Independence Day in Idaho is a big deal. The Valley fills with firework shows. It is a sight to see! For the first time since we have been in Idaho, we decided to watch the local city fireworks. To avoid the crowd, we settled ourselves on the local ward building lawn. We had a great view. Here you can see Rayne and Dom settled in for the show.
Of course we also watched "1776". That is a must-see every Independence Day. Besides, we've got to give our British Dom an American education!
Our river trip was especially memorable. Layne made the reservations for, he thought, the family rafting ride. The rapids are only a level three or less. We've been on that ride several times and had such fun. BUT, he made reservations on the level four ride by mistake. So we wound up in a completely different part of the River, wearing helmets as well as the usual life jackets. Careful instructions had us firmly tuck our toes under the straps and inflated seats of the raft. An emergency rescuer rode in his own boat close by as we began our float. Hum. These were added precautions that we hadn't experienced in former rides.
We entered the raft, with the four of us and a very nice couple. There was some discussion as to who should sit in the front of the raft. Those spots tend to take the brunt of the water and the ride. With much hesitation Layne sat in front, with the man half of the other couple. Unlike the rest of us, Layne was dressed in levis, tennis shoes and socks, and a button collared, long sleeved shirt. He looked like he was ready to shop instead of float! We tucked our feet into the suggested locations for safety and off we went, with some subtle concerns. Much of the ride was in gentle waters. Then we entered some level four rapids. It was so fun! We paddled our way through it, as instructed by our guide, Mitch. There were several level fours to make our way through as we proceeded down the river. As we hit one, paddling as instructed, the front of the raft heaved up and twisted to the left, leaving us all clinging to our strongholds....except Layne, who went flying out of the raft into the water. I felt a little scared as I watched him floating farther and farther away from us. But the rescue boat was nearby and, with the help of Mitch, he was rescued. It wasn't easy. Mitch was much shorter and lighter than Layne, but he managed to get the front half of Layne into the boat. Soaked and heavier now, with wet levis, he managed to climb the rest of the way into the raft. He returned to his front seat and we were off again.
It wasn't long before we approached the longest rapids of the ride. We paddled and swirled once again. Wouldn't you just know it, another quick twist of the raft sent Layne flying out of it once again, this time in the middle of the rapids. Mitch leaped to the side to try and catch him; this time he was noticeably worried. So were we. Through splashes and rocks he and the rescuer in the boat brought him in once again. By this time Layne was exhausted. We put him in the back of the raft and he survived the rest of the ride with no further incidents.
On the ride home we reviewed this adventure, made greater at Layne's expense. We could laugh now. And laugh we did. Especially Dom, who laughed so hard tears streamed down his face. One thing that must be said; this was an adventure to remember. I don't think Layne will make a mistake in reservations again! Here we are, just about to drive home.
We arranged for Rayne and Dom to take a ride in a hot air balloon. It one of our favorite company activities. It requires a very early get-up time, but it's worth it! Here they are about to take off.
Audrey and Allegra drove over on Thursday. They are not as adventuresome as Rayne and Dom so we had a quiet and pleasant time with them after Rayne and Dom left on Saturday. But first we all went to the Starlight Theater and saw the local talent perform "Little Mermaid". The outdoor theater is not far from the river we floated earlier in the week. Dom eagerly looked for the places we lost Layne as we drove past the river on the way to the theater. It made for some more laughs as we proceeded along. The play was well done. Here you can see the Sea Witch, who just about stole the show. What is it that is so appealing about villains?
We had a house-full all week long, as, in addition to family, friends Margo and Dean Layton stayed with us until their new home nearby was ready to occupy. It was fun to have the house full of people that I love.
Here is our visiting family; Allegra, Rayne, Dominic, Layne (not visiting!), Audrey.
On a side note, the owl house we installed several years ago, which has been inhabited, off and on, by various other birds, is finally showing signs of housing an owl. Here he is, seen at about 10 PM. We are hoping that he will settle in and stay.
And now for another quiet week.
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