The scenic beauty of the Northwest

[Jim Franklin]

My map sales area has been increased to include the areas of the Lower Treasure Valley that extend to Ontario, OR and north to Weiser, Idaho so on my sales trip yesterday I could see the southern range of Oregon's Blue Mountains, some of Idaho's Seven Devils, the Boise and the Owyhee ranges covered with pine trees and snow. To sit in the comfort of my car listening to classical and Christmas music and have such views of our Creator God's handiwork was a blessing that brings praises to my lips.

[Dave McClung]

That is beautiful country. When most people think of Oregon, they think of the coastal forests. Until three years ago, I had no idea how beautiful it is in the eastern part of Oregon. I was also surprised at how difficult it is to drive from north to south in eastern Oregon. We spent hours driving on gravel roads.

Does your territory cover up to the Bitterroot Mountains?

[Jim Franklin]

Dave, you ought to check out the Steens Mountain area south of Burns, OR sometime. Out of Baker City, OR is an area that claims the title "Switzerland of America," just as the Chelan, WA area does. My dad pastored at Baker twice and also Chelan so there is no wonder that my love for the scenic Northwest is virtually genetic.

[Hal Kreps]

We keep 10 or so snowmobiles in the Smith's Ferry area of Idaho. Saturday we traveled up and went for a ride. The snow is not great yet, but there is enough to have a great time. The trip is beautiful any time of year. This time there was snow hanging from the trees and sitting on the rocks in the river. Beautiful. Smith's Ferry is between Boise and McCall.

[Rosalie Ross]

Hi Dave and Linda. The Northwest (Pacific)..is truely a great place to be from. I will say that I just got back from there after a visit with my Mother and family for Thanksgiving, and was able to get in on...yes..to get in on a snow storm, the snow storm of the season. A few power outages and freezing cold were nothing to the warmth of the fireplace, the pretty snow flakes, good transportation, soft fallen snow..powdery like, and the glistening ice-cycles (how do you spell that word anyway) which hung off the roof of her house. Also I got to wear my snowboots! I love the northwest. Rosalie:p :basic01 :basic01

[BobHunt]

did they ever find that man who left his family to get help....I think they were stranded in Oregon? Hes been gone 9 days but they say he still could be alive? With temps like that, is that possible?

[Dave McClung]

did they ever find that man who left his family to get help....I think they were stranded in Oregon? Hes been gone 9 days but they say he still could be alive? With temps like that, is that possible?

Not yet, but keep praying.

[Jim Franklin]

Rosalie, I believe you are searching for the term "icicles." When I was a kid in Fargo, ND when we finished making spending money mowing lawns we replaced that in the winter by knocking icicles off of the eaves of neighborhood homes. One had to stand back and reach over at an angle because some could weigh up to 100 lbs or more. Icycles have yet to be invented, laughing with you I hope.

[Jim Franklin]

Hal, the last and only time I was on a snowmobile was in January of 1969 when I was in graduate school at U of I. We had a collegiate organization in that church then and had a snow party.

[Jim Franklin]

Bob, the man was found dead this afternoon. Their map did not show the warning that the Oregon State issued map show that that road is closed in winter. Closed roads in winter are common in the mountain areas because they are not used enough to warrant the expense of keeping them clear. They are used mainly in the summer time for vacation tourists seeking our great outdoors. It is sad for that family to have lost the husband and father.