Ashley Marie: Idaho Uncovered

For those who do not have the privilege of living in Idaho. I would like to take a moment and give you a description of what Idaho is really like for someone who has lived there their entire lives.

Lets start with the one thing Idaho is generally known for: Potatoes. Alright..as I previously stated, I have lived in Idaho my whole life. I live in the city so it is not as rural. Therefore, I have never, ever seen a potato farm. Yep.

Second of all, Idaho is also known for it outdoor activities such as Kayaking, White Water Rafting, Snowboarding or Skiing, and so on. We also have some incredibly beautiful and rich forests and mountains that cover the majority of Idaho. This means the fishing, hunting is quite popular.

Here are a couple other fun facts!

Fun Fact 1: Idahoans often remind themselves and other Idahoans that "if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes". This is because Idaho's weather appears to be extremely bipolar. One day I was driving home for school and within that 15 minute drive I experienced sunshine, rain, hail, little bits of sunshine, flurries of snow, and we were back to rain. Oh and don't forget the crazy wind occurring during all that.

Fun Fact 2: We know when you are an outsider. Don't try to pretend you have lived here your whole life...we know. How do we know? Well, if I tell you, that would partially give you the inside scoop. BUT I am going to tell you anyway. Boise (the capital of Idaho) is pronounced Boy-see not Boy-zee.

I have a professor that on the first day of class said Boy-zee. Immediately someone asked where he was from. Where he responded "Maryland".

Fun Fact 3: Idaho is extremely spread out and covered with rural farm land. Everyday on my way to school (usually about a 30 minute drive) I drive 10 minutes in the city, and 20 minutes passing by crops, and cows, and farm land.

Finally, even the locals may not even realize the intensely beautiful nature that Idaho has to offer. Maybe it is within a 5 minute drive or even a 45 minute drive to find some of my favorite places. I am now going to take you to some places that my neighbors may not even known exists...shhhh.

Lets start with a couple locations that are likely known by the locals. Two of my favorite places to go and relax, hang out, long board, or swim.

First off, is the Boise river by the Greenbelt in Garden City, Idaho. I have put pictures on here before I believe with photos from here but...I thought I would go ahead and take a bit of a deeper look.

Next up is three quick pictures of one of the Veterans Park Ponds at night. Veterans have several ponds raging in size where people usually go to fish, swim, and jump off of rope swings! It is so much more lovely at night as well!

The last more known location I would like to present is a place I grew up called the Gravel Pits. At one point is was simply a nature resort where my neighborhood would also go and bike, hike around, and hang out. Now, the city has turned it into an official park. They drained it, made unnatural islands, and so on...as you may be able to tell, I miss the old Gravel Pits. But either way, its beautiful. Here are a couple fun pictures I took around there!

Finally! We are now at the hushed locations! Lets start with a place that is in the middle of a neighborhood. It is by a church, and really the only people who probably know whats behind the stunning vintage bridge is those who attend that church. And ladies and Gentlemen...I am giving you the inside scoop...here it is.

Alright Y'all. I have saved the best and most exclusive for last. This location can really only be accessed if you have private access or have connections like I did. You may still go to the waterfall without going on private property but...few people know this trail even exists. Which actually makes it so wonderful. It was so nice to go on a hike and not run into a single person!