Remembrance, Et. Al.

Memorial Day weekend involves not only remembrance but also a fair amount of relaxation and recreation.

Yesterday, Bill and I took a Sunday drive back to one of our many favorite spots:  Boulder Creek, up the Katka Road, east of Bonners Ferry. 

About two thirds of the way up the road, Bill remarked that it sure was quiet. To which I suggested that when we reached the bridge over Boulder Creek, it probably would not be quiet. 

It wasn't.  It was a joyful and busy scene.

We saw trailers, four-wheelers and families of different generations, enjoying the weekend that some say commences the summer season. Kids were fishing off the bridge and catching some trout. 

Moms, dads and grandparents were relaxing in lawn chairs and enjoying a bonfire along with refreshments and snacks. Dogs were splashing around in the creek or coming over to see us with their owners. 

It was a great scene.  

We soon learned that the large family gathering on one side of Boulder Creek included the Merrifields, Mendenhalls and Scarboroughs, many of whom are associated with Clifty Nursery back down in the Paradise Valley. 

Bill has known the Clifty Nursery owner and patriarch of this group for many years.  Lon Merrifield came over and the two forest lovers reminisced the old times spent up Boulder Creek. 

Bode, who had caught a fish off the bridge with his fly rod came back after retrieving a large sack of tasty and salty Costco potato chips. 

I know they were tasty cuz I asked Bode for a handout, which he happily obliged. 

Later, Bill told Bode to wait there while he went to the pickup to get something.  Bill had a sample of some flies he had tied over the winter and handed them over to Bode.  Twas a good exchange:  chips for flies.  Bode, a 13-year-old avid hunter seemed quite pleased with his new acquisition. 

While Bill walked over to get the flies, Lon and I struck up a conversation.  It was our first meeting, but we soon learned that we knew a lot of folks in common.

The word "4-H" triggered memories of names from the past for Lon:  Judy Turnbull, Rhea and Elton Anderson, Franny and Ginny Paulet, for example.  I threw out Tracy Iverson and Mike Ripatti, when Lon said he graduated from Bonners Ferry High School in 1966. 

I knew Tracy from our time spent at the University of Idaho.  We both became high school English teachers in our respective towns. 

I had met Mike last fall while he was bringing down some cows from fall pasture. 

Our stop at the Boulder Creek bridge was filled with a healthy dose of fun conversation and some new friends. 

And, the scene of families making generational memories on this holiday weekend of remembrance served as a wonderful reminder of Americana and the simple but meaningful opportunities we hold so dear. 

And, so, today, it's remembrance, relaxation and recreation.  For all three, we are thankful. 

Enjoy your Memorial Day traditions.