On Friday we loaded everything into the boat for a weekend of camping on the lake, but when we arrived, we found this: smoke.
The Air Quality Index was at 393: Hazardous.
There were fires going all along Lake Roosevelt, with a big one, the Rattlesnake Fire, burning exactly across from where we were going to camp. The smoke was filling up the canyons that hug the river.
My husband, ever the optimist, still wanted to camp 😳, but there was no way I was going to stay there in hazardous smoke and fire conditions. We went home.
At home, alone, we unpacked the boat and made the dinner we had planned for our camp out: steak, potatoes, salad, crackers, dips, and wine.
The next day, still smoked in, we decided to take a road trip to Bonners Ferry, Idaho and stock up on homemade chicken pot pies from The Gathering Place.
These savory pies will help get us through fall and winter when you don’t feel like cooking, yet want something super yummy and comforting.
It was a two hour drive to Bonners Ferry, almost to Canada, and we never got out of the smoke. So, when we got back to town, we went looking for color at Spokane’s Manito Park.
The beauty of the late flowers cut right through the dismal dark smoke surrounding us.
Never have we appreciated color like we did yesterday. Roses, dahlias, cornflowers, —so much beauty and fragrance.
Once again, life gave us Plan B, C, D, rather than A, and we got “us time” anyway.
I’m sorry that the camping didn’t work out. But you made the most of it.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It was very disappointing. We learned a lesson to look at the fire maps ahead of next time.
DeleteUgh, the smoke! I feel for people who have respiratory issues. Colorado isn't *as* on fire as other states, but we're still socked in with it. I'm glad you were able to at least enjoy the alternate plans and were able to find some beautiful color.
ReplyDeleteI thought we were going to skip fire season here, but then around Labor Day, KABOOM! So sad. Today looks a little better and rain is coming this week.
DeleteWay to make lemonade out of lemons! Thank you for sharing the beautiful flowers.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers brightened our weekend and refreshed our spirits.
DeleteOh no! Sorry your get-a-way camping plans got smoked out. No clue how anyone or thing survives in such compromised air.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers! I especially enjoyed seeing the Tall purple Verbena. It was absent and missed in my Butterfly garden this year. Great photo of you two!!
The Manito Garden this year was their best yet. It is so beautiful.
DeleteYeah, that smoke is just horrible. You have to wonder how the wildlife there survives it all. It’s so sad to see it happening and you can’t do anything to stop it.