Big Springs in Island Park, Idaho

Our Idaho trip in August was in the planning stages for months.  Total solar eclipse, check.  Family reunion, check. Place to stay, check.  Things to see, check. Planned menus, check.  Traffic planning, check.

A client of my husband's generously let us stay at his cabin in Island Park for almost a week.  We very much enjoyed exploring and experiencing Island Park again.  One of my favorite places is Big Springs where 126 million gallons of water come up out of the ground EVERY day creating the beautiful Henry's Fork River.

How is that possible you may ask?  This sign and diagram explain it all.

Just look at that beautiful river which has formed on the other side of the bridge.  It is clear and dazzling and full of fish.  A few miles downstream there is a spot to launch one's water craft for a beautiful ride.

Look closely.  Can you see Johnny Sack's handmade cabin back under the trees?

Johnny began making this beautiful little home by hand in 1929.  His family had immigrated from Bavarian Germany so his home had a bit of Bavarian charm.  He, himself, was just under five feet tall.  Everything is pretty much just how he left it including this cozy kitchen.

The floors were beautiful with each piece of wood carefully set.

This is a painted wood carving of Johnny which is found on the front porch.

Two bedrooms are on the second floor.

Both beds were covered with beautiful quilts.

A colorful painting based on a black and white photo of Johnny and his dog.

He read Zane Grey novels  just like my husband and my parents did with their families before radio and TV.

This special place has been made an Historic Place.

There was a special house up on the hill.

Johnny painted the outside to honor his desire for a Bavarian look.

This second little cabin down the hill has its own water wheel creating power for the cabin.  It is a beautiful place.

Duck Creek stop an autumn paradise

The beginning of October we drove home from Arizona via a ride over the mountains and through Brian Head rather that taking the Highway 20 to connect up to the I 15.  It was a beautiful drive.

Nothing beats blue sky with clouds and autumn color.

It was lovely.  This drive also takes one past Cedar Breaks and to an altitude of over 11,000 feet.

I especially enjoy the aspen trees in the Fall with their glittery leaves dancing in the wind.

We stopped at Duck Creek.  Glen has found memories of stopping here with his sons some years ago as they drove to Utah for LDS Conference.

Duck Creek is a beautiful clear mountain stream.

The contrast between the evergreen pines and aspen was especially lovely.

Really, just lovely!

Duck Creek eventually flows into this small lake called Duck Lake.

And there were ducks!

Can you see them?

Autumn drives are the best!

New park near Manti Temple

After making our way down from the mountain tops and Skyline Drive, we stopped in Mt. Pleasant and bought some items for a picnic lunch.  We drove on to Manti and found ourselves eating in a beautiful new park across HIghway 89 from the Manti Temple.

It is still one of my favorites!

The little park has been created in honor of the pioneers who settled the Sanpete Valley.

The park sits on the south end of the cemetery and includes statuary and message boards.

Perhaps it is wrong to call it a small park.  The correct name seems to be "Pioneer Heritage Gardens."

Besides the reflecting pool located in just the right place to mirror the temple, there is a small amphitheater.

It was just the right quick stop for a picnic and chance to stretch our legs and enjoy the temple.

Skyline Drive in the Manti-La Sal Forest

Early in August we explored Skyline Drive on the ridge line of the Manti-La Sal Forest.  We joined the road at the top of Fairview Canyon.  The Aspen trees were beautiful and the dirt road well maintained on this portion.

We felt like we were on top of the world and could see for miles and miles.

It was green and beautiful with an abundance of wild flowers.

 

We saw many sheep herder wagons and eventually found sheep grazing right next to the road.

I had to get a closeup.

Looking east from the road.  I love the cloud formations in this shot.

Masses of wild flowers.

Flowers making it work in very rocky soil.

A variety of wild flowers.

The farther we drove south, the rougher the road.  Soon after seeing this sign we took a road west down the mountain and into Spring City.  It was in really great shape and we descended quickly through several vegetative zones before arriving in artful Spring City.  It was a fun adventure!