Boise, Idaho

Arrived at Ric and Kathy's after a long day of mountainous,curvy roads. Drove past the Snake River and the Salmon River. Yesterday set out to discover downtown Boise, a city nestled in the valley surrounded by mts. Happened upon the Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial, a park whose purpose is to educate the world abouy human rights. There were a series of 40 quotes from people discussing the human condition. Some of Anne Frank's quotes were included as well. I was as moved by the park and it's surroundings as I was when I visited Anne Frank's place of hiding in Amsterdam. A tree was planted by a friend of Anne's whose parents gave Anne the diary that she wrote in. They presented it to her at her 13th birthday party. How ironic that the diary would prove to be her saving grace while she was hiding. Incredible coincidence. Matt and I strolled along the Greenbelt parks bordering the Boise River. Temp was in the 70's ( yeah, I actually wore sandals), then sat by the river enjoying the soothing sound of the river, the sun, the foliage. This is actually the first time on the trip that we've sat in one spot and just contemplated life, being in the moment. Then we visited the Boise Art Museum which had a display of photographs by Laura McPhee. The exhibit was actually assembled by the MFA in Boston! An elderly man who was obviously a docent followed me from exhibit to exhibit pointing out unique features. His sharing of his knowledge of the exhibits added immeasurabely to my enjoyment and understanding of the art. He was incredulous that we were on the road for two months. He recommended that we drive through Hell's Canyon. I replied that's how we arrived in Boise, all downhill! Yikes! The diversity of the landscape is mind boggling at times. All in all it was a perfect day and much appreciated after the long drive the previous day. Met Ric and Kathy's daughter, son-in-law and their 10 month of daughter, Audrey. Oh, and their golden retriever, Dexter. Capped off the evening by having dinner at restaurant with an Argentine flair. Great fun! A man came to our table and made delicious guacamole from scratch--- from cutting the avocado in half, depitting it, chopping it, mashing it and adding seasoning! First time I've witnessed that feat! Hope all is well with all of you, Kare.