Fort Henry Buckskinners Rendezvous

     The Fort Henry Buckskinners are a local, family oriented group dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of the mountain man.  Each year in early June they hold a Rendezvous along Conant Creek.  The Rendezvous is held at the location where a stone bearing the names of Andrew Henry and others, and dated 1810, was found.  Andrew Henry was a noted early explorer and trapper in the region.

     Here is a link to this year's Rendezvous flyer.  It contains detailed information on Andrew Henry and the Conant Creek Camp.  http://forthenrybuckskinners.org/Documents/FHB%20Rendezvous%20flyer%202011.pdf

     We crossed over the wooden bridge spanning Conant Creek and walked back in time.  We saw men, women and children in traditional clothing, heard the sounds of  black powder guns firing and watched as folks practiced throwing knives and tomahawks at log targets as they prepared for the upcoming competitions.

     Conant Creek at this time of the year is swollen, fast and muddy from the snow melt and runoff it receives from the west slope of the Teton Mountain Range.  Later in the summer the level drops, the water clears up and it is a specatcular little creek as it wanders through this beautiful valley.

      If you go there, remember the land Conant Creek passes through is privately owned.  Always seek land owner permission before entering the area.

     It was a crisp early morning when we arrived at the Rendezvous.  A hot cup of coffee from Aunt Ruthies warmed us up!

The neighbors stopped by for a visit.

     One day while we were away from the trailer the farmer put some cows on the pasture next to the R.V. Park.  When we pulled up to our site, the cows were spread out all over the pasture in the background.  As soon as we let our dog out, they all came running over to the fence and stood there staring at the dog.

     Where they just curious to see the dog, or was this some kind of herd protective action against a perceived threat?  Whichever it was, it got the dog's attention!  He went to trailer door with his ears and tail down and gave us a clear signal that he wanted "in" "now".

Melting snow helps renew the life of the forest and provide water for area farms.

     The previous winter brought an unusually heavy snowfall to the Targhee N.F.  As a result, there were several roads, including the Cave Falls Road, that were not completely open when our Tour began.

     Here, over the roof of the Jeep, a small waterfall cascades over the rocks along the Cave Falls Road.  The water is coming from a lake at the top of the hill fed by melting snow.  This is the head of Strong Creek.  Strong Creek, like all of the other creeks in this area, eventually add their water to the Henry's Fork of the Snake River.

     The crystal clear water of Strong Creek runs swiftly down through it's small canyon.

    Mossy Springs along the Cave Falls Road runs throughout the year and has provided a refreshing drink to travelers for many years.  The melting snow adds additional flow in the spring and early summer.

     Pools of water gather in the forest as the snow continues to melt.  These pools nourish the trees and animals who live among them.

     The melting snow helps to renew the home of the beaver.

Ashton: Adventure Starts Here

     The small town of Ashton, Idaho is perfectly situated as a home base for enjoying the spectacular beauty of the Targhee National Forest.

     Ashton's theme is "Adventure Starts Here".  It more than lives up to that promise.

      We parked our trailer at the Ashton R.V. Park. The Park is on the north edge of town and is close to area stores and restaurants.

     Aspen Acres, Jessen's R.V. Park and Squirrel Creek Guest Ranch also offer R.V. facilities for visitors.

     In addition, there are other private or Forest Service campgrounds in the area.  Contact the Ashton Chamber of Commerce or the Targhee N.F. office in Ashton for details.

       The A1 parked by our travel trailer in the Ashton R.V. Park.  When standing at the back of our trailer we can see the snow capped peaks of the Teton Mountain Range.

Ashton's Main Street.  Small in size, but big in so many other ways. The grain elevators at the west end of town announce to the world that this is a farming community.  In addition to growing those famous Idaho potatoes, area farmers grow wheat, barley, canola, and hay.  Local ranchers produce excellent beef.