Floating the Snake River in Idaho

Yesterday I floated the South Fork Snake River in Eastern Idaho, a river that meanders from Jackson Lake in Wyoming all the way across Idaho to join up with the Columbia River in Washington.


We rafted in order to view a corridor of conservation properties on what the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has rated the most unique and biodiverse ecosystem in Idaho. The river features prime habitat for yellowstone cutthroat trout. This blue ribbon fishery receives over 300,000 visitors a year. I can see why - I loved floating this pristine river with mountain views.

I learned the Snake River obtained its name through miscommunication between British fur trappers and the Shoshone tribe. A hand sign made by the Shoshone representing fish was misinterpreted to represent a snake, giving the Snake River its name.

Cruising the West

Took a 1st class tour of my old Denver neighborhood in a door-less rusted out 70's era Land Cruiser, a friend's project. Impressed by the repair and enjoyed visiting friends and family over the weekend. Off to Idaho Falls and Jackson Hole next!

Sailing the Chesapeake

Photo: The Argo, sailing the Chesapeake Bay in southern Maryland

I asked my Dad and Mom, "You want to visit D.C. during AUGUST?? The hottest month of the year?" But they said, "Yes, it's your birthday," and they came.

Photo: Dad and Mom sailing.

Tom and his brother took us sailing to keep us cool. We had our best sailing day of the summer - sunshine, nice breeze, great company. We sailed for over 4 hours from Solomon's Island, Maryland to the Bay and back.


Photo: Dad helping Tom put up the sails. Dad revealed that it was one of his life goals to sail the Chesapeake, so we were glad to make that happen.


Photo: Tom and I. Dad brought a sailor's hat, but I ended up wearing it. Tom grilled us lunch on the lil' grill in the back of the boat.


Location: Solomons Island, southern Maryland

Top Chef D.C.

As an avid Top Chef fan, I am enjoying this season even more because it takes place in D.C. Last night's "Restaurant Wars" episode was filmed at Redwood restaurant in Bethesda, Maryland.

In order to celebrate Redwood's two year anniversary and the Top Chef episode, the restaurant held a party and screening with cheap drinks and free appetizers. The Maryland Governor came and we enjoyed watching the show on site. A fun party for a Wednesday night!

DCist.com has great reviews of each Top Chef episode, if interested.

We, the Pizza

Photo: Owner and Top Chef contestant Spike Mendelsohn serving pizza at his new restaurant.

In case you were wondering - I finally made it to We, the Pizza. I hope to go back for another slice of buffalo chicken pizza with mozzarella, hot sauce and creamy blue cheese dressing. Waiting in a long line during opening week was worth it, and provided a nice break after sitting through a long markup on the House Interior Appropriations Bill.


The place has a real soda fountain, and I enjoyed a C.R.E.A.M. soda. Full menu here to see the entire variety.

Now I need to find a healthier place to eat on Capitol Hill...

Falling Water(s)

Photo: Tom relaxing in the middle of the Youghiogheny River, Pennsylvania

One of my favorite college trip locations - Ohiopyle State Park on the Youghiogheny River - happens to be exactly between my brother Chris' family's house in Akron and my place in D.C. (just 3.5 hours each), which led to a fun-filled camping/river extravaganza meet-up this past weekend.


Photo: Youghiogheny River

Chris brought a friend and I brought Tom, and we pretty much played in the river for 10 hours within two days, which is what you're supposed to do in August, I think.


We took a 5 hour rafting trip on the Lower Yough. The four of us in a guide-less raft made it through class III-IV rapids with names like "Dimple" and "Bottle of Wine." Tom was our Captain, calling the turns.

July 2010 Backpacker featured an article on the "Top 3 Natural Waterslides," which included the slides at Ohiopyle State Park. Convenient for us that we already had a trip planned there! The slides were a blast.

Photo: Natural waterslides at Ohiopyle State Park

When we weren't rafting, sliding or relaxing in the river, we visited river-themed "high-culture," i.e. Frank Lloyd Wright's masterpiece, the aptly named "Fallingwater" house.

Photo: Tom and I at Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Notice the stairs descend into the river, and behind us the water cascades into a waterfall.


Photo: Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater. Built for the Kaufmann (department store) family. Wright designed it in 1935. The house made the cover of Time and it is listed among Smithsonian's Life List of 28 places "to visit before you die."