Boulder Meadows 2018

It would take a long, long time to get the full picture of Boulder Meadows.

We took our annual trip yesterday to this pristine land of lush growth, awakening wildflowers and babbling brooks flowing through the a series of meadows accented with alpine spruce and old snags, standing or resting in the grass.

While Bill headed off to the main Boulder Creek with his fly rod, my sisters and I set off with our cameras across the big meadow where hunters, hikers and trail riders often bed down near the fences for horses AND the outdoor john. 

When we returned to the pickup about 90 minutes later, we had barely scratched the surface of this magnificent spot east of Naples, Idaho.  

That's pretty much the case any year when we visit because the meadows cover an expanse of relatively flat country within somewhat of a bowl, surrounded by mountains. 

Yesterday we wished the sun would come out more often because whenever that happens, its light brings the area alive with dramatic, rich shades of green beautifully complemented with multitude of blooming pinks, blues, purples and yellows from the tops of seasonal wildflowers.

Though the sun did not always cooperate, the experience was still very satisfying. 

We found wildflower life to be relatively young yesterday in the meadows in dramatic contrast to open hillsides along the Twenty Mile Road which leads to the spot where sheepherders spent summers watching their flocks many decades ago.  

Twas an OMG day in regard to this year's crop of Indian paintbrush and tiger lilies, which provided cause for several pauses on our drive back home. 

And, I can't wait to see what "Junior Photographer" captured when she turned her lens toward the back window of our pickup and snapped a couple of images of the stunning buck you'll see below.  

Barbara and I probably spent too long directing our achy knees and legs out of tight spots on the passenger side doors to catch good shots.

So, if the doggie smears on the windows aren't too prominent and Photo Shop does its magic, Laurie should have some phenomenal photos, as the buck stopped after crossing the road in front of us for a brief photo op.  

He knows he's handsome. 

And, there's one more thing to share about yesterday's experience.  We usually bring two walkie talkies with us to coordinate with Bill who's off fishing while we're wandering around shooting photos. 

We used the radios once, just as my sisters and I had reached the main creek on a nice trail which begins from the parking area with board walk. 

Since we were about half an hour away from the pickup at the time, we agreed to meet Bill at 4 p.m.

He ended up arriving a few minutes late AND if he had signaled me on his walkie talkie, I would not have known. 

You see, I lost my walkie talkie after returning to the pickup.  AND, I'm offering a reward.  

If it's returned, looking precisely like the one above---clean and polished, I'll give the bearer a set of my books. 

I even know exactly where it is but just can't get to it.  

Any interested walkie talkie bounty hunters who want to drive to the meadows to retrieve it should bring along a fish net or one of those pickers----either with a long handle.

Once you arrive at the meadows parking area, simply go to the privy and dig in. 

It's there, maybe even still floating, as advertised. 

I'm hoping for a miracle but not really praying to St. Anthony cuz even he may not be willing assist with this dirty job. 

And, so our trip yesterday, as usual had it's "Oh s----!" moment, but otherwise it matched our usual visits to one of the most stunning outdoor settings in North Idaho.

Happy Monday.