Last week was the Idaho Republican Party’s Winter Meeting in Boise, Idaho at the Riverside Hotel. Fortunately, the whole family could go and enjoy the swimming pool and other activities in Boise.
I appeared in one of the official photos of the Winter Meeting. It is my better side.
I serve as the Cassia County Republican Central Commitee Chairman. As such, I serve on the Idaho Republican State Central Committee. I have also been appointed to serve on the Idaho Republican Rules Committee. Mr. Regan is the Rules Committee Chairman.
Brent Regan and Paul Ross in Boise, Idaho
We made sure to stop and take the kids to the Idaho Capitol.
Wandering near the rotunda, we stumbled upon a fellow Cassia County citizen, Scott Bedke. Mr. Bedke also serves at Idaho’s Lieutenant Governor. He brings honor to Cassia County.
Scott Bedke, Hiram Ross, James Ross, Paul Ross, Aliza Ross, and Lillie Ross on the floor of the Idaho Senate Chamber.
We also paid a visit on a friend in his office.
Lillie Ross, Hiram Ross, Paul Ross, Phil McGrane, James Ross, and Aliza Ross in the Secretary of State’s office in the Idaho State Capitol
We also made a visit to the Meridian Idaho Temple while in town.
This weekend I traveled to beautiful Custer County to participate in the Idaho GOP Summer Meeting at the beautiful Living Waters Ranch just west of Challis, Idaho.
Around the table from left to right: Mark Johnson, Kimberly Kaehler, Jordan Marques, Chris Boyd, Nick Woods, Vince Rundhaugh, Hari Heath, Elena Wise, Luke Sommer, Stewart Hyndman, Brent Regan, Machele Hamilton, David Taylor, Jeff Siddoway, Larry Oja, Trent Clark, Paul Ross, Rick Jessinger. Idaho GOP Rules Committee, 23 June 2023.
I was in Boise on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday and made the trek through Idaho City, Lowman, Stanley, Clayton, to Challis. I don’t think I have been to Challis since about 2003 when I took a friend from England to Challis on a road tour. I came here a couple of times in the 1980’s with my Grandma selling insurance. It really has not changed much since my memories here in the 80’s. One time after Camp Bradley we were brought to Challis to the hot springs. I recall stopping at Yankee Fork Dredge and the ghost towns of Bonanza and Custer.
Throughout the late 80s and 90s we also came up multiple times to herd cattle for Aslett Ranches. We moved quite a few cattle from or to Mackay to the wilderness up near White Knob. I quite liked that time with my Dad. I don’t miss the ticks, saddle sore legs, and dry heat.
Aslett Mackay Ranch
As an attorney, I find myself drawn to the Courthouses. I actually have a pending case in Custer County at present for a high school friend whose father passed and a probate needed to be done. We are working through that case and published in the local paper, recorded at the County Recorder, and have the ongoing case at the Courthouse.
The drive over was beautiful. The road from Boise to Lowman is gnarly. My pickup felt even less safe on that road due to height and length. I just cannot hug the road like those low cars that seemed to just want to ride close behind. I was happy to pull over them a few times to let them pass. I drop a gear and let the engine keep me slow too. One car passed me and I could see the smoke from his brakes and that distinct smell.
There are the usual breathtaking views of various vistas in the Sawtooth Mountains. There is also evidence of the perils too.
Evidence of an avalanche. The large boulder sitting on top of snow and all the flattened trees of a forest already devastated by fire.
Plenty of trees sitting on top of the packed snow still straddling Canyon Creek. Looking up the hill you could see the path the avalanche came down the mountain bringing the dead trees with it.
I also stopped at the Sunbeam Dam near Sunbeam, Idaho to snap a picture or two and walk along the Salmon River.
Remains of Sunbeam Dam on Salmon River.
Highway 75 Bridge over Yankee Fork near the confluence with the Salmon River.
I could see some fish in the river. I was tempted to try and catch one but the water was so cold I decided not to do anything silly.
All of Custer County is only pushing 4,500 people for the entire county. Custer County has some of our highest mountains, including Mount Borah, Idaho’s tallest mountain. Much of the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area is also in Custer.
Sagacity 