June 12, 2012 ~ Tuesday

Yesterday we were coming back from Rock Hounding and we were stopped for road repairs.  I rolled down the windows in the truck, and, much to our delight, we were sang to by a Western Meadowlark.  It was the first time either of us had seen one.

While we were still in Cottonwood, we saw this bird and wondered what it was.  We are still trying to Identify it.

We also saw this bird; it is a Yellow Breasted Chat.

Red Winged Black Bird

Barn Swallow



American Robin

Hey, how did you get in here?

 A Bluebird but we aren't sure which one......

June 10, 2012 ~ Sunday

Today we toured Rock Creek Station and the Stricker Homesite.  It is said to be the crossroads for the OR Trail, the Kelton Freight Road and the Overland Stage Route. 

Built in 1865, Rock Creek Store was the first trading post between Fort Hall (in Pocatello, ID) and Boise, ID.  It also served as a social center and supply center for area residents.

German emigrant Herman Stricker purchased the store in 1876.  He soon married Lucy Walgamott who helped with the store and brought music, flowers and children to the Stricker home.

An 82  year old local resident, who volunteers his time here,  was our tour guide and he is a state "treasure"!  He was so interesting and had a lot of stories to tell us.  We really enjoyed our time with him and added him to the collection of "Grandpas" we are collecting on our travels!

To the left of the post holding up the porch roof is a blue silo; the silo is where the OR Trail took a different direction.



I'm thinking this was probably the "Summer Kitchen" instead of a "Summer House".



Apple Cider Press



This house was built in 1900, after the original house burned to the ground.



Lucy loved flowers and had a lot of them around her home.



Wouldn't this be a great backyard to play in?



This wire is growing out of the the tree; our guide said he remember something hanging from the tree many, many years ago but he couldn't remember exactly what it was......

Judy and her new pal.