Hike # 17: Veterans Memorial Park - Boise Cascade Lake Loop

What could be better than celebrating your 60th birthday with  the 5 women with whom you have celebrated every past birthday for the last 18 years?

Hiking with those women - in celebration of 60 hikes during the 60th year!

Today my birthday group treated me to a picnic in the park - Veteran's Memorial Park in Boise. Despite the 90 degree weather, we were shaded by wonderful trees (thankfully), treated to a Gyro Salad (love Greek food), red velvet cupcakes (yum), a squirt gun fight (refreshing), a memory book (touching), hiking gifts (yeah), and a walk around Boise Cascade Lake (fantastic)!

This hike was written up in my new favorite book, Best Easy Day Hikes Boise by Natalie Bartley (a great present from my hubby). The remarkable thing about Boise, is that it has pockets of paradise tucked in unexpected places. And even more remarkable is that people have created trails to and around these city surprises. Perfect for novice hikers, like myself and there are lots of them just waiting to be discovered. 

Those little dots floating in the center/right of the picture are baby Canadian Geese. 

For example, I never knew about Boise Cascade Lake... and it is only 5 miles from my house. Even at 8:45 PM, this lake was being enjoyed by lots of people. The trails around the lake were filled with walkers (hikers... I meant hikers), bikers, and people of all ages who were enjoying the great outdoors and all that Boise has to offer. 

Thanks Ladies, for a great birthday celebration!