Twin Falls, Idaho

We left Boise, ID via I-84 and then took scenic Route 30 to the 93 Twin Falls Campground. As we observed the rolling hills, lush meadows with cows, horses, and sheep peacefully grazing, we enjoyed the relaxation the pastoral scenery provided us. The road was actually in better condition than the Interstate. Hagerman Valley welcomed us with its enchanting fossil beds and fish hatcheries. Most of the trout used in American kitchens was reared in this Magic Valley, as it is called. We were awed by the many springs of glacial water that tumbled down canyon walls--as much as 250 cubic feet per second. Some were trickling through narrow cracks, while others were rushing over tall cliffs and through huge crevasses. No wonder the cliffs in this part of the valley are named Thousand Springs.

The City of Twin Falls is the heart of the Magic Valley. It lies on the south rim of Snake River Canyon. The canyon is a spectacular chasm which drops to a depth of 500 feet and varies from 1500 feet to a mile wide. This area was made famous years ago by Evel Knievel on national TV when he attempted to jump the canyon using his Skycycle. His equipment malfunctioned, his chute opened too early, but he landed with minimal injuries not far from his starting point. The spectacular Perrine Bridge arches across the canyon near the Buzz Langdon Visitor Center. The bridge affords a great view of the river, the vastness of the canyon, two picturesque golf courses and the grounds of Centennial Park. Gloria had a fright when suddenly a person leaped from the bridge. Her heart began to beat again when the jumper’s chute opened and he landed safely. (Jerry had conveniently neglected to tell her what was going to happen.) After watching several more jumps, we met some of the parachutists. They were young men and women who loved their sport. This bridge is the only one of its kind that allows this exciting activity on a daily basis. The jumpers first call the police to let them know they will be on the bridge, so when panicked observers report a supposed suicide, they are informed about the parachutists.

Due to years of drought, water no longer flows over the high river rocks called Twin Falls, but Shoshone Falls is another story. The latter depend on the spring run-off to experience a flow. We were fortunate to arrive after the area had received considerable snow melt and rain. While it is not really the Niagara of the West, as depicted in the tourist guides, the Falls Area is beautiful. Dierkes Lake Park adjoins Shoshone Falls and is clean, lovely and peaceful. While taking a secondary road to the falls, we spotted spacious Calvary Chapel right in the middle of an agricultural area. Jerry went inside and learned that the chapel has a national radio ministry, preaches the Word, and is active in the community. We knew this was the place we were to attend on Sunday. We had an excellent Sunday school teacher who knows the scriptures. Many of the class members were also good Bible students. The music was contemporary and well done. If you ever hear Pastor Mike Kestler on the radio, be sure to listen. He has a wonderful style and message.

We enjoyed an art fiesta in the Thousand Springs area. One of our thrills was a bus shuttle ride from a parking lot to the exhibit area over a treacherous mountain dirt road. The artists’ offerings were well worth the drive. There were carvings, paintings, jewelry made from native stones and gems, and the usual food and beverage booths. A local singer entertained us with her guitar and country vocal renditions. We drove back to the city through the heart of the dairy producing farms of Idaho. Hundred of cows were in stanchions eating silage. Huge stacks of bailed hay and straw were everywhere. The farmers were busy in their fields and didn’t seem to mind our stopping for photo shoots. We ended our touring time in Twin Falls with a visit to the museum located on the campus of Idaho State College. Students at all levels conduct research there.