Idaho, passing near the Craters of the Moon National Park.  Nothing but rolling hills, sage brush, and the occasional lava flow, all capped by and immense and ashy sky.  It was very stark, very rugged, and very beautiful.  It’s nice to know that there are still places where I can look out the window and see neither fence nor telephone pole for as far as my eyes can see.

We traveled through snow flurries towards our destination of Hailey Idaho, where my grandpa’s cousin and her daughter now make their home.  Josef would be meeting his 1st cousin, thrice-removed!  They lived  alongside a snowy river in what looked like a palatial yurt–probably the coolest home I have ever been it.  The interior beams were solid trees and there was a sun room full of plants, herbs, and succulents.  We spent many happy hours gathered around their hearth catching up on old family stories and lore.

The weather cleared up the next day and we headed west on Highway 20 past rolling velvety hills and the occasional farmhouse, paralleling the old Oregon Trail.  Perhaps someday we will return with Josef when he is older, and take our time exploring the rich history of this well-worn migrant trail.  As it was, we were loath to stop the car and read the historical markers, for that would surely result in a raucous and abrupt end to our baby’s nap.  We eventually stopped in the town of Rupert, which featured a scenic town square from days gone by, and some intereting history.  It did not, however, feature very tasty or authentic Mexican food.  I think there might be a Mason-Dixon line running East-West, and once you cross it the tacos suddenly come served with lettuce and cheddar in hard yellow shells…

In the afternoon we arrived at our next destination in Nampa–the home of my cousin and his family.  He and I grew up together, first in Southern California and the Corvallis, but haven’t seen each other in nearly 10 years.  It was a visit long in the making, and we were greeted with joyful affection by his many small and adorable children.  With some family, it doesn’t matter how long you’re away–distance and time can’t make a dent.  It was like we’d never been apart.  Still, I wish we all lived closer so we could watch our kids grow up together, just like we did.