Canoeing on Wade Lake

Today we decided to find Wade Lake.  Scot and Kris went there last week and said it was beautiful with clear, deep blue water terrific for kayaks.  When we woke up it was raining, though.  As the day progressed it cleared off so we left about 2:00 pm with one canoe on the truck.

As we got off the highway and onto the dirt road, the skies were threatening.  And then it rained.




After about an hour's drive, we found the lake. It was lovely even from far off.  The rain was lifting and so were our hopes of getting on the water.

Wade Lake from the dirt road

The water in front of Mother's Beach

 As we drove into the boat launch area, the rain stopped, and off we went.

 

Boat Launch

 

We found the water just as described, clear, deep, blue, with many fish and ducks.  There was a fish ladder at the south end along with some springs.

Fish Ladder

Springs

 There were two duck families with several ducklings in tow. 

We saw a group of cormorants drying their wings, or something, as they stood like statues on the fallen trees.

The campground had three campsites right on the water, which would be perfect for taking the family to for the day.  The beach was not sand but small gravel.  The water was shallow near the shore but rocky in some places, so water shoes would be needed.

Two of the closest three campsites to the water.

There was even a sort of 'mother's beach' a little further beyond the boat launch nearer the picnic sites that would be perfect for kids in kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, with room for camp chairs on the sandy shore.

Mother's beach area

 Campground fees are enforced if you use one of the campsites even for the day, but prices were reasonable.

Wade Lake Resort from the water

Water craft for rent at Wade Lake Resort

 There was even a resort there with at least four well maintained cabins and water craft for rent.  Fishing is permitted on all but one small section of the lake at the south end where the fish ladder is.  We did not explore the north end, as the skies were again threatening and spitting.

We will bring families back here with children who are elementary school aged and up.  Canoes and kayaks for sure.  Everyone will need water shoes and life jackets.  A lunch and camp chairs are a must.

We arrived back at the cabin at 6:00 pm.  Not bad for an afternoon of exploring.

Dinner at Elk Creek Ranch

Tonight we came into Island Park at dinner time, so rather than open another can of chili, we went to dinner at Elk Creek Ranch.

The lodge sits on the Buffalo River.  There are some darling little cabins for rent.  The lodge has a kitchen, dining room, and a lovely living room that serves as the other dining room. 

The Lodge

 The living room is furnished with beautiful furniture and a nice collection of trophies.

The menu is determined by the night you are there.  We were there on a Monday so prime rib was on the menu.  Potatoes and honey glazed carrots were the sides.  The lemonade was wonderful! It was only slightly sweetened with sugar so it was good and tart.  There were sugar packets at the salad bar for coffee if you chose to sweeten it up more.

Apple pie was for dessert.  We took it home for later.






Here is the weekly menu.

Monday  - Prime Rib
Tuesday - Salmon
Wednesday - 10 oz. Rib-eye Steak
Thursday - Turkey Dinner
Friday - Pork Tenderloin
Saturday - Tenderloin Steak
Sunday - Country Fried Chicken

Reservations are required.  Chef David answers the phone to take your reservation.  Brian says he is funny to talk to.  208.558.7404

We will be back.

Cousins Camp Goes Home

This morning all Brian's cousins went home with their Angel Mother and Auntie, Stacy.  We were sad to see them go and I heard through the grapevine that at least one was sad to leave us.  We sure had a great time getting to know them them better, and wish them safe travels on their way back to Utah and California.

The Rest of Our Day

Joey wrote his first postcard today.  He mailed it on our way to go swimming in the lake.  It was to his mother.  Awww....

 

Joey's front flip

 Then we went off to West Yellowstone for ice cream and shopping.  

While we were there, each cousin picked out two postcards.  One was to send to himself or herself, and one to send to anyone else they wanted to.  When we got home, they wrote their postcards.  

Then I had them fill in an empty United States map with all the states they could remember from our license plate game we played while we were in YNP.  They had filled out one before we went to the park so I was anxious to see if our game improved their knowledge of US geography.  All the kids improved tremendously, with the exception of RJ, who knew them all before we went into the park!

Danny and Grace

Olivia