This year, her fiance encouraged her to try out for the University of Idaho, Vandal Women's Hockey Team and she did. This past weekend we were fortunate to have an opportunity to get "On the Road" and drive up to McCall, Idaho (two hours North of Boise) and watch the Vandal Ladies play in the Chix on Stix Tournament. Over 13 teams from around the region played and it was more than worth the drive. As we already had a Saturday morning commitment in Boise, we missed the game Friday nite, but were able to see two games on Saturday.
We don't know a great deal about hockey, but having followed Lacrosse over the last ten years (there are lots of similarities) we were able to at least follow the game, even if we didn't always understand the calls. The skill levels in the players varied from recent addees to seasoned (some of these "Chix" were clearly in their mid forties or beyond), and the key was everyone was having fun, and wanted to be there. It was so enjoyable.
To top it off, Erin's next younger brother, his wife and nearly four year old son came up for the game as well. Erin's fiance Chris coaches the team, and we got to spend time with him too. The Team graciously invited us old codgers to dinner with them at a restaurant named Lardo's which had great old west atmosphere, and an incredible menu and great food. We had a fun evening and were rested enough after dinner to enjoy the ten p.m. game, their final of the day. All in all it was a great weekend and a chance to get much of the family together at least for a few hours.
We got up this morning, had a great continental breakfast at the Best Western McCall, and checked out heading for home about eleven. In spite of snow on Saturday evening late, Sunday morning dawned only partly cloudy, beautiful blue skies, and gorgeous portrait like landscapes with the winter snow still in place (McCall is at 5,000 feet). By eleven the sun had melted last night's snow off the roads and they were dry and dusty for the ride home.
Since we were going to McCall, we had no choice but to take Hwy 55. I say this, because we always travel Hwy 55 when we go North, even if going to Lewiston, Moscow, Coeur d'Alene or other locations. Many people complain about the road being too winding and curvy, and "treacherous" to drive. So they often speak of going up Hwy 95 (an extra 25 miles) or even to Pasco, WA and Hwy 395 (an extra 47 miles). There is no way we would pass up the beautiful scenry along Hwy 55 and the Payette River, especially in the winter. And the opportunity to see wildlife is ever present.
On the way home today, just North of Smith's Ferry, the Payette turns from a narrow, rushing white water stream, and flattens out around Smith's Ferry for four to five miles before starting down the gorge again. As we approached I slowed down, and then pulled over to get pictures of the ice breaking up from the river and opening for the spring. I've attached a couple of shots Deb took. Not only is the river gorgeous, but the large rocks left behind from the ice age are snow and ice covered and just spectacular. As we came to a stop in the pull-out, and Deb was stepping out of the car with her camera, I hear this excited voice, "Mike! Is that a bald eagle?" I'm looking around and asking her where she's looking. "No, I just heard one!", she exclaimed. So, with both of us listening we began scanning the sky around this beautiful bend in the river where the water is opening up for the year. 
Sure enough, over behind me, I hear the distinctive screech of a bald eagle. And, immediately turning, see this beautiful mature creature soar across the road behind the car, just above the tree tops. He goes behind the trees across the road from us, and we scan to the next opening to see him appear again. Not only does he appear, but along with him is this larger, mature bald eagle -- his mate. God's creations are all beautiful, but I think there is nothing in this world more beautiful than our national bird, the bald eagle. To see them in the wild is the crowning blessing. We must have watched for at least five or ten minutes as they soared around the area. No doubt, they were watching the opening river area for fish. While Cascade Lake had not opened up yet, this piece of the river is shallower, and slower, and clearer -- a perfect spot to be watching as a food source. 
Every day that I go up to The Peregrine Fund's Birds of Prey Center to volunteer, I take time to visit with my favorite educational bird, our Bald Eagle on loan from U.S. Fish and Game. She will never again fly in the wild having damaged a wing shortly after she fledged from the nest. So to see these beautiful, free flying creatures in their natural setting is truly a blessing. Yes, Life really and truly is GREAT!!!!! V.R. Mags
Great share honey!
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