A getaway was in need for me and Christina. We have talked about going north to McCall Idaho about 95 miles due North of Boise every winter we have been together to see the snow sculptures and just get away. This past weekend before Valentines day was it. We never went before due to the roads being slick and my old Ford pick up is not good in the snow but now that I owned a Subaru Outback I felt safe and sure enough that we could make it through just about anything.
We left friday evening around 5pm making the two hour trip up the hill as the sunset. The main road, highway 55 was clear and dry but as the weekend would progress a winter storm was on its way for the area. We did see snow on the weekend but it out before it got really bad on Monday evening. As we left town we stopped for dinner at Carls Jr for some quick fast food which is always good and Christina tried out their new beyond meat burger. We took the food to go to not wast time getting up to McCall as we had booked an Air BnB to stay at and wanted to check in before it got too late.
We have stayed at an Air BnB before when we went on a trip to Olympia Washington and found it a pleasurable stay. The Air BnB we found in McCall was priced just right and we were able to get a two nights stay for the price of a one night stay barely at a hotel in town. The place we stayed at was less than a mile from downtown and surrounded by forest. the drive way was plowed out and the snow was 4ft deep all around. The room we had was nice and had a great mattress. This Air BnB was the rental of their downstairs room and bathroom. We never really saw the owners but they were very nice when we did check in.
On Saturday we slept in and made breakfast around 10am in town. The snow had began to fall lightly and no views of Payette Lake could be seen. After breakfast we walked around town and took in the shops. The car by the way handled great on snow packed roads and it was great to have traction and stopping power. Later on Saturday we checked out the McCall Activity Barn where they have a large tubing hill and for three hour tubing rental was $18 which was not bad. By the time we were done we were tired and hungry. Before going for dinner we went back to the room and cleaned up. We had plans to have dinner at the famous Shore Lodge Hotel in McCall which has been a staple of the area since 1946.
The snow had let up for the afternoon but by the time we left dinner at 9pm the snow had begun and I could tell this was the larger of the storms predicted for the weekend. The local mountains snow pack provide the valley farmers with irrigation water all summer and without a good snow pack the farmers run dry before the season is over. So far southwestern Idaho has seen a dryer winter but recent storms have added to the pack and this latest storm was adding anywhere from 3-10 inches when all said and done.
On Sunday morning we woke up to at least 4 new inches of snow! The car was buried and the owner of the place had to call for the snow plow to come out and clear the driveway before we could leave.
Everything looked so pretty covered in white and when the clouds parted and the sun came out everything glistened. I had planned a special surprise for Christina before we left on our trip which was a 1:30pm sleigh ride. So to kill time in the morning we walked around town in McCall and since the storm had passed the clouds lifted and you could see all the way across the lake which was totally frozen solid. Ice fishermen had set up on the lake to catch the hungry fish below. I walked out on the lake as I had never walked on a frozen lake and you know you really couldn’t tell that you were even on water. Christina watched from the shore..haha.
By 1pm, we headed out to the Activity Barn which was were the sleigh ride was taking place and arrived in time to see the man bring over the large Belgium horses that were to pull the sleigh. Christina is an animal lover and horse lover and was very happy when she found out what we were doing. The ride was about an hour and pulled you along a trial through a field of snow. With the ride you get two drink tickets and could get hot coco or cider. The sleigh was equipped with blankets to keep your legs warm. It was sunny but cold with a light breeze. The temperature was hovered at 18 and with a breeze it made it feel much colder.
After the sleigh ride it was time to head home and end our winter getaway. I enjoyed our time in the snow and away from the valley and hope to do it again. Now to wait for the snow to melt and go up in the summer.
~Eriks
On the go with Eriks 
I’m glad you made it to McCall, a most magical place, especially in the winter when the weather is cold enough to make the snow sparkle. Love the picture of the two of you in the sleigh! You now have the right car to fully enjoy Idaho winters. 😉
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