Seasons of the 208 June 2025 Sample Issue

Seasons of the 208 is a new, quarterly, full color publication on quality paper, featuring amazing photography, thrilling outdoor stories, travel, wildlife and outdoor sports features, fascinating art, history, geology and culture content on 100 incredible pages! Subscribe to get a yearly subscription mailed to your door @ www.seasonsofthe208.com

Seasons

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208 of the

WHEELING THROUGH IDAHO’S WILDS

F L O A T I N G WITH FIRE

TRAIL OF THE COEUR D’ALENES

S U M M E R Issue 01 | June 2025

A Warm Welcome…

…to the inaugural edition of “Seasons of the 208,” a quarterly magazine celebrating the beauty and wonder of Idaho and its people. This is the realization of a long-time dream, to provide Idaho artists with a publication showcasing their work, while providing them fair compensation for that work. My deep love of Idaho, my home, continues to provide the inspiration for my path in photography. That inspiration led me to publish several Idaho-themed books, and this publication is my newest expression of it. I want to share my gratitude for this place of my birth and my life’s adventures. Seasons of the 208 will be a place for anyone who appreciates Idaho to contribute stories, poetry and amazing photography. You’ll find examples of this superb work in this, our first issue. You are truly welcome to immerse yourself in thrilling outdoor stories, intriguing sports introductions, inspiring artist spotlights, insightful business reviews, incredible wildlife highlights, and unique geology and history features, all packaged with first-quality captivating images. Join us in appreciating the greatness of the Gem State as we transition through the seasons. linda lantzy: publisher, image editor, website manager and photographer

Headwaters of the Lochsa Photo by Linda Lantzy

Seasons of the 208 is thrilled to present excellent Idaho-themed writing and photography every quarter. We are dedicated to supporting artists and disavow the use of AI in imagery or text. Seasons of the 208 is under trademark in the State of Idaho All content is copyrighted to the respective owners and creators, including writing, photography and design work. No content may be reproduced without written permission. Idaho Scenics Publishing, its writers, photographers, editor and content creators are not liable in any way for activities or accidents resulting from following routes or instructions, activities or other information offered in this magazine. Opinions expressed are not necessarily the opinions of the publisher or editor. Published by Idaho Scenics Publishing, LLLP, Hayden, Idaho 83835

Most images available as photo prints by contacting the owner/photographer. On the Cover: “Bitterroot Mountain Wildflowers” by Linda Lantzy

Visit the Website to Subscribe and Contribute Content seasonsofthe208.com

Teton River and Mountains Photo by Linda Lantzy

regular contributors

tim christie: “wild in idaho” writer and wildlife photographer Tim is a working wildlife nature outdoor writer and photographer who has pub- lished images and words since 1981. He has over 600 magazine covers to his credit and hundreds of magazine articles. See his vast collection of imagery on his website. www.TimChristiePhoto.com

ken levy: editor, writer, and photographer Ken is an award-winning news and feature writer, editor and photographer based in Boise. Now retired from 30+ years as a community photojournalist, Ken con- tinues to provide essential writing, editing, and photographic skills to numerous clients throughout the Northwest. www.kenlevymedia.com meredith messinger: graphic design and magazine layout Meredith is an illustrator and graphic designer based out of Boise. Meredith fills her days working for clients across the country, as well as playing French horn in local ensembles. Together with her husband she has two vibrantly imaginative and sparkling kids, two cats, two dogs, two fish, and an axolotl. www.meredithfernillustration.com shane davila: “from nature’s journal” columnist and photographer Shane is a landscape photographer and nature writer living in Boise, Idaho. By combining photography and writing, he delivers a message of respect for nature and an awareness of the weight of the human footprint. www.wildscenic.com leland howard: “poetry of place” columnist, feature story writer and photographer Leland’s photographic art captures the emotions experienced when observing the natural world. This resonance has been his goal as he refined his work over the last 40 years as a freelance landscape and nature artist. Howard’s publica- tion credits number in the thousands. www.lelandhoward.com karma metzler fi tzgerald: business features Karma is a storyteller, networker, and community builder. She creates impactful action and art by building relationships with the people and places that make Idaho a beautiful place. Now based in Boise after spending the last 30 years in rural Idaho, she finds great joy in lethargic strolls, a fine cheese, and the smiles of her three above average children. www.adventuresinkarmalot.com chris celentano: “new to the sport” writer and photographer Chris is an outdoor adventure and landscape photographer and writer based out of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. His work aims to capture the unique beauty of Idaho and the surrounding region. Most importantly, he strives to inspire others through his work to seek out adventure and explore the immense wonders of the path least traveled. www.cdc-photography.com joanie christian: “season’s bounty” writer and photographer Joanie is a visual storyteller with a passion for wildlife, science and the natural world. She enjoys bringing others along on the journey with her through her photography and writing. Joanie’s images have won national and international awards, and her work has been featured in many publications. www.joaniechristianphotography.com carly agnew: artists spotlights and state park feature Carly spends her days crafting messages that motivate, inspire, and awaken dreams in others. When she’s not hunting for her next story or embracing life’s simple joys, you’ll find her making magical memories with her family. Her natural curiosity and love for adventure make her just as comfortable creating content in a hammock as she is exploring mountain trails with her kids. www.silverfernstrategies.com

jackson frishman: “idaho gems” geology, natural resources and feature story writer and photographer

Jackson is a lifelong lover and explorer of the American West. Originally from New Mexico, raised in a mountaineering and outdoor family, he has lived or worked in every western state and guided professionally on Idaho’s rivers for many years. His current home region is the Palouse, Clearwater and Hells Can- yon area. www.frishmanphoto.com carrie coen: “idaho gems” history and culture writer and photographer Carrie is a landscape photographer who lives in the rolling hills of the Palouse. Growing up in Idaho, she developed a love for the outdoors, and has been trying to perfect the craft of capturing its beauty. Her passion for history and culture melds nicely with her photography adventures as she treks throughout the Pa- cific Northwest. www.creationsbycarriephotography.com susan lewis: “destinations” writer and photographer Susan, a native Idahoan residing in Twin Falls, has a deep appreciation of nature and wildlife, and is passionate about preservation of the history of the West, particularly Oregon and California Trail historical sites. She enjoys traveling, pho- tography, gold prospecting, playing golf and spending time with her family. scott marchant: “hiking idaho” writer and photographer Scott is a hiking guidebook author and landscape photographer based in Boise. He has researched, written, and published seven guidebooks over the past 15 years. His passion is exploring forest trails and sharing his discoveries with others who are passionate about the outdoors. Rick has been rambling around and poking through Idaho for over forty years. If he’s not doing that you will probably find him playing in the dirt in one of his gardens. gail craig: “ode to idaho” poetry feature Gail finds her greatest joys in nature, and that joy expresses itself deeply in her art. Gail, from Lewiston, feels Mother Nature intimately, and that intimacy reveals itself in her poetry, photography and in the rocks she paints. She finds pure plea- sure in every expression of her natural world experiences. wayne mumford: “epic idaho” writer and photographer Wayne makes his home in Eastern Idaho but travels and photographs all over the American West. His work has appeared in print, promotions, museums, and private collections. www.waynemumfordphotography.com connie mcclaran, mikeal dixon, shellee thomas, shari hart, cory berish, charlene aycock and julie sparrowgrove: contributing photographers

also contributing to this issue rick price: “my idahome” essay

in this issue

41 43 49 51 59 61 65 71 75 77 81 85 89 91 92

from nature’s journal Rediscover Yourself, Experience Nature’s Harmony by Shane Davila adventures ahead: Route of the Hiawatha by Linda Lantzy epic idaho High Country Summer by Wayne Mumford destination: magic valley by Susan Lewis mind games: Across Idaho by Linda Lantzy

01 05 09 11 content Seasons of the 208 | Issue 01 | June 2025

outdoors in idaho Wheeling Through Idaho’s Wilds: A Photographer’s Journey by Leland Howard idaho gems: history by Carrie Coen idaho gems: geology by Jackson Frishman idaho gems: culture by Carrie Coen one incredible idahoan: Six Seconds of Bliss by Ken Levy poetry of place Does it Sing Back to You? by Leland Howard inspired by nature Artist Spotlights by Carly Agnew opinion: ai image generation by Rowan Ember more than potatoes - forest: a love affair by Linda Lantzy hiking idaho by Scott Marchant new to the sport: Rock Climbing by Chris Celentano flowing waters: a Photo Essay

calendar of events

in business, in idaho business spotlights by karma metzler fitzgerald our state parks: Summer Adventure Awaits by Carly Agnew wild in idaho: Idaho Summer Blues by Tim Christie outdoors in idaho: Floating with Fire by Jackson Frishman season’s bounty: Hunting the Elusive Huckleberry by Joanie Christian

13 17 19 23 26 27 31 35

professional perspective: From the Ashes by Ken Levy my idahome by Rick Price bygone era: The Stock Creek School by Ken Levy ode to idaho: by Gail Craig

Relatively little is known about Lillian, but her images of the Camas Prairie Railroad, published as picture postcards, are a testament to her skill as a photographer and an artist. Lillian began her photography career by pho- tographing members of the Nez Perce Indian tribe. In appreciation and perhaps payment for the photographs, they gifted her a horse. While there is no specific documentation regarding the type of horse she was given, the Nez Perce were and still are known for their husbandry of the well-renowned Appaloosa breed. It is prob- able that this is the type of horse she would have been given. Today the section of the Camas Prairie Railroad from Spalding to Grangeville is no longer an ac- tive line, but most of the trestles and bridges still exist, 117 years after construction.

the rugged and steep terrain along Winchester Grade, and the steel viaduct still stands as it crosses Lawyer’s Canyon in an impressive show- case of engineering at 1,490 feet long and 280 feet high. Over the years many photographers stood in the same places Lillian once stood, photographing the trestles and the trains. The terrain hasn’t changed with time, but much else has. The advent of modern photography equip- ment and the accessibility provided by roads and highways have made modern images much easier to capture, but Lillian’s quest for these photos would have looked much different. It is possible she was able to ride the train at times, disembark and take her photos, but more than likely, she used her horse and a pack mule to gain access to the vantage points for her pho- tography. Professional cameras in the early 1900’s were large, heavy, unwieldy and used fragile glass plate negatives, which were diffi- cult to process. Lillian would have been garbed in a fitted bodice, full skirts and tight-fitting boots of the time, making her travel and work all the more challenging. Professional camera equipment was expensive at the turn of the century, and it is estimated that the type of camera she most likely used would have cost around $100, equivalent to $3,400 today. This was during a time in which women only comprised 10-20 percent of all photographers in the American West. Lillian had no lack of subject matter in the Cam- as Prairie Railroad. The section that ascends Lapwai Grade has seven tunnels, one mile of bridgework, 27 trestles, and a large horseshoe curve called Half-Moon Trestle, all of which are situated along a 14 mile stretch of track with a 3 percent grade. The juxtaposition of photography and art be- gan around this time in the colorization of black and white photography to postcard printing. Postcards became popular at the turn of the century when the US Congress passed the Pri- vate Mailing Card Act. This allowed publishers to produce postcards that could be mailed at the rate of 1 cent per card as compared to the

Idaho Gems • History

Traveling from Lapwai to Grangeville on US Highway 95, the trestles can be seen hugging

through her lens lillian m. bell photographs the camas prairie railroad by CARRIE COEN Lillian M. Bell became briefly known as the pho- tographic genius of the Camas Prairie Railroad during the era of intense competition of the American railroad race into the West. Her work came during the rise of postcard popularity, coupled with unfettered access to one of the most unique railroad lines ever constructed. There are conflicting accounts of Lillian’s employment with the Camas Prairie Rail- road, but it was common practice during the time for railroad companies to hire photographers and print their images to postcards. This was a way to promote their lines in a burgeoning market that was competing to conquer access to the West. By showcasing the beautiful

scenery and engineering skills, their hope was to attract an increasing population, creating demand for additional freight and passenger service. Lillian was born in Michigan in 1870 and mar- ried Robert Bruce Bell in 1894 or 1895. The couple moved to Culdesac, Idaho in 1905 where Robert worked as a station agent for the Camas Prairie Railroad.

2 cents per envelope for a letter. In 1902 the Rural Free Delivery initiative brought mail to outlying areas, which fueled the popularity of the postcard industry, and by 1907 postcards were divided on the back with a section for the address and a section for corre- spondence. This left the front of the postcard free for an image. This all coincided with advancement in print- ing technology, and an explosion in postcard production. Most of Lillian Bell’s postcard images are dated 1908-1910. The timing of the railroad construction, with the com- pletion of that portion of the Camas Prairie Railroad line in Grangeville in 1909, and the postcard frenzy that was taking place simultaneously, helped secure Lillian Bell as a pho- tographer and artist in perpetuity. Lillian and Robert moved to Maupin, Oregon in 1910 and there is nothing noted of her photography or her life after that. Her images of the Camas Prairie Railroad are unique and im- pressive. She was a trailblazer in the world of landscape photography in her short but highly accoladed time in north central Idaho.

Lillian Bell Postcards from the collection of Carrie Coen

six seconds of bliss for legendary cowgirl story and photos by KEN LEVY Editor, Seasons of the 208 One Incredible Idahoan

twice after age 50, in 1994 and 1995 in Ft. Worth. In 1995, the horse she drew was buck- ing hard, and “my rigging started to shift, but it stayed on just as the whistle blew, and I won the world.” She made the Guinness Book of World Re- cords at Sierra Vista, AZ in 2001 “for riding bareback horses longer than anybody else.” She broke that record for four more years. In 2003, at another rodeo in Sierra Vista, “I beat two daughters and two granddaughters two days in a row on the broncs. I was pretty proud of myself.” Her later years “were always shining moments because I was by far the oldest one compet- ing. I was beating kids that were younger than my kids. And if I didn’t win, I had to give ex- cuses, like I was too old. That’s riding a horse both ways.” Her career ended in 2005, when she finished third overall in the Women’s Professional Ro- deo Association circuit and kept a promise. Jan rode against daughters and granddaugh- ters and defeated them most of the time, but she vowed to retire when one of her grand- daughters topped her score for the year. Granddaughter Tavia took second place that year, and Jan kept her word, even though she beat Tavia in the finals. how it all began She got her start when she was just five years old. Her late father Sterling Alley—himself a roughstock rodeo and wild horse racing com- petitor in his day—gave her a yearling filly, and said if she could break her, she could have her. “That little rip bucked me off many times,” Jan said. “One day I had ridden her down a hard dirt road and she bucked me off. I didn’t want to get back on her, but that was a rule: if you got bucked off you got back on, you didn’t come leading a horse home. She got me used to hitting the ground.” In 1955, when she was 11 years old, Sterling put on the first full all-girl rodeo in Idaho.

Few things conjure up thoughts of Idaho more than the excitement and thrills of the rodeo. And when it comes to legendary world champions, look no further than Garden Val- ley for the lady’s all-time world champion roughstock rider. Jan Youren, now 81, was a bucking bronco badass. She won five world championships in bareback bronc riding, with 17 reserve cham- pionships (“first loser,” she dubs them), and 13 reserve championships in bull riding. She rodeoed for 51 years, battling for the six-sec- ond whistle in bucking broncs and bull riding.

Over those 51 years, Youren broke virtually every record ever kept for a woman rough- stock rider. She was inducted into the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame, now in Ft. Worth, in 1993. That induction honors women of the American west “who have made and are making a last- ing impact in and around horse culture.” She was also inducted into the Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame, which is “dedicated to preserv- ing and promoting Western American Heri- tage and culture,” in 2015.

Jan Youren shows off a few of her “hundreds” of belt buckles she garnered over 51 years in the rodeo.

broken but undaunted Tough, undaunted and persevering, she took a lot of hurt over the years, with injuries that would have cut short most other rodeo ca- reers. But, she said, “rodeo is addictive,” with more of an adrenaline high than any drug might produce. But championships can be painful, to say the least. Jan broke nearly every bone in her body in the course of her competitions. “When I was on the Conan O’Brien show (June 1996) he asked me how many bones I broke. It was a lot easier to tell him how many I haven’t. I have one rib that’s never been bro- ken, and I never broke either leg. Other than that, I got ‘em all.” “All” means breaking her nose 14 times and her cheekbones eight times, and fighting through numerous dislocated shoulder and other injuries. She’s broken her neck and her back, and doctors told her repeatedly to quit the sport long before she did. “I tell everybody I used to be good looking, but they just laugh at me.” Possibly her worst injuries came in an event in Colville, WA in 1980 when a bull stomped her, breaking ribs, collapsing a lung and bruis- ing her heart. She still breathes with only one lung. But Jan won the world championships

Jan Youren readies “Arrow” for a ride at her Garden Valley ranch.

settling into retirement Her upbeat demeanor and warm, genuine laugh carried her through the rigors of the sport, the injuries, the travel and other hard- ships many others have battled, and they still carry her today. ”I know the good Lord’s been with me all the time because I should be dead. Obviously, he doesn’t want me, and I must not be bad enough to go down below. Because I’m still here.” She still rides, moving cows on the ranch in Garden Valley up to Anderson Creek, and goes up one or two times a day in the summer to get them off the road. Her very sizable fam- ily keeps her retirement years occupied with numerous events and milestones. “I tell everybody I’m the most blessed wom- an in the whole world because between Jim (her late husband) and I, we had 15 kids (eight together), 64 grandkids, 121 great grandkids, and they’re all healthy, they all have good brains, they’re great athletes, and I did some- thing I thoroughly enjoyed my whole life and had a small measure of success at it. I still get around about as good as most women my age, and they didn’t have near the fun I did.”

“He entered me in every event. I won money in the bareback and the cow riding, and I won $54 for 24 seconds of work. I thought I was on the road to riches.” Jan said she was on the road for many years traveling to rodeo competitions, “and I had a lot of riches, but not necessarily monetary ones.” For the first 25 years of her career, she worked all women’s rodeo events, including rough- stock. She competed in tie-down calf roping, team roping, and steer undecorating, “and once in a while I even goat-tied. I didn’t like it, but if that was the event I did it. My only claim to fame with goat tying was in a rodeo up in Canada when I beat the Canadian champion. I think she must have had a bad day.” Jan has taught numerous bareback and bull riding clinics to young women, in Garden Val- ley and Sweet, Idaho, plus Texas and Oklaho- ma. Her advice: “Enjoy what you’re doing and put your all into it. If you don’t enjoy it, get out of it. It’s not a case of if you get hurt, but when and how bad. If you can’t handle that, you don’t have any business in the roughstock.”

enjoy what you’re doing and put your all into it.

Jan Youren with “Arrow” in front of the ranch’s classic Western barn, which was built around 1940.

photo and story by LELAND HOWARD Poetry of Place does it sing back to you?

Consider, for a moment, the simple act of gazing at a skillfully crafted image of the natural world. Fine art photography does far more than merely cap- ture the beauty of nature; it has the power to en- rich our lives in profound ways. These images can evoke a sense of peace and tranquility, offering a respite from the often chaotic and overwhelming world around us. Through the lens of a skilled photographer, we are transported to places of wonder, experiencing a calming effect on both the body and mind. Fine art nature photography offers a window into the mag- nificent world around us, renewing our appreciation for natural beauty. The true art of fine art photography lies in creating a connection between the viewer and the image, sparking an emotional response, or conveying a message. This connection is the most challenging and essential aspect of crafting a powerful, lasting impression. To achieve this, a photographer must first connect deeply with their subject. Immersing in the envi- ronment, they experience the sights, sounds, and sensations of the natural world. This intimate con- nection allows them to capture the essence of their subject and communicate its beauty and power through their images. Much like a musical composition, nature photog- raphy touches something deep within us. Both art forms rely on principles of rhythm, balance, and harmony. Ultimately, nature photography can be seen as a visual symphony, with the photographer drawing upon years of honed skill to create harmo- ny, balance, and emotion within a single frame.

high country summer photo and story by WAYNE MUMFORD While spending an afternoon in the high mountain country of southeast Idaho, I happened upon a small group of mountain goats feeding in the late afternoon sun. I spent a while watching them and enjoying the scenery as they worked their way down the mountainside toward an outcrop of rocks below me. It was one of those situations where you think, now wouldn’t it be cool if one of them climbed up on the rock and looked back? But what are the chances? The opportunist in me held out. I framed it roughly and waited, and lo and behold, one climbed up for a look around. All I had to do was whistle, and I was rewarded with a look my way. Sometimes it really happens! E ic Idaho P

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june 14-15 teton ogre adventure race (trail running, cycling) driggs Get ready for an awesome adventure race in the wilds of Eastern Idaho! For Ogre 2025 we are expanding our hori- zons westward, to the beautiful Birch Creek Valley. It’s remote, it’s rugged, and it’s unlike any Ogre we’ve ever had before. With an incredible backdrop of 11,000+ ft peaks, you will be transport- ed through time in this valley rich in his- tory. To say we are excited to bring you to this area is an understatement! www.tetonogre.com

June 28, 2025, in the beautiful Clark Fork, Idaho! This thrilling gravel grinder features a challeng- ing 70-mile route that winds through stunning U.S. Forest Service gravel roads, boasting an impressive elevation gain of about 8,000 feet. www.panhandlegravel.com/events june 28-29 meridian fi ne art festival (art) meridian Join us at Kleiner Park in Meridian, Idaho for the 2nd Annual Meridian Fine Art Festival. We will be featuring 125 artists and craftsmen from the Pacific Northwest with everything from paint- ing to leatherwork, wood burning to stained glass, as well as handcrafted jewelry. Shop till you drop at the 2nd Annual Meridian Fine Art Festival! www.meridianfineartfestival.com july 3-5 border days (rodeo, music) grangeville Idaho’s oldest rodeo! Enjoy parades, the world’s largest egg toss, rodeo performances, music, food and more. www.grangevilleborderdays.com

Get ready for an exhilarating outdoor adven- ture at the Race the Wolf in stunning Sand- point. This exciting mountain trail race offers a range of distances to cater to all levels of run- ners, including a full marathon, a half-marathon, a 5-mile run, and the challenging Sky Climb. Experience the breathtaking scenery that this picturesque location has to offer while pushing your limits and enjoying the camaraderie of fel- low participants. www.priestlakerace.com/racethewolf june 26 moscow artwalk (arts) moscow Moscow Artwalk fosters a thriving artistic eco- system within the Palouse region. It offers a unique opportunity to engage with local artistic expression. The season culminates in a grand fi- nale on June 26, transforming Main Street into a creative hub buzzing with artist showcases, captivating performances, and delectable culi- nary offerings. www.ci.moscow.id.us/189/Artwalk june 27-29 idaho regatta (boat races) burley The Idaho Regatta is an annual boat race that takes place on the Snake River located in Bur- ley, Idaho. The race is held on the “LAST FULL” weekend in June. The event hosts some of the fastest Circle Sprint Boats from across the Unit- ed States. Spectators watch the boats make four laps around the 1.25 mile course racing for trophies and prizes. www.idahoregatta.org

Check! 50 local bands? Check! Amaz- ing headlining performances? CHECK! And exclusive experiences that money can’t buy! www.boisemusicfestival.com june21 wine and art festival (art) garden valley Join us for another unforgettable cel- ebration of fine wine, art, and commu- nity at Terrace Lakes Resort. The 2025 Wine & Art Festival promises to be the perfect blend of creativity, flavor, and fun in the beautiful mountains of Gar- den Valley. www.terracelakes.com/ -wine-and-art-festival-information june 22 lake city escape (ironman) coeur d’alene IRONMAN 70.3 draws enthusiastic spectators to iconic Coeur d’Alene, an idyllic lakeside retreat boasting jaw-dropping natural beauty, endless opportunities for recreation, and top- notch shopping and dining. On race day, crews will take on the 1.2-mile swim in pristine Lake Coeur d’Alene, the 56- mile ride through challenging yet sce- nic Idaho terrain, and the 13.1-mile run. Participants’ last strides will be down- hill toward the raucous, award-winning finish line. www.ironman.com/im703-coeur- dalene

Photo by Ken Levy

june 17-21 snake river stampede (rodeo) nampa What started in the early 1900’s as a small, local bucking horse competition, the Snake River Stampede has evolved into one of the top ten professional ro- deos in the United States AND the big- gest, wildest, fastest major professional sports event in Idaho…and if you think that’s a mouthful, well you haven’t seen a jaw-dropping Rodeo like this before! www.snakeriverstampede.com june 21 boise music festival (music) boise The Treasure Valley’s hottest music fes- tival. BMF looks forward to the best year yet with a mix of country, throw- back, hip-hop, pop and soul, and one of our most diverse lineups yet! As always, BMF looks forward to providing a vast variety of entertainment: A carnival?

Photo by Charlene Aycock

july 4 riverfest (music) hailey

After the Hailey July 4th Parade, continue the Independence Day celebration at the Hop Por- ter Park with the Riverfest. Live music starts at 1pm with food trucks, a beer garden, snow cones, bouncy house and featuring Jeff Crosby at 2:30pm! Check out vintage cars from Ben- nyz Hot Rods while sipping on a cold beer from Sawtooth Brewery. Bring your families! www.visitsunvalley.com/event/riverfest

Photo by Julie A Sparrowgrove

june 28 monarch grind (gravel cycling) clark fork Get ready for an exhilarating day of cycling at the Monarch Grind, taking place on Saturday,

Photo by Linda Lantzy

june 21-22 race the wolf (trail running) priest lake

july 24- aug. 3 festival at sandpoint (music, arts) sandpoint By incorporating the surrounding natural beau- ty of North Idaho, the Festival at Sandpoint is devoted to enriching the local community by providing a wide array of diverse opportunities to engage with arts, music, and culture through performances, experiences, and education in an attempt to promote cultural diversity, com- munity connection and engagement, and stim- ulate the economic vitality of the region. www.festivalatsandpoint.com july 29- aug. 3 jaialdi (culture) boise The first Jaialdi was celebrated in 1987 at the historic Idaho State Penitentiary and was in- tended to celebrate the old and new, local and international aspects of Basque culture. More than 30,000 enthusiastic participants arrived and were treated to a parade, symposium, Mass, street dance, sports exhibitions, cultural performances, souvenir booths and food and drink. Jaialdi is a recurring festival that happens every five years. Jaialdi is always held during the last weekend of July, which coincides with the Boi- se Basque community’s celebration of San Ig- natius de Loyola, the patron saint of the Basque people. www.jaialdi.com july 29- aug. 22 sun valley music festival (music) sun valley The Sun Valley Music Festival’s mission is to enrich, inspire, and instill in our community a lifelong love of classical music through extraor- dinary, free concerts and education programs. Festival programs provide opportunities for people from all walks of life to listen, learn, and play. Now in its 37th year, it is the largest pri- vately supported, free-admission orchestra in the United States. www.svmusicfestival.org

july 31- aug. 2 yellow pine harmonica festival yellow pine

august 28-31 rebecca’s private idaho (gravel cycling) sun valley

foothills have to offer. Participants can choose from various race distances, catering to both seasoned athletes and beginners alike. www.boisetrailrun.com august 8-10 sun valley arts an crafts festival (art) sun valley The Sun Valley Arts & Crafts Festival is an out- door, juried fine arts and crafts show located in historic Ketchum, Idaho. This popular com- munity event also includes a kids’ activity area, food vendors, and a picnic area with music. www.sunvalleyartsandcraftsfestival.com august 8-10 targhee bluegrass festival (music) driggs The stage is set and we’re ready to officially welcome you to the 35th Annual Grand Tar- ghee Bluegrass Festival this coming August 8-10, 2025! This year brings on an incredible three day line-up, featuring exciting new artists alongside the return of some of last year’s all- stars. www.grandtarghee.com/bluegrass

Enjoy three days of music and activities out- doors in the beautiful backcountry of Idaho. Music, Vendors, Food and a Fun run highlight this event in the mountains of West Central Ida- ho. www.yellowpinefestival.org

A gravel cycling experience for everyone. From the smashing climbs for experienced riders in the four-day Queen’s Stage Race to the intro- duction to gravel riding in the Tater Tot 20 mil- er, RPI Sun Valley has something for every level that will be sure to reward your hard work with stunning views and hometown hospitality. www.rebeccasprivateidaho.com september 5-7 art in the park (art) boise Boise Art Museum’s Art in the Park is wide- ly recognized as one of the premier cultural events in the Northwest. This open-air festival, held on the weekend following Labor Day each September, provides visitors of all ages and in- terests with the opportunity to meet more than 200 artists and purchase their works. During the three-day event, Boise Art Museum pres- ents a variety of contemporary arts and crafts along with wonderful food, live music and en- tertainment, and hands-on activities for children. www.boiseartmuseum.org/art-in-the-park september 12-14 mountain m afia’s late summer throwdown (off road) bonners ferry Mountain Rampage Championship. Mountain Havoc 2026 Qualifier. Open Wheeling for Trucks and SXS’s. Camping and Family Fun. Located in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, the Purcell Trench Ranch serves as the premier venue for Mountain Mafia Entertainment’s high-energy off-road events. With some of the highest quality open wheel- ing in the Northwest, spacious camping spots, and world-class, hardcore racing, we offer the ultimate experience for adrenaline enthusiasts. www.mountain-mafia.com /#upcoming-events

august 1-3 art on the green (art) coeur d’alene

Please join us at our annual event held on the grounds of North Idaho College, bringing to- gether artists, musicians and performers for 3 days of free entertainment on 2 stages, hand- crafted works of art for purchase, a Beer Gar- den, Food Court, an outdoor Juried Art Show and a Children’s Art Garden for children of all ages to enjoy. www.artonthegreencda.com august 12 long bridge swim (swimming) sandpoint Join us for the Long Bridge Swim in the stun- ning locale of Sandpoint! This premier open water swimming event invites participants to take on a beautiful 1.76-mile swim across Lake Pend O’reille, starting from the south end of the historic Long Bridge and finishing at the north end. Since its inception in 1995 with just 78 swimmers, the event has grown tremendous- ly, welcoming over 700 participants in 2024. Spectators will have a fantastic view of the swimmers as they glide through the clear wa- ters, making it a vibrant day for all. www.longbridgeswim.org august 12 boise front trail run (trail running) boise Get ready for an exhilarating day of outdoor adventure at the Boise Front Trail Run, taking place on Saturday, August 2nd, 2025, in the stunning Boise area! This exciting event kicks off at 8:00 AM at Bogus Basin, where runners will have the chance to experience the breath taking trails and scenic views that the Boise

Photo by Linda Lantzy

august 16 aether’s traverse (gravel cycling) sandpoint This stunning 35-mile cycling route edges west- ward from Sandpoint passing over the south- ern reaches of the Selkirk Range into the Priest River drainage and winds back around, climb- ing 6,300 feet up to the Selkirk Crest from the west, topping out at Schweitzer Mountain Re- sort’s Sky House. Excepting two short sections of asphalt, the route is held on gravel roads. www.panhandlegravel.com/events

if you find a good patch that is hard to tear yourself away from. Take food, water, and supplies for outdoor bio breaks. Huckleber- ry picking roads are notoriously bumpy, rut- ted and hard on tires. Make sure you have tire changing equipment, and that your spare tire is filled before leaving. Dress in layers-weath- er conditions in the mountains are significant- ly different from your starting point, and con- ditions change rapidly. A lightweight folding stool can be a godsend. Bear spray, first aid supplies, and bee sting kits are helpful. Tuck- ing your pants legs into your socks and spray- ing yourself with insect repellent helps deter ticks, mosquitoes and biting insects. Lastly, never underestimate the importance of a good huckleberry bucket. As a kid I picked with my grandmother, using metal Folger’s Coffee cans. The plinking sound of the berries hitting the bottom of the can is still a wonder- ful, vivid memory. It wasn’t the best picking system though. You could only pick one hand- ed, unless you put the can on the ground. But that inevitably resulted in tipping the can over, spilling berries all over the forest floor—a trag- edy of catastrophic proportions. I’ve graduat- ed to a more foolproof and efficient system. Buy an approximately gallon-sized, tall Rub- bermaid-type container with a secure lid and heavy duty strapping about 1-2 inches wide, long enough to tie around your waist. Cut two vertical slots about three inches apart toward the top of one side of the container. Thread the strapping through both holes and tie the bucket around your waist. Cut a hole in the lid of the container, leaving a 1-2 inch lip around the edge of the lid. You will now have two hands free for picking berries and navigating the steep slopes. If you tip forward, the ber- ries will be caught by the lip of the lid without spilling your treasure.

social media and farmers markets for the first berries to start showing up. Research potential picking spots, and how to identify huckleberries. Huckleberry pick- ers have favorite patches and keep these ‘holy grail’ locations a closely guarded se- cret. Sometimes, seasoned local pickers will share general areas to pick. The berries can be found in forested areas at 2,000-11,000- foot elevations, growing best between 3,000- 6,000 feet. Priest Lake is known for plentiful huckleberries. Abandoned logging roads, Forest Service or Department of Natural Re- sources roads, and areas with old burns at the right elevation are good places to try. If you will be in federal or state lands requiring pass- es or permits, bring those along. There are at least seven huckleberry species in the Pacific Northwest, each having distinct elevation preferences, physical characteris- tics, and flavor profiles. Some have BB-sized berries on bushes about six inches tall. Other species are quite tall with large berries. Huck- leberries range in color: red, purple, navy blue and silvery blue. The majority of flavor and aroma are in the skin of the berry, explaining why smaller huckleberries often have such in- tense flavor. Be well prepared for picking, and unexpect- ed needs that might arise. You may be on the mountain longer than expected, especially

purple gold: hunting the elusive huckleberry Season’s Bounty

story and photo by JOANIE CHRISTIAN There’s gold in them thar hills…purple gold. For many Idahoans, the months of July through September wouldn’t be complete without heading up into the mountains to partake in huckleberry picking, an annual rite of passage. The highly coveted huckleberry is a tart yet sweet purple punch of flavor for which the Pacific Northwest is famous. Huckleberries are so popular that researchers have tried for years to domesticate them for commer- cial production, employing all kinds of meth- ods and growing conditions that would en- courage most plants to thrive. It turns out that huckleberries are a fickle lot, stubbornly resisting the opportunity to thrive in a pam- pered environment. Instead, they prefer more inhospitable conditions: high elevations in sub-alpine or alpine habitat, acidic soil, partial shade, forest cover, cold winters, and in my

personal experience, ankle-twisting spots on mountain slopes in the middle of nowhere. So, the tried-and-true way of getting huckleber- ries remains, which secretly makes me kind of happy. The process is part of the allure. Noth- ing worth having is easy, and huckleberries are no exception. Determined, persistent and seasoned pickers know that a ‘lucky’ huckleberry picking day ends with purple hands, full buckets, happy hearts, and anticipation of huckleberry pan- cakes and pies. I’ve been picking huckleberries for over 40 years, learning tips along the way that will help the newbie huckleberry picker have a positive and productive experience. Weather conditions vary from year to year, affecting when they are ready to pick, how plentiful the crop is, and size of berries. Watch

You now have this huck- leberry ‘pro’s hard-earned bag of tricks. The rest is up to you. May you find your own ‘holy grail’ and come home with purple hands and happy hearts.

Photo by Joanie Christian

Photo by Linda Lantzy

easy huckleberry danishes

Baked by Nicole Lantzy, Photo by Linda Lantzy

ingredients: • 1 box of frozen puff pastry • 2 cups of fresh and clean or frozen huckleberries • 8oz. cream cheese, softened

instructions: 1.

mind games: across idaho answer key 1

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

2. 3.

Thaw out puff pastry but keep it cold.

I G

L VA

I D

I A

I N E

P RR

I L

Roll the pastry into a rectangle, scoring six sections. Score a 1/2” around each and prick the center generously with a fork. Keep the pastry chilled.

H AWATHA

I N

• 1/2 c. sugar • 2 egg yolks • 2 tsp. vanilla • 2 tsp. lemon juice • Glaze: • 2 c. powdered sugar

I DI E OU

W NVAL L E Y

I V

Mix the cream cheese, sugar, eggs, vanilla and lemon until smooth with no lumps.

SANDPO NT

I N

ORS S O B ND

A M P

B RAH

M E

SCOTC MA

O P E

Spread 2-3 TBSP of the cream cheese filling into the center of each pastry.

O URDAL E N E

STJ E

T T NV LLEY

H LL S C A N Y O N

• 5 TBSP. milk • 2 tsp. Vanilla

6. 7. 8. 9.

L ION

Top with huckleberries, packing them into the center.

GA NE

FRUI L A N D

R C O

Brush the edges with the egg wash, leaving no dry spots.

P I ONEE MOUNT IN

egg wash: • 1 egg • 2 tsp. Water

E E

D A

M YI

TD U

G O I G

Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden on the edges.

Cool and drizzle each with the glaze.

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St. Joe River Mists Photo by Connie McClaran

Flowing Waters photo essay, see page 35

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