Week 2 is in the books in Burley, Idaho. We’re warming up to the place a bit. I finally thought of a way to describe Burley: “It’s kind of like finding a few beautiful gems in a pile of tailings.”

We continue to do some exploring. We went to nearby Milner to learn about the Oregon Trail and the Snake River diversion & irrigation system. They have actively diverted the Snake River into a series of irrigation canals. Right now the water level is low enough that they have diverted the river in such a way that Shoshone Falls is not running. These falls are similar to Niagara. Taller, but about 2/3 less volume. But still…these are REALLY big falls and they are dry at the moment.  Amazing. It appears that everyone thinks water is free here. They water their lawns constantly. Leaving sprinklers on for hours upon hours without moving them. [head shaking moment]

While we were in Milner we found a great spot where the Oregon Trail ruts are still plainly visible. It’s hard to grasp the magnitude of the traffic on this trail. Nearlly 500,000 people embarking on a 2,200 mile journey. in wagons. I think the ruts we walked were a “smooth” section, I’m not sure I would ride over them in a 4×4.

We’ve ventured into Twin Falls too. It’s about an hour’s drive from Burley. There is a beautiful canyon with a lovely golf course at the bottom. Eric and I played 18 holes and then ate dinner at the top overlooking the rim. Stunning vista. Twin Falls is a pretty big town / small city. It’s definitely where everyone goes for their shopping.

We still have the City of Rocks on the agenda. Everyone we’ve talked to tells us it’s a must see location.

The weather is spectacular! We’re having a stretch of high 80’s to low 90’s right now. It gets cold at time though. We’re looking forward to being able to see and enjoy Sunday’s super moon and lunar eclipse. Sounds like this is a pretty rare combination.

We have our Boulder, CO place all set up. A couple is renting their 1,000 sq. ft. home to us while they finish up their stay in Amsterdam. They were relocated there by their company — People for Bikes. Zach is from Portland. Sarah is from New York. We’re looking forward to being in a house rather than an apartment. And we’re doubling our space from what we have now. That will be very welcome. Their house is walking distance from downtown Boulder and the university district. Boulder is going to be a big change over Burley.

I think that’s it for this installment.