A radiating sun, hovering just off center over Rupert, Idaho casting its rays toward an oversized hay bale settled idly in a field… Most taking in this sight would dismiss the rather ordinary scene without registering a thought. But this is precisely the sort of setting photographer Gordan Hardcastle couldn’t resist.

Donning a dark trench and wide brimmed hat he leapt, marched, and strode atop the bale; each movement in cadence with the clicking shutter of his camera. The result, after some time in his workroom, was a single eccentric photograph portraying each action in odd yet harmonious conjunction. A mundane vista transformed to a captivating panorama by the imagination of Mr. Hardcastle.

"Dance of the Three Bales" Location: Rupert

“I ran into a neighbor a few days after who said my boy had been out playing on the hay again,” chuckled Hardcastle. “No… That was me.”

Those that know him would hardly be surprised by this revelation. Not one to delve half-heartedly into a project, Hardcastle is an entirely “hands on” kind of guy. When presented with modern digital cameras and the complex capabilities they offer, he set out to learn the system through meticulous trial and error.

Location: Dietrich

To gauge the precise settings necessary for capturing depth of field (how close or far an object appears in a photo) and motion, Hardcastle would step outside to snap a shot of a soaring bird. Instead of glancing at the results on his camera screen, he would head back into his workroom, download the photo to scrutinize it on the larger display of his computer and determine steps to improve clarity. Then it was back outside to snap another shot and repeat the process until he was satisfied with his knowledge of the camera’s workings.

“So many people think they should be able to just point the camera at something and have the picture turn out,” Hardcastle stated. “That’s not how it works.”

Perhaps one reason for Hardcastle’s success in the photography world (winning various awards and having works displayed in several prestigious locals), is the very unique combination of intellect he possesses. In the classic battle of left brain/right brain (logical v. creative) most would be quick to categorize a refined photographer as dominantly creative. Though the assumption may prove true quite often, Hardcastle shatters the mold.

"Autumn Treasure" Location: NW of Stanley

As he sits in his small studio describing the use of light and color in art, a small clock on the walls ticks away the seconds. In place of traditional numbers, this clock displays mathematical equations; 6×2 informs an inquirer of the time being 12:00 and in lieu of striking 2:00, the big hand comes to rest upon √4. Further across the wall, hung just below vibrantly colored fish reproductions is a framed box displaying an orderly and extensive insect collection from days spent engrossed by entomology.

Throughout his workspace are other testaments to passions both past and present. When coaxed, a line of wind chimes lace the room with distinct melodies; their graceful notes bringing to mind Hardcastle’s days as a composer of music. The intense drive he harbors was not vacant during that portion of his life as he admits, “I pushed myself to have a new composition every week.” Such lofty expectations ended with his eventual turning away from the trade.

Its replacement, however, was no less demanding. Computer programming soon filled his life before the vocation was commonly known. After inventing the field software used by Amalgamated Sugar Company, Hardcastle secured a job position still held today as no one but he understands the program’s inner workings.

"Keep on Truckin'" Location: Albion

The large photo printer beside his desk was also the recipient of Hardcastle’s inventive capabilities. Unsatisfied with color saturation settings, Hardcastle altered its ink lines to feed from bottles set to the side. What looks like an assortment of medical IV’s now allows Hardcastle to adjust color levels while bypassing the constant purchase of small ink cartridges.

Images now emerging from the printer are precisely tinted to Hardcastle’s satisfaction. One such print fresh from the devise portrayed two crisp, white gulls soaring against a stunning sapphire background.

“Those are Franklin’s Gulls,” Hardcastles noted of the birds. “Named after Arctic explorer Sir John Franklin, they migrate 5,000 miles a year and never pick fights. They’re just interested in bugs.”

This is merely an example of the detailed information Hardcastle can impart regarding many of the thousands of varying subjects his camera captures each month.

“People check in here but they never check out,” laughed his wife, Krisan, referring to the length of time Hardcastle can entertain guests with information and photographs.

"Fishing for Peace and Tranquility" Location:SE of Oakley

This is understandable though. His eyes search the world in large panorama and scrupulous detail alike. He will sit for hours at a favorite spot overlooking the City of Rocks waiting for the perfect light to descend upon the broad landscape. But when traveling in the back of a covered wagon, will make note of the tiny grasshoppers which frolic along the dusty trail.

Although Hardcastle’s interests and hobbies have a history of shifting frequently, he feels certain the passion for photography will remain unwavering. While many photographers strive to develop a career from their talent, Hardcastle spends time behind the camera for his own satisfaction.

“I might be kind of an odd duck, but I just like to get out,” he asserted.

And get out, he does. Photography provides him the excuse to camp frequently with his family, embark on drives in pursuit of lightning with his wife or dance atop hay bales resting in a field behind his home.

To experience life through the lens of Gordan Hardcastle, visit the website http://idahophotoart.com or enjoy Gordon’s random photos posts on his Facebook page

His works are also on display at several locations around Southern Idaho, including the City of Rocks visitor center.

An illuminating print from Hardcastle will be on exhibit at the Music Center in Twin Falls until May 5^th for the Magic Valley has Art competition.

See more photos in the gallery below!

Like many Southern Idahoans, I often complain that there’s nothing to do. Perhaps this is because I approach the subject with too narrow of a focus. There might not be big concerts rolling through town or fancy festivals in parks, but most of us have chosen small town living for a reason. Instead of spending our days in the concrete jungle, we’re surrounded by small town charm and the great outdoors. When attempting to create a plan for my summer days, this reality is often lost upon me though.

The Almo Inn is a welcome sight at the end of a long adventurous day.

When a trip to the Almo Creek Outpost in Almo, Idaho was first suggested to me, I dismissed the drive as being slightly on the crazy side. I’d heard of their famous steak dinners but figured I could eat steak just about anywhere; so why drive?

Eventually though I decided to make the journey. After loading up the dog, throwing on some shades and rolling down the truck windows I headed out of town. Somewhere around Declo the skepticism I had been holding on to began evaporating as I breathed in dense moisture from the surrounding fields. I’d forgotten how therapeutic a change of pace could be. Though I spend a lot of time outdoors, it’s always in the same few places.

As symmetrical fields began giving way to scatterings of sagebrush and rolling hills, I was lost in the beauty offered by this portion of the desert. Before I knew it, I was approaching what looked like a scene pulled right from the glory days of the old west. Sun bleached wagons flanking a rustic wooden structure told me I’d reached my destination. Just beyond the Outpost a few cattle meandered lazily in a lush green pasture soaking up the fading rays of sunlight and bellowing in absent-minded greeting.

The Kincade from Elba family frequent the Outpost often for a fabulous steak dinner.

Inside the restaurant black and white photographs tell the tales of cowboying days gone by, bright paintings illuminate the modern cowboy and lethal Indian weaponry rest harmlessly in display cases. The atmosphere is cheerful as helpful workers not only deliver your food, but also fill you in on all that can be seen and experienced nearby. City of Rocks National Reserve lies just a few miles down the road for climbing enthusiasts or admirers of scenery and Durfee Hot Springs in the center of town provides the perfect way to relax or rejuvenate after a day of adventuring.

For those who wish to spend more than an afternoon in the area, the Outpost offers lodge rooms and cabins that can only be described with the oxymoron ‘bunkhouse chic’. Log furniture, cow hides and Pendleton blankets are perfectly combined to provide guests with a sophisticated yet rustic stay. (Unfortunately I had to return home that evening and wasn’t able to experience them first-hand.)

After enjoying deliciously prepared chicken (I’d had steak just the night before) and the welcome feeling of being surrounded by simple pleasures, I climbed back in the truck and assured myself I’d make the trip more often.

There’s always something to do in Southern Idaho… sometimes you just have to enjoy the ride.

For more information regarding the Almo Creek Outpost, visit the website http://www.almocreek.com/outpost

Or call 208-824-5577 for information on seasonal hours.

See more photos in the gallery below…

One of the most rewarding things about living in Idaho is the hidden gems. While many people associate Idaho with potatoes, Idaho is also known as the Gem State. Largely attributable to the rich mining industry, this moniker could also reflect the many hidden gems that can find on a daily basis in Idaho.

The people, places and history of the area we call home offers a never-ending array of pleasant surprises. One such find is the Stricker Rock Creek Station. Many people know that the Oregon Trail runs through Idaho and that Idaho is home to many historical landmarks and relics. Friends of Stricker is a non-profit group dedicated to making sure that residents and visitors to the Gem State can enjoy some of the richest history in the Magic Valley area and a portion of the Oregon Trail…the Stricker site.

The historic Stricker home site and Rock Creek Station, located at 3715 East 3200 North in Hansen represent a little piece of big history right in our own backyard. Built in 1865, the Rock Creek Store was “the first trading post between Boise and Fort Hall and a stopping point on the Oregon Trail and the Kelton Wagon Road” according to the Idaho State Historical Society.

The original six room log cabin of Herman Stricker burned down in March 1900. Later that year, the Sticker family built a home that still stands today on the southeast corner of the Rock Creek site.

On Sunday May 13, 2011, Friends of Stricker will host the Lucy Stricker’s Annual Mother’s Day Celebration. From 11a.m. to 2 p.m. attendees can enjoy live music, demonstrations from the Oregon Trail Muzzle Loaders group, guided tours and an old fashioned BBQ. Though the event is free and open to the public, a suggested donation is $10 per person with $6 for seniors and children under 10. What better way to celebrate Mother’s Day this year than by treating your mom (and the rest of the family) to a day of history, music and fun? Discover another hidden gem in your backyard!

For more information on the rich history of the site visit http://www.history.idaho.gov/rockcreek.html#anchor1249235

For information on the Friends of Stricker organization and more info on the Mother’s Day Event visit http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/friendsofstricker

Idaho is a fly fisherman’s paradise. This great state has it all from small freestone, pocket-water streams to raging rivers, warm-water reservoirs to alpine lakes, and meandering meadow streams to ultra-technical spring creeks. You can pretty much pick your passion and go with it. That’s what I love about this state.

For someone who is just starting out, this smorgasbord of fly-fishing goodness may seem a bit overwhelming. A good selection of flies for your fly box is an excellent place to start. While my boxes contain hundreds of other patterns, below are ten tried-and-true patterns for Idaho that I never leave home without:

1. Adams

Indisputably, the Adams is one of the most effective patterns ever devised on a fly-tier’s vise. The Adams sports a brown hackle fiber tail, a gray dubbed body, and grizzly hackle wings with brown and grizzly hackle wound around the hook shank near the eye of the hook in Catskill dry fly fashion. The Adams is pretty darn versatile. You can fish it as an attractor pattern or during a hatch. I actually caught my first trout on the fly with an Adams on the Henry’s Fork during a caddis hatch.

2. Red-Butted Double Renegade

The original Renegade is still a favorite pattern of mine, but I’ve found that its crazy cousin, the Red-Butted Double Renegade is even more effective. This fly is tied in a fore-and-aft pattern with red thread wrapped half way down the bend of the hook, brown hackle wound near the end of the shank of the hook, peacock hurl body, white hackle wrapped in the middle of the shank of the hook, and brown hackle at the eye of the hook to finish it off. Based upon my experience, the red on the bend of the hook triggers the strike. The Double Renegade represents nothing specific in nature, but could be suggestive of many things. I have often hypothesized that the fish are taking it for a big ant pattern, but admittedly, I am not sure. I typically fish this fly on small freestone and meadow streams. Brookies, rainbows, and cutthroats go nuts for it, especially when you fish it downstream and then skate the fly back upstream in short jerks. For whatever reason, fish leap up out of the water to hammer it. Fun stuff, indeed!

3. Pheasant Tail Nymph

The Bonneville Cutthroat in this spring creek could not resist a little Pheasant Tail Nymph.

If I had to guess, I would say that more fish have been caught on the Pheasant Tail Nymph than any other nymph. The fly gets its name from the simple fact that the nymph is tied primarily with the fibers of a pheasant tail feather. Creative name, eh? I like to tie the fly with a gold bead head, a flash-back wing case, and, last but certainly not least, a red wire wrapped down the lower half of the body. Tied in different sizes, the Pheasant Tail imitates anything from stone-fly to mayfly nymphs. A few weeks ago, I fished a glassy spring creek loaded with rare, Bonneville Cutthroat and simply casted a little bead-headed Pheasant Tail Nymph to the visible trout and twitched it back to me. Of course, the Bonnies attacked it with reckless abandon or I wouldn’t be telling you about it.

4. Red Fox Squirrel Nymph

This fly was invented by Dave Whitlock, a famous fly tier, author, and artist from Arkansas. It is called the Red Fox Squirrel Nymph simply because most of its components come from the fur of a red fox squirrel. I actually prefer this fly over the more popular Hare’s Ear Nymph. When you start tying and fishing this nymph, road killed squirrels begin to take on a certain appeal as potential fly tying material and neighborhood squirrels are no longer safe in your backyard. It’s that good! I like to tie mine with a red wire wrapped through the lower body. There’s just something about the color red that triggers fish aggression.

Andrew Wayment works a nice run with a Brown Rubber Leg Nymph.

5. Black or Brown Rubber Legs

While their names are plain and they aren’t much to look at, the Black and Brown Rubber Leg Nymphs work. The simple flies are tied with lead weight wrapped around the shank of the hook to make the fly heavy, a black or brown chenille body and black or brown legs that vibrate as they drift downstream. Fish dig them! The simple truth behind their effectiveness is that stone-fly nymphs, which they represent, are an essential part of a trout’s diet, a big chunk of protein that is hard to pass up. I like to fish this fly as part of a two-nymph rig with a rubber leg nymph as the lead fly because of its size and weight and a smaller bead head nymph like a Pheasant Tail Nymph or a Red Fox Squirrel as the dropper. I have experienced excellent days using this combo on Idaho rivers including the Bear, Henry’s Fork, South Fork, and Big Wood.

6. PMX

This gorgeous brookie on a remote mountain stream inhaled this yellow PMX.

This simple pattern is a dry-fly, attractor pattern tied with a deer hair tail, a yellow or orange body with rubber legs protruding from the shank in the shape of an X, a white post for visibility, a deer hair wing and grizzly hackle wrapped horizontally around the post. While the fly does not imitate any specific bug, in different sizes it is suggestive of a caddis fly, a stone fly, or a grasshopper. I tend to have the most success with this fly on small streams during July and August when the grasshoppers are in full force. However, I caught my biggest brown trout ever (a twenty-four inch bruiser I affectionately named B.B. King) on the Snake River with an orange PMX in late August. Oh, and did I mention it was on a three weight rod? What a ride!

7. Crystal Flash Woolly Bugger

I am convinced that Woolly Buggers are one of the most effective patterns ever invented. With their marabou tails wiggling sumptuously in the water, they have literally fooled millions of fish. The versatility and possibilities of the Woolly Bugger are truly infinite. As a result, if I don’t know the water I am fishing and no bugs are hatching or fish rising, this is one of my go-to flies. I’ve used the Woolly Bugger to fool big, wily brown trout and super-aggressive bass and sun fish. One of my favorite patterns is a brown crystal-flash, cone-headed Woolly Bugger (boy that’s a mouthful), which could imitate a minnow, crayfish, a leech, a stonefly nymph . . . heck, it could be just about any morsel of aquatic food. This fly is effective on medium-sized rivers like the Big Wood and on big rivers like the mighty Snake.

8. Circus Peanut

The infamous Olive Circus Peanut. Warning: Fishing with these streamers is not for the feint of heart.

The first time I saw the Circus Peanut I was in Kelly Galloup’s fly shop, the Slide Inn near Quake Lake, Montana. I carefully picked through his voluminous streamer selection and observed the stupidest looking fly that I had ever seen. The fly was actually made with two hooks tied end to end. This type of streamer is called an “articulated fly” and its jointed body actually allows the fly to sway back and forth life-like in the current. The crazy fly had yellow dumbbell eyes tied near the eye of the front hook, with black schlappen (a marabou-like hackle) tied just below the eyes. The head and body of the fly was wrapped in yellowish-green crystal flash chenille. Protruding from various places along the shank of the fly were eight long bright green rubber legs. Off the bend of the front hook was a loop that connected it to the eye of the second hook. The second hook also had black schlappen tied near the eye, crystal flash chenille wrapped around the shank and eight long rubber legs projecting from different locations of the body. To finish it off was a black maribou tail with a few strands of copper flashabou. This four-inch, freak-show fly looked like a Woolly Bugger on crack.

Based upon Kelly Galloup’s recommendation, I skeptically fished that goofy fly on the Madison River later that same morning and my negative assessment of the Circus Peanut was quickly quashed as large brown trout ripped up out of the water to smash this streamer. Guess what, big trout in Idaho love this fly too! Olive green with red dumbbell eyes is my favorite Circus Peanut pattern. As a word of warning, fishing this fly early in the morning or just before dark can be downright terrifying because of the shark-like attacks it generates. This fly is not for the faint of heart!

9. CDC PMD

Okay, for those who want to get technical, the CDC PMD is for you. PMD means Pale Morning Dun, which is the mayfly that this pattern imitates. CDC stands for Cul De Carnard, which is just a fancy French name for a waterproof feather from a duck’s behind that is used to create the fly’s wing. If it is a bright summer morning and you happen to stumble into a PMD blanket hatch on the Henrys Fork or Silver Creek, you will want to use this fly. Honestly, I sometimes cannot tell my fly from the originals floating beside it. It simply does not get any better than fly fishing during a bona fide blanket hatch whether it be mayflies, stone flies, or caddis flies. While other styles of fly fishing are fun, there is nothing more aesthetically pleasing than watching a fish slurp in a well presented imitation of the natural bugs on the water. This fly will help you get the job done.

10. Stimulator

In different sizes, the Stimulator can represent anything from a caddis fly, to a stonefly, to a grasshopper.

Kauffman’s Stimulator is an excellent pattern which can represent anything from a caddis fly to a grasshopper. This fly typically wears an orange or yellow body, with a grizzly hackle palmered along the hook shank, a laid-back, deer hair wing, and a different colored head palmered again with grizzly hackle. Lately, I have been fishing the patterns with yellow and black striped rubber legs protruding from the body in the shape of an X like a PMD. No cutthroat trout can resist!

In my experience, this selection of ten flies will work effectively throughout Idaho’s copious fish-filled waters. I have no doubts that newcomers to the sport will find success with these flies at some of the most special and beautiful places in Idaho. Enjoy the journey and tight lines!

Andrew M. Wayment  (“Andy”) is an attorney by profession and an outdoorsman by passion.  Andy has written for the Upland Equations Blog since 2008 and has published numerous articles on upland bird hunting in various magazines, including The Pointing Dog Journal and The Upland Almanac.  Also, check out Andy’s first book, Heaven On Earth: Stories of Fly Fishing, Fun & Faith.  When Andy is not at work or writing, you will probably find him wading in a river flicking a fly or in the field toting a shotgun and following his three bird dogs.

An old adage speculates that those who can’t do, teach. However, this saying is in no way applicable to David Weber.
A rock climbing enthusiast and teacher of math and sciences at Shoshone High School for 20 years, he never lets his teaching get in the way of his doing. When the district moved its high school to a new K-12 facility just south of town, all but the gymnasium and its adjoining structures were slated for demolition. They provided a stage, which the new school would lack, and an ideal location for basketball practices. The only space left unclaimed was an old weight room. This presented Weber with a perfect opportunity to “do”.

Dave Weber reaches the top of the wall.

Working with the help of his wife, Norene, in just a year half of the room’s walls were scattered with climbing holds ranging from chips (tiny holds barely big enough to balance the tips of ones’ fingers or toes) to jugs (deep pockets that fit several fingers to support weight). A four-walled island in the middle of the room was also constructed, roughly 5×13 feet at its base and extending to the ceiling at a different angle on each side.

Today, 15 years later, each wall is covered in holds. The gym boasts two horizontal routes across ceilings, several overhangs and multiple wall cracks (imitating natural rocks where holds may be limited to a mere crack in the rock face). And they’re nearly always adding (or scheming to add) more. At the very least holds are consistently switched out to keep routes interesting for the regulars; many of whom now often pitch in on the building process. For these climbers the gym has become as much a labor of love as it is for David and Norene. In fact, many of David’s regular clientele include his former students.

Though Weber sheepishly jokes that his favorite part about being a teacher is summer, he coaches and heckles past students like they’re old friends suggesting a deeper connection to a profession he’d never intended to land. A former Marine from Connecticut, he moved to Idaho to attend culinary school at the College of Southern Idaho.

“I decided Connecticut just wasn’t my cup of tea—it was too crowded and there weren’t enough mountains,” said Weber.

The program was a year long and gave him a free summer to seize Idaho opportunities like working at the School of Urban and Wilderness Survival (SUWS) north of Shoshone. It was enough to pique his interest in wilderness survival and working with high-risk youth that he spent the following two years with a similar program in Montana.

Dave Weber helps a young climber on the wall.

There he first discovered his passions for climbing, kayaking and backpacking—all of which he still does avidly today. After two years in Montana, Idaho drew him back for a teaching degree in math and science at the University of Idaho. A year after graduation he began his first teaching job in Shoshone where he’s been ever since. He still still travels regularly around Idaho and, as often as possible, around the continent to find the next great climb or rapid. He’s hoping his next big adventure will be a climbing trip to Greece. It would be the first time leaving the continent since his days as a Marine.

When asked about his favorite places to climb in the states he replied, “They’re all cool, but I really like Red River Gorge in Kentucky, the New River Gorge in West Virginia and everyone likes Yosemite.”

When the weather allows and he’s not teaching or at the climbing gym, he can often be found with friends of all ages and climbing abilities at the City of Rocks, Dierkes Lake or other Idaho outdoor climbing hot spots. Often along with him is former student, David Saras.

“He was a great teacher and mentor in and out of school, and is now a great friend that is always up for anything adventurous outdoors. People like him are hard to come by this day and age,” said Saras of Weber.

Dave works his way up the incline wall.

He’s best known around Shoshone for almost always ridden his bicycle to school, his explosive “HEH HEH!” guffaws and for building one of the most extensive climbing facilities—and unquestionably the most reasonably priced—in Southern Idaho. Anyone who has dabbled in indoor climbing knows that many climbing gyms charge anywhere from $15-$30 per person, not including cost of equipment rental. David charges about $3 per person to climb and has shoes available to borrow (not rent, since there is no additional charge to use them) in a wide variety of styles and sizes.

In addition to a great workout and tips from Weber (who is quite an expert), visitors to the gym often walk away the better for having spent time around a man with such a contagious zest for life and joy of teaching.

For now, and until school lets out, David can be found teaching physics, chemistry, and an assortment of math classes ranging from algebra to advanced math during the day. From 4:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday he can be found at the gym on highway 93, just across from the Snack Bar. Always teaching and doing the things he loves best…

Mother’s Day is coming soon and what could be better than fresh strawberries on top of a sweet biscuit, topped with a dollop of cloud-like whipped cream. If your version of strawberry shortcake includes a ‘grocery store special’ spongy cake thing then this recipe is for you. It’s a twist of the classic tried and true strawberry shortcake using dessert biscuits instead of cake. If strawberries are not mom’s favorite, substitute any other berry (blackberries are delicious). Make this to-die-for dessert and impress mom on her special day. Enjoy!

Strawberries

2 lb. ripe strawberries
4 Tbs. sugar or sweetener of choice

Hull strawberries. Crush 1 pound of the berries with a potato masher in a large mixing bowl. Slice remaining strawberries but reserve a few for garnish. Stir sliced berries into mashed berries while adding the sugar. Let the berries set at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Shortcake

4 cups of flour
2/3 cup sugar
5 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 package dry yeast
1 cup cold butter cut into chunks
2 eggs
1/2 cup cream
1/2 cup buttermilk

Topping

1 tbs. cream
4 tbs. coarse sugar (turbinado sugar)

Whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and yeast in a bowl to mix thoroughly. Using a pastry cutter work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse cornmeal. In another bowl combine the eggs and cream beating with a whisk. Stir in the buttermilk. Add liquid to flour mixture and combine until it gathers together. If necessary use a little more cream and knead lightly. Place the dough on a lightly floured mat and roll into a round disk about ¾ inch thick. Cut into shapes and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with cream and sprinkle tops with coarse sugar. Bake 10 to 15 minutes at 350 degrees. If making larger biscuits increase baking time.

Whipped cream

3 cups whipping cream
3 tbs. sugar
1 tsp. vanilla

Chill bowl. Whip cream, sugar, and vanilla with electric mixer until forming soft peaks.

Cool the biscuits and split in half, placing the bottom on a dessert plate. Layer with berries and juice. Spoon whipped cream on the berries and place biscuit top on top. Repeat with berries and cream. Garnish with reserved sliced berries. Serve and enjoy.

One of the advantages of flipping houses (which my husband and I have done for years) is the cast off building materials acquired after a project is complete. My favorite finds include drawers, old wooden windows, cabinets, and lumber that can be repurposed for many projects. I love the idea of using reclaimed drawers for new purposes such as herb planters. Wall shelves, shadow boxes, organizers, doll houses and garden planters are a few more ideas to make using old drawers.

To make an herb planter, begin by examining your reclaimed drawer bottom. It may need reinforced to hold the weight of the soil and moisture. There is nothing worse than saggy drawers. The wood may have been treated, stained or painted, so line the bottom and sides of the drawer with a plastic barrier or liner to keep chemicals from leaching into your potting soil. This also keeps the wood from rotting. To clean up the top edge of the lining I added plastic trim to conceal the cut edges and provide a line for potting soil depth.

For drainage I bought a ½ inch conduit nipple and washer in the electrical section of our local home improvement store. Simply drill an appropriately sized hole in the plastic. Fasten the conduit tight on top of the plastic and let the conduit nipple protrude a little from the bottom so the water will drip down and not weep across the drawer bottom. I also added a little silicone for extra waterproofing.

Attach legs to the height you prefer. I found a frame from an old canvas laundry hamper at a thrift store to use as a base for my planter. Old picket fence slats, boards, furniture legs or ornamental iron are also great options to create the stand for an herb planter. Another alternative is to make the planter legless, adding two handles so it can be carried from garden to table with ease. Use your imagination and have fun designing your planter.

If desired, add hooks or knobs for drying herbs. For convenient harvesting, attach a container to hold scissors, string and other supplies. Paint and decorate your planter or leave it the way it is, knob and all.

Place a small piece of screen on top of the drainage hole and fill the drawer with potting soil. Plant the herbs according to instructions. If your drawer is not very deep remember the soil could dry out quicker. Place the planter in a convenient location and enjoy fresh herbs throughout the seasons.

Using drawers for planters is a great way to recycle and a fun way to create interest in the garden. Happy gardening!

Gardening isn’t a hobby people are as scared of anymore. The knowledge required for it is now obtainable for anyone thanks largely to books and the internet. Though it often isn’t handed down from mother to daughter or father to son like it was in the past, it has re-geared and changed to fit the lifestyles of today.

The newest trend in the gardening world is container gardening. People forget that containers can go anywhere and, thanks to this trend, we are being reminded that you can still do anything in however big or small of a space that you have. Container gardening opens up a large variety of options for whatever spaced limitations you may face. Patios, decks, rooftops, balconies, backyards, you name it and there is a container to fit.

It is extremely simple for anyone from a beginner to a master gardener to garden through containers. Whether it is vegetables and herbs for your kitchen to lush color for your front step, containers offer an array of options. The first step is to choose what you want in your container. Then, select a container that measures at least three times the depth of the plant you want to grow at maturity (Example: If your plant will be 10 inches at full height, then you need 30 inches of depth. This is a general rule of thumb and isn’t always accurate, however, it’s a great guideline). This information is usually found on the plant tag with the care information.

Purchase a good soil or soil-type product suggested for your plant usage. For a more nutrient rich soil mix, add a compost (with a balanced pH closest to 7 for best results) or soil conditioner to your soil in a 50/50 mix. Drainage is also important so make sure to put a layer of bark on the bottom of your container a couple of inches deep so your roots do not sit in water after you water them.

Many garden centers are selling theme gardens. For example; pizza gardens, salsa gardens, hummingbird gardens, gourmet lettuce gardens, and pasta gardens. These are simple to put together, require few plants and fit anyone’s budget.

Grab a container and add some color to your life this summer!

From the glitz and glamour of performing 6 years professionally in Las Vegas to the wide open spaces of Southern Idaho, Jason Lugo, Southern Idaho Living’s co-owner and publisher is making a full circle in the music world. After a 16-year absence from the stage, Lugo and his self-titled band bring to Idaho a fusion of modern country and rock music that is in demand.

Playing in restaurants and special events throughout the Magic Valley with upcoming dates as opening acts for country artists including Montgomery Gentry & David Nail, the Jason Lugo Band is quickly drawing an ever-growing fan base.

After playing at Canyon Crest in Twin Falls for only a matter of months, the band packed its lounge so consistently they were moved to the main restaurant on a bigger stage with more room for expanding crowds.

The Jason Lugo Band performing on the new stage in the restaurant at Canyon Crest.

Though Lugo has always lived by his motto “follow your bliss,” music was not always his passion.

Raised in Draper, Utah, Lugo spent summers as a teenager on his uncle’s 3000 acre ranch. Mark Hansen ran 720 acres of hay and worked a 200 pair cow/calf operation near Fairfield, Idaho. Each summer Lugo found refuge working in hay fields, riding horses and running cattle. Lugo even spent the last semester of his junior year in Fairfield just to be there when spring came. Learning to shoe horses, ride motorbikes and brand cattle, Lugo’s uncle taught him to work hard. “He was my hero,” Lugo admits.

It was his dream to one day own a ranch and raise quarter horses. However, a chance encounter with an old guitar once strummed by his uncle in a band of his own, left Lugo wanting more.

At 20-years-old Lugo traveled to Boise, Idaho with friends to attend a sold-out concert by legendary country group Alabama.

Seeing the bright lights and excitement of the fans, Lugo would later recall, “I was suppose to stay over that night at a friend’s, but I wanted to drive all the way back to Fairfield to get my guitar. I started playing and didn’t quit until sometime the next day…what I saw Alabama do to that crowd, I wanted real bad.”

Selling his horses, guns and custom made saddle, Lugo moved home to Utah to join his first band. Hoping to take his career further, however, he remained there only a year before moving on to the city of neon nights, Las Vegas. There, country rock group Jason Lugo and Blue Roan was born. Gathering speed for six years the band played regularly at many casinos, built a strong following during the National Finals Rodeo and opened for big names including Toby Keith, Steve Warner, Bryan White and Sawyer Brown.

In 1996, a newly married Lugo returned to Utah with his bride, Lori. Although he began a new band, his focused shifted to working with graphic design. While Lugo continued to live and work in Utah, he and Lori vacationed in Idaho with their two children, Haylie and Zack on the calm waters of the Snake River near Declo, Idaho where they eventually set up residence. With new priorities in life, music slipped into the mist.

After years of never picking up his guitar, Lugo agreed to perform three songs at the 2010 Rupert 4th of July celebration. The familiar rush of being on stage had surfaced again and Lugo realized what a necessary component music was for his life. He then began a search for members who would eventually become the Jason Lugo Band.

“I’d forgotten how much I really love performing on stage with a great band,” Lugo recalled. “It’s so good for the soul and a much needed therapy that helps me balance out my stressful business schedule.”

When setting out to find musicians he was at first a little skeptical of finding the caliber of musicians he was used to working with in Vegas.

“I never dreamed that I’d find such great musicians literally right here in my own back yard,” Lugo laughed.

He knew that gathering good band members who work and blend together is key to the enjoyment and success of his band.

“A band has to have the right fit,” Lugo observed. “Without that solid foundation you can’t build a good show.”

And the Jason Lugo Band most definitely has a solid fit. Their backgrounds are diverse, but each band member lends their own precise talent and sound.

Self-proclaimed rock-and-roll guy, Andy Lindquist, adds a bit of an edge to the band on drums and vocals. Originally from Wisconsin, Lindquist now lives in Bliss where he works construction building homes. When playing, Lindquist enjoys the dynamic that accompanies the band’s high talent level.

“We get to focus on just having fun, not worrying about outshining each other,” he said. “It’s just about getting crowd response. You could be the best musician in the world, but if no one’s there to hear it, it doesn’t matter.”

For keyboard player, Keith Brown, music means something a little different.

“Playing is like my councilor. No matter what my day has been like, I can sit down to play and things get better.”

And rightly so, the piano has been a part of Brown’s life since his parents purchased one from the back of a truck in a parking lot. Shortly after his mother took a job as a school bus driver just to pay for his lessons.

“I really owe it all to them,” Brown recalled gratefully.

At 29, Forrest Knight, dubbed “Spider” for his intricate finger work, incorporates the bass line for the Jason Lugo Band. For him, it’s simply the love of music that keeps him driven.

“I’d like to take music as far as it will let me,” Knight notes. “I think we’re all looking forward to what’s next.”

Rounding out the band is Mark Williams with lead guitar. Raised in California Williams spent several years playing in a traveling band in Arizona before coming to Idaho. Owner of 20/20 Produce, Williams lives in Rupert and provides a solid modern-country-rock style to the band’s sound.

The Jason Lugo Band is scheduled to play monthly at Canyon Crest in Twin Falls. If you plan on seeing them, be sure to call and reserve a table. Tables are often reserved up to two days prior to performances.

They are also booked for many opening acts and special events this summer which include:

Canyon Crest  – May 4th & 5th
Morey’s Event Center (Burley) May 19th
Twin Falls Tonight – Downtown Twin Falls – June 20th
Burley Boat Regatta – (Morey’s Steakhouse Outside) – June 21st
Canyon Crest Pre Concert Party (outside on patio) – June 29th
Opening for Montgomery Gentry – Glanbia 21st Birthday Bash (Filer Fairgrounds) – June 30th
Rupert 4th of July Celebration – Rupert Square – July 3^rd
Fairfield Rodeo Beer Garden – Fairfield, Idaho – July 14^th
Jerome County Fair/Rodeo – August 10th & 11th
Opening for David Nail – Cassia County Fair – August 14th

Gooding Street Dance – Gooding Idaho – August 15^th
Magic Valley Beer Festival – Down Town Twin Falls 3pm-5:30pm – August 18^th
Canyon Crest – (outside on patio) 8pm-11pm – August 18th
Twin Falls Tonight – Downtown Twin Falls – August 22nd
The Cove Camp Out – Twin Falls – September 8th

Check their schedule on their website: www.jasonlugoband.com or “LIKE” them on FACEBOOK to stay current with all their events.

From skiing to skimming, boarding to bottoming out, Pomerelle Resort’s 2^nd annual Slush Cup Pond Skim is becoming a rite of passage for many skiers and snowboarders to celebrate a great season of winter sports and usher in the coming of spring.

True to its name, The Slush Cup Pond Skim challenges the ability of skiers and boarders in gliding the length of a water-filled pit. After gaining speed from atop a snow covered hill, participants hit the slush at top speeds hoping to maintain balance and avoid a topple into the chilly waters. Though such fall is more likely bruise egos than body parts, most participants throw pride to the wind and arrive for the competition sporting sassy outfits ranging from Alice in Wonderland to make-up laden band members of KISS. Competitors also entertain onlookers by attempting jumps, flips and slides across the waters.

“People like the possibility of seeing crashes,” laughed Pomerelle spokesperson Jody Burrows, “but it’s really just a great end of the season celebration.

Though the 2011 Slush Pond event met an early end after the tumble of a resort worker resulted in a torn lining and water leak, measures are in place to ensure the survival of this year’s pond and a good time for all.

“The Pond Skim is something everyone can do,” said event coordinator Zack Alexander. “You don’t have to be professional; you just need to be able to stand on skis or a board.”

Be part of the fun! Come join the entertainment while enjoying the music and food provided.

The event will be held Saturday April 7th, 2012 at the Pomerelle Mountain Resort. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and will close 12:30 p.m. Entry fees are $15 with a $10 charge for race numbers which will be refunded upon the return of the numbers.

Competitions will then get underway at 1 p.m. with awards for categories which, at the time of publishing, had not yet been determined.

A release waiver signed by parents or guardian is required for all participants under 18.

A copy of the release waiver can be printed off at www.pomerelle.com

Contact Pomerelle Mountain Resort for questions: (208) 673-5599

2011 Slush Cup Contestants