Return to Seattle, via cow country

Last night we stayed at the home of our friends Bob & Judy Morrow in Goldendale, WA, in the hills just north of the Columbia River Gorge. Bob’s primary work is as an accountant; he’s been our accountant for many years. A number of years ago Bob decided to move from Seattle to Goldendale where he bought a ranch and raises cattle (hey, why not? You can send tax forms to and from anywhere!). His cattle breed pick was an old Italian breed called chianina. This is the cow meat that we bought last year, splitting a half cow with Guy. Thought you’d enjoy a picture of a young chianina. They’re a tall-legged animal, sort of blond. And very tasty!

That said, for dinner last night Judy prepared a piece of Wagu (aka Kobe, or Japanese) beef steak. Bob is experimenting with different breed crosses and has bought a Wagu bull. He’s sharing these steaks with clients who have bought his meat to see what people like. Wagu meat is about the most “fatty” beef there is. Chianina is extremely lean. The Wagu steak was certainly tender but to me had less flavor than the chianina. Should make an interesting cross.

After our delicious dinner, we slept very well and this morning drove back to Seattle, getting home in time for a late lunch. In all, it was a great trip, with nearly perfect weather, and many good friends to visit with. But we’re also happily again at home, glad to be in one place for awhile.

Exploring around Sun Valley ID

After exploring the shops in Sun Valley on Thursday, at the suggestion of our host I drove north of Sun Valley up to Redfish Lake, sequestered in the Sawtooth mountains. I lovely drive through the high mountain valleys, admiring the views. Unfortunately at the lake, the afternoon sun was behind the mountains, making it difficult to get a decent picture. But here’s enough of a picture to show you why the Sawtooth Mountains are so named. After a nice dinner “at home” we’re on the road again on Saturday.

A Hike to Calf Creek Falls

Sunday we did an afternoon hike to Calf Creek Falls, a six-mile hike that took us about four and a half hours. Part of that length was because there was lots to attract a photographer’s eye, so we had many stops along the trail. It was also quite hot (in the 80’s) so we took frequent rests. Phil elected to stay behind, so it was Kae, Guy, Joahnna, and Howard, joined by a friend who was also visiting Howard for the arts festival.

Fortunately there was a wonderfully cool falls at the end of the trail. I’m sharing a shot of the hikers on the trail, along with Guy and Joahnna at Calf Creek Falls. It was a good hike but we were five tired puppies at the end!

Slot Canyon Picture

For some reason the slot canyon picture didn't make it. Hopefully here it is.

A Photography Trip

This morning we took a “photography” trip east on Highway 12 to Boulder, to show the landscapes to Joahnna and to enjoy them ourselves. We made numerous stops along the way, including at a small slot canyon, where both Guy and Joahnna trotted out an impressive array of lenses to take pictures, and the rest of us had fun with our “point and shoot” cameras.

Here is a shot of the photographers at work, plus one of the slot canyon we visited. I am overawed each time I come here by the shapes, colors and grandeur of the landscapes.

Celebrating Howard Hutchison

We’ve had a great time participating in the Escalante Canyons Arts Festival the last two days, beginning with an artist’s reception Wednesday evening. Phil’s speech about Howard’s art went very well. Howard was relieved that he didn’t get royally “roasted” and several of his friends said they learned things about him they didn’t know. Certainly Phil and I know more than we did about both his professional career and his art work.

Part of the festival is an arts & crafts fair where locals (and some from further away) can set up booths. Howard usually has a booth where he sells prints and cards of his pen and ink drawings. This year we also put up a sampling of his art work, as “featured artist.” Here’s a picture of Howard in the booth, with his art work in the background.

Back to the Land of Stunning Landscapes

After two days of driving through the dramatically grand but often bleak landscapes of eastern Washington, southern Idaho and northern Utah, we have arrived in Escalante, home to Phil’s brother Howard. We’re here for our annual fall visit, which we time to take in the Escalante Canyons Arts Festival, which Howard helps coordinate. To top it all off, this year Howard is the featured artist in the festival. Phil was asked to give a lecture about Howard, so he and I have been working to assemble his presentation. I’m the Powerpoint person, so I have assembled the art work. Phil is assembling the words, which I’m sure he’ll deliver to good effect on Friday afternoon. Howard just wants to know if he will be able to face his friends afterward. I don’t think he need worry, though a few family secrets may tumble out.

One of the reasons we enjoy visiting Howard’s chosen retirement town is the stunning landscapes that surround it. I include a couple of pictures. It’s hard not to be wowed by this country. These pictures are both from the drive on Highway 20. The first one is a shot of some of the rock formations in Bryce Canyon. The second one is a huge citadel that stands against the sky as you drive through the small town of Henrieville.

We’ll start things off this evening with an artist’s reception (invited guests get to hang out too), and go from there. The festival includes a plein air competition, so artists have been here since Monday painting and tomorrow will bring in their work to be judged. We’ll see it all on Friday and we general onlookers will have a chance to vote on our favorite paintings, resulting in a prize that is given along with the other (money) prizes. It’s quite a fun event.

To add to the fun, Guy and Joahnna are driving over tomorrow to join us, so we’ll have a family rooting section for Howard on Friday. More to come as things unfold.