Hiking in Idaho: Granite Mountain Lookout

Idaho has some seriously awesome hiking.  We have been on quite a few hikes around the McCall area, and all are quite beautiful- but this hike made it to the top of the list for me!

The distance didn’t sound scary at all (3 miles one way)- but I didn’t take the elevation gain in consideration!  We started at an elevation of 6,753 ft and climbed to height of 8,474- so in other words, we just climbed the side of a mountain!  No big deal.  But the views from that height were amazing.  We saw New Meadows and McCall from the top, as well as a beautiful view of Goose Lake and peaks of mountains all around us.

And, the Lookout Tower is actually in use today- pretty cool that something so old fashioned is still so purposeful!  There was a man stationed up there that said last week he saw eleven fires start.  Wow.  Good thing for those who are keeping an eye out!

 

Goose Lake

We were even above the snow!

Trail markers

 

 

Thanks for stopping by!

Goose Lake

Happy Monday!

Some highlights of my weekend:

• Eating too many s’mores to count
• Hiking to the peak of a mountain (literally– I will post about it tomorrow!)
• Watching cows graze through camp
• Learning how to make campfires like a champ
• Reading books by the fire
• Taking a nap in the hammock
• Fishing from the kayaks- and actually catching fish!

Our cush digs!

Camp coffee= the best!

Sometimes the easiest meals are just the best

How was your weekend?!

We’re Going….

Camping this weekend!  The last few camping trips we have gone on, we’ve forgotten key items (and I mean, very key items) at home.  (The fact that I’m sharing my clothing list should give you a hint!)  I would like to point out that it isn’t that we are irresponsible people- there is just so much to remember to pack for a camping trip!  Anyways, this time I made lists of EVERYTHING- clothes, food items, misc items, etc etc!

Here is what is in my suitcase:

Camping List by newmansnest featuring NIKE

 1. A White Baseball Cap- My main thought is, I won’t have to worry about my hair with a hat on!  And I had a hard time between a white a black hat, but white can be bleached clean and won’t sun fade like a black hat would.

2. Shorts- Pretty self explanatory, right?

3. Tee Shirts- Easy to layer but cool in the hottest part of the day.

4. Chambray- The perfect second layer to add when it’s just a bit chilly!

5. Light Jackets- This is also pretty self explanatory- evenings get CHILLY!  The low for us tonight is supposed to be in the 40s.  (But I love cool camping weather- makes sitting by the fire so much better!)

6. Long Pants- See #5- cool evenings, remember?

7. Hiking Shoes- Also self explanatory….

8. Sturdy Sandals- Yeah, yeah. Chacos may not be the cutest sandal around- but I am telling you, sturdy sandals are a MUST!

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

(If you follow me on Instagram (LaNew9), I’m sure I will post pictures while we are gone- assuming we have cell service!)

Summer Part I

Wow, June has flown by! At the beginning of the month, my sweet nephew, AJ, turned two. I was lucky enough to make a trip down to be at the party!! The next week was Parma convention, which was wonderful as always. Lastly, we took a little camping trip up to Sagehen Reservoir. The trip turned south when we realized we forgot coffee for the French press- sittin’ by the campfire in the brisk mornings just weren’t the same! But it was a very relaxing and fun trip, all the same.

So, June has been full. Can you believe the year is half over?

Here are some pictures from the month:

AJ’s Party

This cake was made by my friend, Ashlyn, for AJ’s birthday party (circus theme). Everything is HOMEMADE- even the fondant! It was a wonderful cake! (and super cute, too!)

AJ’s Terrible Two Kit from Uncle Chase: included pixie sticks, a tambourine, sugar packets, super glue, permanent markers, and noise putty. Oh yeah, payback will NOT be fun! 😉

Sagehen Reservoir