The District Coffee House

Imagine This:
   
       A large room with wooden floors, white walls, large windows the cover two walls facing the downtown streets, a high ceiling, small tables either white or wood looking, Bohemian style lights hanging from yellow wires, plants, bohemian cushions on couches, vintage lights, modern like yellow and wooden chairs, and wall decorations. 

      These all describe one place...the coolest, most unique, relaxing, quirky place located in downtown Boise. This place, is The District Coffee House. It is the kind of coffee house you see in movies, or imagine when you think of a coffee place. They hold swing dance lessons, live local music, poetry slams, and more. The people who come here seem nothing but sweet and to be simply living life, which I envy. Some may be lost, trying to find there way, others just strolling in for a coffee to go. I have been sitting in here for a while, and it is so peaceful. I almost feel right at home. Especially since I usually only go to Starbucks, this place is quite the incredible step up. And of course, their coffee is heavenly. Probably the best coffee I have ever had. I highly suggest following them on Instagram..even if you live no where near here, as it is such a wonderful display of pictures. Here is an example of what you may see on the site...I took this myself, as it is the mocha coffee I ordered....YUM. 

     Yep...it is that kind of place. What kind of place am I talking about? The kind of place that does cool designs on top of the coffee! I mean..who doesn't absolutely love that? Actually, I think it makes the coffee taste a million times better. Even cold...I have been here long enough, and am such a slow drinker, especially with coffee, that it is cold now. BUT, it is still so very delicious. I mean, I guess you could say I am enjoying myself...I guess...

     At the moment, it is dark and pouring rain. The lights from the stop lights, cars, and local stores coat the damp street with a beautiful arrangement of color. I almost feel like I am in another town, another city, as if I could say "I live that downtown life". Sadly, I don't come down here much, but I should, I really should. The shops and cafe's down here are amazing. In fact, there is a cafe across the street I would really like to try called BleuBird. 

My Trip to Cascade, Idaho

~I wrote this on my notepad while I was camping. I wrote every once in a while during the trip, and I hope you enjoy this different style of writing.~ 

       We arrived around 1:30 pm for our three day family reunion camping trip. We are the first ones here. It is extremely peaceful and calm. The perfect serenity. The crystal blue lake shimmering and glistening, the birds chirping, a light wind, and mountain tops dusted with snow. Silence captures me and put me at ease. 

       It has been several hours, and we are still the only ones here. We went into town and visited some of the local shops. Cascade holds a special place in my heart, and will always feel like my second home. The rustic and authentic feel is what I love the most. We are now sitting in our lawn chairs just soaking in the view. 

  

       Finally, one by one, car by car, camper by camper, about half of the crew (our family) showed up. Even with them here, I made sure I still had time to take pictures in between visiting. The sunset was subtle but incredible. The lake shimmered with orange and my camera caught it all. The evening continued with the biggest fire pit, and a small fire. 

       The morning forecast is a little rain, and smooth white clouds with bits of blue forcing its way through for a peak at this view. The mountains are green and the lake is dark, awaiting the sun to bring it back to life. I have my Folgers Cappuccino and I am ready to adventure. 
     Oh...and you cannot forget all of the sailboats that were out bright and early! A couple of my family member are out on their sailboat this morning. A sailboat isn't the only thing they own, they also have two planes, a moped scooter, a camper, and a corvette.

       Breakfast is finished and some of the crew went back to the family cabin just down the street. The rest stayed to challenge each other at bean-bag toss. It is so breathtaking here, the trees, the lake, the dusted mountains...I can't get enough of this perfect beauty. The sun is bipolar as it can't decide if it rather show us itself or feel shameful behind the clouds above. The canoes and boats are out on the lake filled with hopeful fishermen. One of the dogs here, named zippy, is so excitable and happy it makes me laugh. The only negative aspect of this trip is my allergies. Earlier there was so much cotton it looked like it was snowing. I find myself escaping it every once in a while by spending time in my camper. There are giant cotton balls everywhere. The water looks so majestic I may have to go for a swim later on. Maybe after our second trip into town. At the moment, it is quiet, except for the plane flying by. It is indeed chilly out, with a crispy cool breeze. Just enough to have a jacket and pants, bring the perfect comfort. 

       As the day went by, we decided that after lunch we were going to go into town. June 20th-22nd cascade is holding the Payette River Games, so we decided to check it out. It was incredible! Between the kayak competitions, vendors/booths, and live music, made it quite the party. Interesting fact about the kayak competitions, it was held by people all over the world! the announcers were Australian and I noticed a lot of competitors are from New Zealand! How cool is that?

       Well, as the evening rolled up, we played hours and hours of bean bag toss, and let me tell you...I was quite impressive. After sitting by the fire listening to the little 5 year old boy tel stories and how big the fire should actually be, it was time to go into our portable cabin (camper) for the night. 

       The morning was filled with generators waiting to charge cameras. Oh! and a dog with separation anxiety begging for attention. The biscuits and gravy are cooking and the day is ready for our adventurous spirits. 

     Soon after breakfast about 7 of us, and two dogs left for a hiking adventure. Our plan: to drive up to a secret trail up to Skien and Raft lake. The raod heading up was treterous. Huge bumps and dips all on a skinny road heading uphill. Half way up we stopped to find a waterfall flowing down the mountain from the snow melting. It was gorgeous! 

       Next stop was the trail to the first lake: Skien. The a half a mile hike was filled with walking through the woods, creaks, and walking over logs shielding the mini river below.We even stopped some hikers to take a group photo of us. Turns out that they were fans of my uncle due to his website http://www.picturesofcascade.com/ . He actually said "I love you!" to him. It was really neat! 

       After allowing the pups to play in the water, it was time to move on to the next lake on the list: Raft. The hike, also about a half mile, led us past an old rickety log cabin. It was amazing and well, Idaho like. We then continued on till the lake was at our fingertips. 

       Both lakes were incredibly beautiful! Did I mention the snow?

       Anyways, on the hike back to the cars, a couple members of the group were ahead and went down the wrong trail. Don't worry, we found them eventually! One creek we came across, we had to make a bridge of logs in order for everyone to cross. The views at the trails and well...everywhere we went were incredibly stunning, peaceful, and breathtaking. On the drive back down, we even got to see a deer which jumped in front of our car! 

       Well, now we are back at camp...tired. The lake is engulfed with sailboats. The sky is blue with slivers of clouds, the lake is calm and the pine trees are swaying slightly to the wind. After some delicious dinner of dutch oven (a family tradition), it was picture time. I got some last minute photos and sat on a bench down by the water. That moment was probably the most relaxed and at ease I had felt all weekend. We are packing up now, and about ready to get. We took one last look at the lake, and its serenity and beauty is something you can never get tired of. 

       We said goodbye to the family, and went on our way. The dark road and headlights directed us back to Boise on the windy road along side the elegant Payette River. The sunset behind us was marvelous, which made it a little harder to leave. When we arrived home, I went strait to a friends birthday party. This trip was everything I needed; relaxation, peace, and calmness. I will always love you Cascade, Idaho. Thank you once again for another impeccable trip. See you soon. 

Ashley Marie
 June 25, 2014