Idaho RV Life:
Idaho RV Life:
After double and triple checking our packing list, we pulled chalks and embarked on our first RV excursion. Our expectations were simple: successfully negotiate Horseshoe Bend hill without exhausting the motor of our new to us, but used RV. A quick thirty minutes later we continued north through Horseshoe Bend among the endless line of weekend travelers destined for one of numerous locations within two hours of Boise. The drive was relaxing as we wound through the canyon of Highway 55 and watched the raging waters of the Payette River, catching glimpses of rafters and kayakers along the way. Exiting the canyon portion of the drive we cruised at a steady 55mph until we rolled into Cascade for a quick pit stop and then the final leg of our short trip. Noticing the already full campsites and RV parks along the way we were encouraged and enthused about our own abilities to manage our new home on wheels for the weekend. Less than two hours after leaving Boise we arrived at our destination in Donnelly and some awaiting friends.
The next morning, we secured our mountain bikes to their racks and made the quick drive to Jug Mountain Ranch on the east side of Highway 55. We navigated the trail, ascending with each turn and enjoying the scenery as we rode to and then around Upper Jug Creek Reservoir. The trial offered varied terrain, winding through the trees, across log bridges and over rocky obstacles.
The final climb took us to the summit where 3 separate trailheads converged for the descent. Each trail color coded (green, blue, black), like what you would encounter on a ski hill, denoted the level of difficulty awaiting you. We opted for Berm and Ernie. The steep descents, winding turns, and multiple drops did not disappoint. I was told the Jug Mountain trail system offered a snow course throughout the winter to make near year-round riding possible.
With our morning ride and breakfast complete the kids informed us all it was time to set our sights on the water. The boat and truck were laden with the necessary provisions and people for the afternoon and we crept the ½ mile toward a Lake Cascade launch. We tooled around the lake admiring the new construction of lakefront homes and watching our kids take turns on the tube passing back and forth across the wake and debating on who caught the most air with each wave. As new RV enthusiasts, my wife and I immediately noticed the lakefront RV parks at the base of Tamarack Resort and quickly decided we needed to set to work securing reservations for another trip.
The draw of Tamarack proved too great, so we docked the boat at another launch near the resort and made the short trek up to the lodge in search of refreshments. To our surprise a bowhunting expo of sorts was in full swing, complete with a practice range for enthusiasts of all ages to hone their accuracy with the latest bows from various manufacturers. The walking paths throughout the resort were lined on either side with white tents adorned with the wares of hunting suppliers displaying the latest technology, equipment, and clothing. Touring the paths, we couldn’t help but notice the multitude of condos under construction and the representatives busily discussing the advantages of ownership within Tamarack Resort.
We enjoyed breakfast burritos (food always tastes better while camping) Sunday morning and begrudgingly began to break down our makeshift kitchen we had constructed for the weekend. After saying goodbye to our friends, we were left alone at the site to finish the dreaded task of emptying the RV’s holding tanks. With the least enjoyable aspect of our new RV life behind us and everything loaded we began to retrace our route back to Boise while discussing possible destinations for our next excursion.
