Boise (Snake River Birds of Prey NCA)

I left early this morning to drive down to the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area . I followed the route suggested on the BLM web site that suggested stopping at areas known for hosting a large variety of raptors. Even though I arrived in the early morning, the skies were strangely quiet. Even at Dedication point, the famous raptor area on the bluffs of the Snake River, all I saw were a couple of crows. Speaking to others later in the day, they had had the same experience. While it is not nesting season, many raptors should be found in the area year round. It just seemed to be that kind of morning. Even the fishermen were coming up empty.

Disappointed, I gave up and headed to Celebration park to try to find the advertised petroglyphs. While walking around, I met Frank from Pennsylvania. He had already found several of the glyphs and was kind enough to walk back and point them out to me. I was able to return the favor by letting him know about Black Magic Canyon as he was heading out to the Sun Valley region. I called it a day and headed back to download and process the few images I had captured.

Because I was back early, I actually did have a chance to wander back down to the Basque neighborhood and stop into Bar Gernika for a drink and some lamb stew. I had hoped to sit at the bar, but every stool was taken. Actually the place was packed at 4:30 in the afternoon. It was explained to me that it was cold and dark, pushing everyone into a nice warm eatery with food and drink. And it was, after all, a Saturday afternoon. It was obvious that this is a neighborhood hangout - everyone seemed to know each other. It was a bit loud for me, so I finished up my meal and headed back to my room.

This is my last day in Idaho. Tomorrow I continue west to Washington State. Back on the west coast after almost a year.