Lake Cascade State Park, Idaho

We've been here in the Crown Point campground at Lake Cascade for four days. We're getting to like this slower pace!
We were worried about getting a site at first, as the reservation sites were all booked up, and the campground appeared pretty full, and the spaces small. As we worked our way through the loops however we found a perfect spot. We have a view of the lake, and it's fairly private due to the large granite boulders, shrubs, and the way the sites are staggered.

We're spending the days enjoying the lake and working on little projects. One of which is keeping our new little frig lit. We bought a portable three-way (12 volt, 120 and LP) and it keeps blowing out with only the slightest breeze. We'll get it figured out eventually! We're also catching up on our recreational reading. Neither of us had been able to do much of that for a long time.

Saturday we took a short drive north to the little old town of Roseberry. Our route takes us through what is generally known as Treasure Valley, and it is a treasure indeed. The rich soil and abundant moisture support farms that produce a variety of crops and grazing for livestock. There are no tract homes along our way, just carefully tended farms, some with log or bat-and-board cabins that have been here for generations. The scene is one postcard-perfect view after another, and quite a contrast to the heat and bustle of Boise, just a few miles away.

We finally arrived at Roseberry, just a couple of miles east of Donnelly. Actually, Roseberry was settled first, but when the railroad arrived and put in a stop at Donnelly, folks picked up their skirts and moved there, across the creek, where their businesses would convenient to the more modern mode of transportation. The consolidation is understandable, as this area gets a LOT of snow in the winter, so in those days traveling even a couple of miles to get to the train would have been a challenge.

The remains of the old town have been lovingly cared for.
The old general store is now a combination museum and gift shop. Shelves to the ceiling are "stocked" with antique canned and dry goods, and a talking mannequin dressed like the original owner (shown in a photo they have displayed) tells visitors the history of the store and the town. In between original antiques are replicas and other gift items for sale.

The old school, across the street, is also a museum but wasn't open while we were there.

The town was originally settled by primarily Finnish immigrants, and many of the little cabins are still standing and in good repair.

They are filled with furnishings, as if the owners just left, and can be enjoyed through the windows. The town has several live music events coming up, but our schedule unfortunately won't include any of them.






Leaving Roseberry, we went back to Donnelly for lunch. After hearing the story about how vigilantes ruled the valley in the old days, busting up pool tables and preventing dancing and the like, we just had to have lunch at Vigilantes Dance Hall & Eatery. 'Best burgers we've had in a long time, and not only the best fries and coleslaw, but very generous portions. The interior was fun too - great western decor, and a lot of quirky items, about which the owner was happy to provide "the rest of the story" when we asked about them. If you're in the area it's definitely worth stopping for a meal.

If you'd like to see more photos from this trip follow this link to the album .

Next stop, McCall, staying at Ponderosa State park, on Payette Lake, to meet Steve's brother and his family. We'll visit with them for a couple of days and then head for training camp.