Boise Elevation Sign

This old sign is at the Boise Depot - which used to be a passenger train stop, but passenger train service is no more for Boise. If you look up facts about our city, the elevation listed is usually 2,704 feet above sea level. The depot is on slightly higher ground on the "first bench," which is the first plateau stepping up from downtown proper.

Floating the River

Floating the Boise River is a long-time tradition. You "put in" at Barber Park and float about six miles to Ann Morrison Park. You can't float beyond that because there is a small dam right beyond Ann Morrison. The trip takes about 1 1/2 hours. (Blogger said the scheduled posting feature was working again - this is a test of that claim) Update: it didn't work.

Boise River Close-Up

A different view of the Boise River today. This is what it looks like in the shallow water next to the river bank. Lots of growing things that wave with the current.

Project Completed

Previous visitors to this blog know that I snapped a couple of photos of this mural in progress. It's on the side of McMillan Elementary School, and I believe it's now done. The character statements were unexpected, especially translated into Chinese.

Neighborhood Park Breakfast for the 4th

The men do the cooking at our annual 4th of July neighborhood park breakfast.
Several griddles were up and running to cook 2,500 pancakes and 90 dozen eggs.

Volleyball, kickball and tug-of-war were the games for the kids.

And while neighborhood veterans were sharing their stories, three Apache helicopters flew overhead.

Waterfront Art

Sculpture along the Waterfront at Lake Harbor. The "lake" is not really a harbor, it's too small for boats, but there's a nice grassy area for picnics and walking. I've been to several charming weddings at this location.

Cotton Candy Clouds

It's Sky Watch Friday in City Daily Photo Blogger land. This was the backyard view earlier this week.

A Flood with a Purpose

Every year, a newcomer or two will call 9-1-1 when they see this scene: a flooded yard. But, it's deliberate. Flood irrigation used to be "the way" until pressurized irrigation systems became common.

City Daily Photo Theme Day "Empty"

The City Daily Photo Theme Day today is "empty." This is probably more like "abandoned." It's right on a busy street. See theme day interpretations from around the world at citydailyphoto.com.

Smoky Davis

I hear this is where you buy the "best" beef jerky. Smoky Davis was in Boise long before BBQ places became common. I once attended a company picnic where there was smoked chicken from this place - it was very good!

Boise Landmark - Cocktails and Live Bait

Turner's Sportsfair is on West State Street. It's a bar/live bait shop/ammo supplier combo - certainly unique!

Fireworks Season

Looks like another party, similar to what I posted yesterday, but this is purely marketing. It's fireworks season here in Idaho. Stands like this are in store parking lots and on street corners. They sell cone showers, sparklers, whistlers, snakes, etc. Step outside the city limits and you can buy any kind of fireworks, including many that are illegal. When you buy the "illegal" fireworks, you have to sign a piece of paper saying you won't light them :)