When our children were young and at home in Fremont, CA, we took in quite a few people, at various times, to live with us awhile. One of those was Mark Hiatt. He was a young man then, single and, temporarily homeless. Home computers were pretty new then, and Mark had one. To our 10 year old Benjamin, they were magical indeed. Mark taught him how to use his and Ben was captured. It was the beginning of a fascination with computers that has never ended.
Mark moved out after his short stay with us. We have kept in touch. As it happens, he now lives in Idaho Falls with his second wife and comes to the Boise area once in awhile. They came to visit us on their latest trip here. Mark and his wife both have health issues now, but they are vibrant and involved with some of the good things of life. We enjoyed them through this past weekend. Here they are: Mark and Kathleen Hiatt.
Once in awhile I mention to Layne that it would be nice to have a date night. He isn't much interested. I suppose that is because we spend lots of time together without it. But it occurred to me that a fun thing to do with him would be taking some short outings where we could explore some of the local sights. Day trips. There is much to see here and many places of interest are not far away. For instance, we live just a few miles from the country town of Emmett. It is just over the hill from our place, but we never go there. So I looked for places of interest there and found the Black Canyon Falls. I've never heard of it but it was close and sounded interesting. So I talked Layne into making the sort drive today. He awoke this morning about to begin his usual routine, at home, hoping (I'm very sure of this) that I would forget. But I didn't. So we got in the car and headed out to Emmett. We drove through their vintage downtown, which reminded me a little of Delta, Colorado, near my folks Cedaredge home. I loved seeing the shops and taking in the feel of the place. Though he wouldn't come right out and say it, I think Layne enjoyed seeing it too.
We continued our drive out into the countryside and soon came upon the Black Canyon Falls, built in the 20s to redirect water to the farmers. It was a lovely little dam, located next to a beautiful arrangement of grass and trees called Rose Park. We took in the Falls and walked through the park. Then we drove on. We eventually came to the town of Horseshoe Bend, which happens to have a store that serves the most delicious huckleberry ice cream. So we each had some for lunch. By the time we wound our way home we had spent just two hours on our adventure. Layne is already forming plans to make this particular trip again. Hah! He liked it!
Here is Black Canyon Falls, near Emmett.
Layne in Rose Park, near the Falls.
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