Upper Mesa Falls in Island Park

Once upon a time this building was a lodge for visitors coming to see the beautiful Mesa Falls.  It has been restored to look much as it did back in the day but is now a visitor's center and store.  I love the brown and white.  Just to the west of it are a series of walkways and stairs taking you to vistas of Upper Mesa Falls.

It is a spectacular sight on Henry's Fork River in the southern half of Island Park.

It was a busy day in the park with the total solar eclipse to take place the following day.  There was a a bit of a wait on the main road as cars had to leave before new parking spots were available.

The roar of the Falls was beautiful.

A view of the river down below.

Another smaller drop off.

Mesa Falls from a look out farther down the walkway.

So much flowing water.

Sentinels down below keeping watch over those ripples.

A flowing river racing south to Little Mesa Falls through a beautiful pine forest.

My fellow explorers.

The west side of the river was beautiful and green like a rain forest from all the mist venturing across from the Falls.  This was a lovely stop and view on our way to Ashton and the farm hills east.

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.

Idaho Family Time

We enjoyed several days in Idaho in August including a meeting together of my mother's family and their descendents.  My cousin, Bruce, and his wife, Debi, invited the family to meet in their beautiful backyard in Idaho Falls for a lovely afternoon on August 19, 2017.

My mom grew up as part of 8 siblings. This photo was taken at the ranch in 1990.  By birth order are Elden, Velva, Lowell, Gerald, Keith, Elna, Nola, and Milton.  Four of them are no longer with us; Elden, Velva, Lowell, and Nola.  The three above;  Gerald, Keith, and Elna were able to join us.  The youngest brother, Milton, lives in California and was unable to be with us.

Andrew Percy Nyborg and Rhoda Ann Foote first met 100 years ago in the summer of 1917, so it seemed fitting that their extended family were not only celebrating that meeting of two hearts but would also be witnessing the Great American Solar Eclipse and Totality on the following Monday, August 21, 2017.

My uncles and aunt are joined by Gerald's wife, Juanita and Elna's husband, Roger.  Keith's wife, Raiija has also passed as have the spouses of those siblings who are also gone.

Those in attendance from each family were also photographed.  Elna's family.

Gerald's family.

Keith's children.

Keith's extended family.

Velva's family.

Nola's family.

Nyborg first cousins in attendance.

We were trying to recreate this photo taken at the ranch in about 1967 with us standing in line according to our birth date.

And finally a picture of everyone.  It was so good to be with family!

A 200th birthday celebration

On our way back to Utah from Arizona, we stopped in Glendale, Utah for the 200th birthday celebration of Warren Foote's birthday celebration.

A group of over 150 descendents had gathered to honor this man born in Dryden, New York on August 10, 1817.

After coming west during the Mormon Pioneer immigration as the captain of a wagon train of 100 wagons in 1850, he lived and settled several locations before finding a long term home in Glendale.

He built this home which burned to the ground in the early 1900's.  That is Warren on the right hand side of the photo.

He was also a miller and helped to build mills across the West.  That is his son in law, Andrew Olson in the picture of the mill that used to stand in Glendale.

Warren's home in later years, perhaps after his death in 1903.

Descendents were present for his birthday celebration from both of his wives, Eliza Marie Ivie Foote,

and Sidnie Artemisia Myers Foote.  Both wives outlived Warren.

Warren Foote was a journal keeper.  Using his journal and pictures from different family members, a great video of his life was presented after a great meal catered by Houstons in Kanab.  We also celebrated with birthday cake and ice cream.

These are Warren's grandchildren who were in attendance.

And these are his many descendents who stayed after the clean up for a group picture.  There were also visits to the cemetery and home sites.  It was a wonderful celebration.