Jul 11, 2014

The thumbnail shot is of a replica of the Old Fort Boise which looked okay from the outside but since it didn't open until 3pm and we were there at 10.30 am we didn't see inside.

 

In our efforts to stay off the Interstate we got a bit off the track and found the little town of Vale where we had a coffee. This is a shot along one of their main streets and you can see part of a mural to the right tracking the development of the area. The one you cannot see to the right is Chinese people on a gold site called El-Dorado Ditch, the next cattle men, the next more intensive farming / agriculture and the last sheep with their shepherd. Along the bottom are heaps of people in multiple national dress costumes so obviously a tribute to those who settled here from many other countries. Looked good. 

From here we headed back on track and checked out the Farewell Bend State Park where trails separated away from the Snake River and looking at the steep dry hills still looked like hard work to me. The only advantage I could see was a bit easier access to water and the sagebrush wasn't as prolific or as tall, which was apparently shoulder high when the emigrants made their way west. 

 

When we finally got to Baker City we discovered why some months ago when we tried to book a bed here we couldn't get one. The 'Hell's Canyon Motorcycle Rally 2014' was in full swing. This is an annual event. Here is a shot along one of the main blocks in town, motorcycle parking only. 

 

And another.

 

One thing they had there was a 'bike wash' named 'hog wash' since nearly all the bikes were Harley Davidsons and these were some of the girls I thought were doing the washing as they were at the site when we spotted it, turns out they were just walking through and turning lots of heads. A bit cheeky you might say. Lots of bike dealers there and some awesome prices offered. 

 

We checked out the Museum in Baker City which had a number of Oregon Trail artefacts and then headed for the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Centre just out of town at Flagstaff Hill. It was done really well with life size diarama's and lots of exhibits. This was a view from the site and the sandy trails are wagon ruts and there were many all around the area and clearly visible from up on the hill. This area is where the emigrants got their first site of the Blue Mountains in the distance letting them know that their long journey would soon end in the Willamette Valley.

Bits and Bobs:

 

By the time we got to Baker City we were both hot and grumpy and got some lunch as a priority. After we had lunch and were walking along the street looking at the bikes Norm said "Ah so that's where it landed", I asked him what he was talking about and he pointed to the above. Ha ha.

 

One for the Shame File (at most a third of what was there) on the Hell's Canyon Road Flagstaff Hill as we headed for the Interpretive Centre.

 

We saw a lot of bull at the Interpretive Centre.

Last Night's Accommodation:

Oxford Suites Boise, 1426 S Entertainment Avenue, Boise ID 83709

Very nice decor and well maintained building and surroundings. Comfortable bed. Good sized room and good amenities. Separate bath and shower. AC, included parking, wifi, nibbles and drinks in the evening, full hot breakfast. Walked next door for dinner, one of many choices close by. Staff very helpful. On the outskirts of town but handy to interstate so suited us. Slightly more expensive than the last couple of nights but still good value.