Thursday, July 31, 2008

Deer Flat Nature Trail and Visitor Center


We just got back from a hike on the Deer Flat Nature Trail. We saw lots of cool wildlife on our hike and afterwards enjoyed the visitors center. We got real hot, real fast, but we still had fun. My son kept asking "when are we going on the hike?" as he ran along the path. I think he was expecting to climb a mountain--something more like Camel's Back Park. My daughter enjoyed snapping pictures of the wildlife and the scenery. She said her favorite part was the time we spent in the visitors center.

Although this trip was really fun, it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. When I hear the words "nature trail," I imagine narrow-winding paths, pine trees, wild flowers, and green brush. Not so with this nature trail. It's mostly a walk in the desert with a lake nearby and birds overhead. Not to say that that can't be fun, but you need to be prepared for it. Make sure you go in the morning or on a cool day because there's not any shade. And of course, wear sunscreen, hats, socks and shoes, and bring plenty of water.

While we were there we had the whole place to ourselves. It was very quiet and I enjoyed the time we had to commune with nature. Even if it's not green nature, it's still very beautiful and peaceful. The hike is a half mile and takes the average person about 30 minutes. It took us more like an hour because we stopped and got a lot of drinks.

Although I like to think of myself as an expert on Idaho, I somehow always end up getting lost in Nampa and Caldwell. (Is it just me?) But not this time. The directions given on the website were easy to follow and it was a lot easier to find than I thought it would be. It's just about 8 miles off the freeway. Go to the Deer Flat link for directions and more info.

We will do this again sometime. ***Four out of four stars.

2 comments:

Angela said...

Amanda- I nominated you for a blog award! You deserve it!! go check it out on Creative Homemaker for details!!

Amanda said...

Angela, thanks for the award nomination. I love your blog too.