Wagonhammer Happenings

Idaho RV Resort, Fishing, Camping, Boutique

North Fork Idaho April Showers Bring Spring Flowers at Wagonhammer

Written By: admin - Apr• 19•12
Springtime at Wagonhammer is a beauty to behold.  April showers in North Fork Idaho bring spring flowers. The mountains are a lush green topped by snow as the trees sprout their vibrant greens. It is always a feeling of wonder as we travel towards the park on the winding Highway 93 bordering the fast flowing Salmon River. Then as we approach Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground in North Fork Idaho, unlocking the gate is a moment of reflection of the past and another new season of happenings.
Elk roaming at Idaho RV Parks Wagonhammer Campground

Hunters lament "Where are the elk in fall?"

Abner and I just returned from a Cruise around the Hawaiian Islands in celebration of Fifty Years of Marriage.
Hawaiian Paradise from Shirley and Ab's Cruise Adventures

Hawaiian Paradise

We boarded Pride of America, a Norwegian Cruise Line Ship after spending several days in Honolulu to experience the islands with all their unique differences and beauty.  Pearl Harbor was a sobering experience but once again made you proud to be an American Citizen.
Bird of Paradise Flower in Hawaii

Hawaii Bird of Paradise Flower

We visited the islands of Maui, Hawaii (The Big Island) and Kauai with our last day being on our balcony with some bubbly enjoying Na Pali shoreline off of Kauai.
Our favorite was the Garden Island of Kauai but each destination offered history, incredible scenery and local friendliness. It was a very special vacation for both of us with lots of good stuff for the memory bank with a desire to return.
Water Falls Photo in Maui

Water Falls Galore in Maui

Easter Celebrations brought our family together for lots of food, fun and laughter.  Easter is a very special time as we celebrate a Renewable of Life Everlasting.
Wagonhammer family food, fun, laughter at Easter

Our Family Sharing Food, Fun and Laughter....Easter Love

April is a Bittersweet Moment as we say good bye to Havasu Family and Friends. We look forward in anticipation to our return to Idaho. This is our ninth season as owners and onsite hosts of what has become one of the top rated Idaho RV Parks.
We look forward to meeting our many Be Backs and New guests at Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground. We are also very grateful for the many friendships developed over the years in the Salmon Valley River Area.  We are so looking forward to our friends and family visits during our Wagonhammer camping season.
Wagonhammer Campground in North Fork Idaho in Spring

Spring photo of Wagonhammer Campground in North Fork Idaho

I also look forward to restocking the Wagonhammer Gift Shop as the new merchandise and treasures arrives. Just had a guest call that had spent an evening at Wagonhammer in 2008 and are now returning for several days.  We are so glad that her memories of parking on the Salmon River edge and treasures found at Wagonhammer gift shop called her back to us. I have been looking for a special name for the shop and “The Lodge” sounds good but I am still awaiting other suggestions. If you have an idea, e-mail me at wagonhaamerrv@gmail.com.
For reservations at Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground call us at (208) 865-2477.   Check our web at wagonhammercampground.com.  The Salmon Valley Chamber of Commerce is also a good source of local happenings.
Wagonhammer RV Park is located in North Fork Idaho, the gateway to the Frank Church Wilderness of No Return, and just 20 miles north of Salmon Idaho, There are many, restaurants, sights to see, local events and fun things to do in the Salmon Idaho area.
We look forward to your stay May through early November and wish all RVer’s Safe Travels this camping season!
Just a reminder to our spring camping guests, Spring is beautiful at Wagonhammer as “April Showers in North Fork Idaho Bring Spring Flowers at Wagonhammer”!

Busy, Most Interesting March With Friends & Family

Written By: admin - Apr• 02•12
Springtime in the Desert is spectacular with an abundance of brilliant color; my floral photos are right in our Arizona front yard.  I will never forget my dad Aaron saying I so want to see the desert in bloom as quoted in Isaiah:  The desert shall rejoice and blossom.  My Dad did visit and so enjoyed the many contrasts of the desert.
Wagonhammer RV Park Guests Visit Arizona
Dick and Carolyn Weise, long time friends of the Sowerby’s from Michigan visited Wagonhammer and one of his favorite activities was kayaking the Salmon.  In fact Dick created the river map from Salmon to Wagonhammer with all the docks with the mileage which is posted in our lodge used by many of our guests to plan their river explorations.
Dick and Carolyn brought their two kayaks with them on their cross country RV trip and we arranged a kayak adventure from Bob and Carrie’s Havasu Spring’s home
Carolyn Thanks for the recipes for our anticipated Wagonhammer cookbook. If you have a favorite recipe please forward.

Dick and Karen Weiss Michigan kayaking at The Springs

Mary and Brian Davis, Idaho Falls have claimed #11 at Wagonhammer for the month of October for years as Salmon Fishing is one of their favorite sports. They also enjoy Salmon’s golf course during their summer Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground stays. They rented a home in Goodyear, Arizona for several months to enjoy the sunshine and the golf courses. It was great to have a visit with Brian and Mary on our Arizona turf. Together we enjoyed a Havasu tour and their photo shot was by an interesting sculpted fish by our main street Red Onion restaurant as fishing is what brought us together in Idaho.

Mary and Brian Davis of Idaho Falls visit Havasu and a favorite Red Onion restaurant

Jan and Jerry, Bob’s Mom and Dad, our daughter Carries in-laws have visited Wagonhammer several times.  It was always a reunion for our families and together in Havasu. We reunited for treasured moments. We hope to visit with Jan and Jerry this summer for several days in Anacortes Washington as this would be a new venture for Abner and I.

Daughter Carrie with husband Bob and family

We all enjoyed Papa Hemme’s specialty Bloody Mary’s.

Papa Hemme serving up his Bloody Mary specialty

Many of you will have memories of Jordan’s Wagonhammer visits over the years as he loves the Salmon River and with his Dad is a successful bow and arrow huntsman He has a keen interest in sports and we were able to cheer him on at the high school in line hockey tournament. They won the tournament with Jordan finishing the day with four goals and three assists.  Jordan plans on attending ASU this year and hopes to be part of their sports program.  Grandparent’s pride and enjoyment is superb and we love their Wagonhammer summer visits.

Arizona Hockey, Grandson Jordan and bud Garrett

Jordan in Action

This week Abner and I are looking forward to a Hawaii vacation in celebration of fifty years of marriage. We will be exploring the islands on a cruise ship.   This will be a grand get away just before we plan our opening of our ninth year at Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground in North Fork Idaho.
Both Arizona and Idaho have become valued parts of our lives.  We so treasure our many acquaintances and dear friends in both states and remember today is a treasure, yesterday is history, and tomorrow is a mystery!!!!!

Wagonhammer Off Time Adventures

Written By: admin - Feb• 28•12

January ended with great celebrations as I experienced 7 decades of a good life with many blessings of great memories and friendships experienced on the journey of life. No road is long with good company and I have been so gifted with a great husband and family always making each day a treasure to behold.  Ab and our daughters made my birthday very special by hosting a champagne birthday luncheon for 20 of my girlfriends at The Refuge.  Great laughter and reminiscing made this a day to remember. He who laughs lasts!!

Girlfriends 70th Birthday Luncheon Am I Lucky

Of great interest was the invite to attend a dinner with Sheriff Joe Arpaio in early February.  I am sure many of you have heard of our Arizona Sheriff who is so famous for his pink underwear and tent city jails. He believes strongly for justice and isn’t frightened to say it as it is.  He also has a great splash of humor to add to his many encounters with every level of mankind and the political world. Go Joe!!!!!   We enjoyed the evening with Joe and Deena, Fred & Lynne, and daughter Carrie & Bob who have visited Wagonhammer over the years.

Ab & Shirley Schultz enjoyed dinner with Sheriff Joe Arpaio

Shopping for the Wagonhammer shop has also been a big part of my time as I was able to visit two buying markets in the past few weeks.  I always love the challenge to find new collections with unique finds to make “The Shop” an exciting experience for our guests and this year will be no exception as the new merchandise arrives in this spring.  The colors were just fabulous with a resurgence of the brilliant jewel tones with quite a splash of bling.

Jewels and Scarves All Together !!!

I also discovered many new gift giving ideas for our RVers and our many Salmon local shoppers.     I am looking forward to featuring my shop on our new local web site.   I have been thinking that my shop needs a name all its own rather than just the Wagonhammer shop so I would love to hear from you with any suggestions.

Come see the new additions at Wagonhammer Gift Shop this summer!

Color, Color and more Color!

This past week we enjoyed an outing to Las Vegas with our London Bridge RV Group.  We stayed at www.oasislasvegasresort.com which I would recommend to you all if you are in the area. We were near the Bass Pro Shop with its beautiful aquariums and wild life.  Endless shopping great dining and casinos are all nearby.  I most enjoyed our fellowship with our group where we enjoyed games and shared food and just good conversation in the most accommodating clubhouse.  I did delight in winning the pot of quarters at a game of 31 !!!!!
Thank-you for the incoming reservations for our Idaho RV Park.  It is always exciting to hear the voices of the Be Backs but very special to hear from newcomers that have found us through the Internet or by recommendations of friends.  We look forward to opening for our 9th year at Wagonhammer May 1st.

High Times at Lake Havasu City Balloon Fest

Written By: admin - Jan• 24•12
2012 Havasu Balloon Fest Rising

Colorful Balloon Rising

Lake Havasu City, our home town for 32 years has just successfully hosted our second “Havasu Balloon Fest” with incredible success. Abner and I hosted “The London Bridge RV Group” at the Balloon Fest Official RV Site on the Island just next door to the Nautical Inn, the site for all of the festivities.

What is so incredible about this event is the mass community spirit with 700 plus volunteers making the fest bigger and better each year.  We more than doubled the attendance with 50,000 participants and the appearance of 70 Balloons.  What a colorful sight to behold!!!!  On Sunday morning the last day of the event we sighted 35 balloons right from our RV location and also witnessed 3 balloons landing in our immediate area.
Havasu Balloon Fest Photo View From RV Sites

Havasu Balloon Fest photo courtesy of Ed Wheeler

The activity area right on the Nautical Inn Golf course provided entertainment, many merchant booths and a great selection of food and drink to whet your appetite. There was also numerous car clubs boasting their rods and relics.
Lake Havasu Balloon Fest Balloon Rising Up Up and Away

Up, Up, and Away!

We enjoyed spending time at our Furniture booth Michael Alan, seeing many of our old and new customers. Michael Alan with Desert Floors sponsored a balloon called “Tequila Sunrise“.  Needless to say it was one of the most colorful balloons in the skyline.  Our manager Vanessa had her first hot air balloon ride and this is what she said.

“It is a site to see when you are looking up at them, but even more amazing when you are in one of them looking down.  The beauty of the lake, the sunset, the city and all of the other balloons were breathtaking. MAGICAL…I will cherish this very special gift always.”
Probably my all time favorite moments was being right in the Balloon field and watching the balloons inflating at a moment of time called “The Mass Ascension which was followed by The Evening Glow!!!   The colors, the sounds of whooshing air, the children’s shrill laughter and the oohs and ahs all just made it a special moment.
We were thrilled to share the moment with Wagonhammer Guests from the past years, Sheri and Larry Cox.
Sushi Hot Air Balloon Rising at Havasu Hot Air Balloon Festival

Sushi Hot Air Balloon Rising

Thanks go to the organizers Constant and Bob representing both the Kiwanis and Rotary Club.  I can’t imagine the number of hours they with their wives have freely dedicated to make.  Thanks to Ed & Rosie Wheeler, Wagonhammer Hosts for many years, for photos and your many hours of dedication to this event.  This annual Havasu Balloon Fest is a family event for our community and a tourist attraction for Lake Havasu City.

Humpty Dumpty Hot Air Balloon Launches

Humpty Launches

Everyone is welcome to attend the The Third annual Lake Havasu Balloon Fest – January 2013   Enjoy their web site at www.havasuballoonfest.com

Just a reminder, if you are planning a summer or fall RV trip or camping trip.  Wagonhammer RV Park in North Fork Idaho offers a delightful RV destination park if you like scenic beauty, pristine park settings, and lots of outdoor adventure including ATV trail rides, Salmon River fishing, hiking, horseback riding, famous White water river rafting or smooth scenic floats.

Lake Havasu Hot Air Balloon Fest Night Glow

Night Glow

We hope you too will discover why so many of our Idaho RV Park guests become regular “Be Backs” at Wagonhammer RV Park.  We strive to offer the comforts of home including on-site laundry facilities; excellent restrooms, great selection of Idaho wine, a cozy gathering place in our community room highlighted by a magnificent stone fireplace where our guests enjoy meeting new friends, playing games or creating beautiful jewelry from Shirley’s collection of unique beads for sale and even shopping for treasures in Shirley’s gift shop.  Come one, come all the coffee’s on from May through early November! Give us a call at 208-865-2477 to reserve your spot today!

Wagonhammer RV Reflects on 2011, Anticipates 2012

Written By: Shirley - Jan• 10•12
2011 REFLECTIONS….2012 ANTICIPATIONS
Our 2011 Idaho RV Park season began with a rainy June which made the surrounding mountains a long lasting lush green with great waters for Salmon River rafting and kayaking.
We were pleased to have several family reunions, Good Sam Groups and our very first wedding in September.  The Humphrey Happening also brought quite a jeep gathering who enjoyed our surrounding trails
The season ended with a good salmon steel head run with a full park of hunters and fishermen.  My grand finale at the Wagonhammer shop was a phenomenal High Country Trail.
Many thanks to my girlfriends who helped to make it an exciting experience to our many valued customers.  Diane Deeg, a be back guest every October had fun helping the shoppers coordinating their purchases and my neighbor, friend and valued web master Beth McDonald with her great enthusiasm created a fun atmosphere.  I thank my many repeat customers and guests for enjoying my shop and it is always fun to have someone new pop in with great surprise when they are amazed at the many finds at the Wagonhammer Shop.

Fireplace in Wagonhammer's Gathering Room

Closing Wagonhammer’s Idaho RV Park  for the season is always a Bittersweet Experience!!!!  There are sad moments when we say goodbye to our many guests, friends and neighbors who have all made us feel so part of their community.  The Salmon scenic valley has a way of making you want to be part of and return.   The sweet experience is returning to Our Arizona home where we have lived for 30 plus years.  We have our treasured family and friends which we miss but many have also visited us at Wagonhammer.  We enjoy Lake Havasu with its surrounding mountains and lakes and the many activities.
Our first exciting happening was The 30 Year Anniversary of Michael Alan Furniture.  This business has been in our family for 30 years with our daughters the present owners.  They have received the honor of “Best Furniture Store in Arizona” so they bring great pride to both Abner & I.  If you are in the area stop by and visit Michael Alan.  You will enjoy!!!
Michael Alan Furniture in Lake Havasu City AZ

Voted "Best Furniture Store in Arizona"

Celebrations continued as we celebrated the marriage of our daughter Chris to Aaron Cooley.  We had a great gathering of friends and family at our home.  We welcome Aaron and his two sons Foster and Gavin to our family.
Chris and Aaron Cooley Wedding

Chris and Aaron Cooley Wedding

Christmas is always a time of great merriment with the many get togethers, church celebrations and the finale of the family feast which we were able to have on our back patio.
Family Christmas Dinner

Family Christmas Dinner

We welcomed in the New Year with fireworks throughout the city and anticipations of New Beginnings!!!!
2012  ANTICIPATIONS (to look forward to) at Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground
Each year we set goals to make Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground a better experience for our Many Be Backs and Our New, First Time RV Guests.  The scenic location between the mountain ranges and the beautiful Salmon River are a gift of nature and our Supreme Being.  We strive to maintain the RV Park surroundings and facilities at a high standard for your enjoyment.  Each year I try to learn more about the rich history of the Salmon Idaho area so your stay will be a time to remember.   I plan to focus on the historical happening in my Blog in 2012.  We know that some folks just come to Wagonhammer for rest and relaxation which is so understandable because of the serene quiet surroundings so we also appreciate this wish. We anticipate being your concierge helping you enjoy the surrounding activities – fine local food, rafting the Salmon river, historical landmarks, shopping and antiquing, scenic drives, hiking, fishing or whatever your dreams will be.
We have noticed a trend where our guests are staying for longer stays and using Wagonhammer as their home base to explore the surrounding digs.  I believe that this could be contributed to convenience of not moving each day and also the ever rising gas prices.  It just seems more relaxing and a great way to fully enjoy and flavor an area
Abner & Shirley Schultz owners Wagonhammer RV Park in Idaho

We look forward to seeing you soon! Abner & Shirley Schultz

I hope to add many new treasures to the shop as I will be going on purchasing and discovery trips.  We also plan on several RV trips while in Arizona and we always come home with new ideas for Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground.  I plan on sharing these ventures on my upcoming BLOGS.
The 2012 reservations are coming in which is always great excitement.  We also have several group commitments.  We welcome the return of  The Foretravel Motorcade Club for their second visit in June of 2012.
We also have a July Family reunion and the anticipation of several Good Sam Group returns
To make your reservations just e-mail at wagonhammerrv@gmail.com or call at  208 865 2477  as I can then verify space availability
We are looking forward to The return of our Many Be Backs and New RV’ers and Campers.   To learn more about Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground along with the Surrounding area check our web site at wagonhammercampground.com
Happy New Year!!!!   Happy Trails !!!!!!

The Tales of The Fisherman Wife

Written By: Shirley - Nov• 01•11

It is always interesting to me to find out what those wives do in their rigs while their men are on the Salmon River fishing for hours at a time. Of course we have good visits in the lodge and are even known to have a few good games of gin rummy, swap recipes or just chit chat about our family, careers and interests.

Gina Ellis, Utah is an accomplished seamstress and quilter and just happens to have a sewing machine with her. While at Wagonhammer Campground she created and sewed a Halloween Costume for her granddaughter and popped it in the mail. What a lucky grandaughter to have an original Halloween costume made with love.

Gina Ellis costume designer at Wagonhammer RV Park in Idaho

Mrs. Ellis costume designer

Mickey Bruce from Rexburg, Idaho is also a talented quilter who while she is here has been creating some beautiful handiwork with her linens which will be part of a masterpiece quilt. Mickey several years ago presented me with a treasure wall hanging quilt which is hanging in our lodge for all of our guests to appreciate.

Mickey Bruce Quilter Stay at Wagonhammer Idaho RV Park

Mickey Bruce Quilter Sewed Wall Hanging for Wagonhammer

Karen Jahn usually accompanies her husband Bud but this past week Bud went on a guided Steelhead trip with North Fork Guides.  This trip was an early Christmas gift from Karen and was very successful.   Bud had wonderful stories to tell over next morning’s coffee. He was able to land several fish, thoroughly enjoyed his guide Shawn who was very knowledgeable and was a great chef to boot.
Karen who is a creator of beautiful jewelry worked with her beads during the day and shared with Deena and me her magical results.

Karen Jahn Jewelry at Wagonhammer Idaho Gift Shop

Karen Jahn Jewelry

It is always of great interest for me to visit with our Wagonhammer guests and I never cease to be amazed by their many diverse backgrounds and varied careers throughout their lifetime. Last weekend we had a couple from Tasmania who were determined to land their first steelhead which they accomplished.
They left with happy smiles commenting that we will “Be Back”.  We were glad they discovered our Wagonhammer RV Park on the internet.

It’s the people, our guests that make Wagonhammer a very special Idaho destination.

High Country Trail – North Fork Idaho FUN

Written By: Shirley - Oct• 26•11

Kick off the Christmas Season with the High Country Trail, Friday and Saturday, November 4th and 5th from 10:a.m. to 5:p.m.
The High Country Trail starts just before 4th of July Creek Road ending at Gibbonsville on scenic Highway 93 North.

Woodland Santa Collection at Wagonhammer Gift Shop in North Fork

Woodland Santa Collection at Wagonhammer Gift Shop in North Fork

Oh Christmas Tree

There are 5 wonderful and unique shops, each with it’s own ambience and special treasures just waiting for you to discover. We have handcrafted gifts, Christmas decor and ornaments, western art,  jewelry, custom embroidered items, custom floral arrangements, hand crafted steak and carving knife sets and much more. You will find many speciality gift items with something unique for everyone.

Come see us at Diamond Creek Company, Wagonhammer RV Park Gift Shop, Mountain K Cutlery, River Lodge Interiors, and The Broken Arrow.

Rosemarie at Broken Arrow will be serving her special Mexican lunch with margaritas and as you are travelling the trail you will be treated to special treats and incredible finds.

It is a wonderful way to catch the holiday spirit by visiting these speciality shops on the Scenic High Country Trail!!!! Get together your friends to enjoy a special day together and get a head start on your holiday list or just spoil yourself with special treasures.

If you have any questions just call Shirley at Wagonhammer (208) 865 2477

It’s Happening Wagonhammer Steelhead Season Fall 2011

Written By: Shirley - Oct• 22•11
Steve Stanger, Idaho Falls says it the best. Abner asks how is it going ? Robert’s response is “I am living my dream.”
Salmon River Steelhead Fishing at Wagonhammer RV Park

Salmon River Steelhead Fishing at Wagonhammer RV Park

Our many Be Back fisherman and their diverse personalities is what makes Wagonhammer Campground a fisherman’s dream destination with their RV and camp sites right on the Salmon River. They are able to launch their drift boats at our private Wagonhammer launch. I look forward to this time of the year as the fish tails are exchanged around the campfire or at Monday night chili feed in the lodge. The beauty of the everchanging colors, the brisk fresh air and the sound of the river all add to the mystic of our fishing camp at Wagonhammer and the rest is history.
Steelhead Fishing on Salmon River at Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground
Randy Ellis, Syracuse, Utah tells me that he caught his first steelhead twenty-five years ago so I have been hooked ever since. They have returned this year for their third season and are already booked for next year on one of those RV sites right on the river. We are also pleased to be the destination for Western Rivers FLYFISHING, Salt Lake City, Utah. They enjoy tenting right by the river for their get away weekends.
Salmon River Steelhead Fishing is Great

Jim Bruce,Salmon River Steelhead Fishing is Great!

We congratulate Jim Bruce, Rigby for his 37 inch, 17 inch girth wild steelhead, just caught the other day. The smile on Jim’s face said it all Congratulations Jim !!!! We boast about our many in resident guides and are proud to say that local resident since 1975, Ed Link, our friend knows this river and area like the back of his hand. Give him a call at (208) 865 2535 or check him on line at www.northforkguides.com or e-mail Ed northfrk@centurytel.net if you are seeking expert advice on this artistic art of fine flyfishing. Just last evening Ed’s words were the Salmon river has dropped, it is clear and they are victorious with bait, lures and flies. Just Great !!!!
Below Brian Greenhalgh and his fish reeled in at our RV Park on the Salmon River
Steelhead fishing from Wagonhammer Campground in North Fork Idaho
We must mention a few successful fisherladies, Shelly Greenhalgh (below) from Idaho Falls, Liz Speaks from Jacksonhole Wyoming, and Kristy Vitale from West Haven Utah. I get the message that they at times out do the guys.
Steelhead Fishing in Idaho
We are so happy to welcome back our many fisherman and love to hear them say as they enter the Wagonhammer front door “We are Home”
We have a few spaces open at Wagonhammer so come join the gang at Wagonhammer just call (208) 865 2477
Thanks, Brian,Ed and Joe for the photo ops
The fishing is great on the Salmon River

The fishing is great on the Salmon River

“Good Sam” Continuing a Tradition of Serving RVers

Written By: Shirley - Oct• 09•11

Idaho RV Destinations visit Wagonhammer a Good Sam Park in IdahoThe Good Sam Club began in 1956 when a group of RV owners put Good Samaritan bumper stickers on their rigs so fellow members would know they could get help on the road. In the early days, Good Sam members spread the word at RV parks and other Club events. Soon everyone wanted to know how to get a Good Sam “smiling decal”.   The Club grew and grew.

Today, the goal remains the same as from those days: to make RVing safer and more enjoyable, and save members money through Club endorsed benefits and services. The Good Sam Club is now over 1 million members RVing families strong and growing! Members have fun, stop to help one another and meet our responsibilities to the environment, highways and parks.

Wagonhammer RV Park and Campground is proud to qualify as “An Official Good Sam Park” which in turn saves the good Sam Members a discounted rate. We find that many of our guests use The Trailer Life Directory as their Bible and Guide in selecting their Destination Park as the rating system is very reliable.

Wagonhammer RV and Campground is very proud of a 2011 Award of Excellence for outstanding achievement and commitment to excellence as one of the TOP 300 rated RV Parks in North America. This was a crowning moment for both Abner and I as we take great pride in our park.

Wagonhammer Receives Top 300 Good Sam Parks Award

Mike & Donna Oliverio, Marketing Consultants - Good Sam Parks

As an Idaho destination RV Park we are a favored choice for RV Group Outings. We were pleased to have two Good Sam Groups select Wagonhammer for an Outing.

Eagle Rock RV Good Sam Group, Idaho Falls came to visit us for several days in August with their favored area being Wagonhammer’s River Front Sites. They enjoyed the camera ready shots in their very own front yard of elk and deer crossing the river and our Bald Eagle swooping over the Salmon River.  Salmon City and the River Road are always points of venture for the group and of course they enjoy the camaraderie with both great sharing food and lots of chit chat and laughter. Thanks to Chuck Dawley, Wagonmaster for putting together a great rally.

Good Sam Eagle Rock RV Group stays at Idaho RV Park Wagonhammer Campground

Wagonhammer welcomes Good Sam Eagle Rock RV Group

The Bitterroot Good Sam Group hailing from the Hamilton, Montana area chose mid September to return to Wagonhammer for several days of fun and relaxation. They rafted the river, played golf in town and some of the gals made jewelry in the lodge. They treated themselves to gourmet dining at 100 Acre Wood, a very quaint and excellent dining experience just 5 miles from Wagonhammer. Jon and Nancy serve food which is a feast for both the eye and the stomach. Also I must mention that the men of the Bitteroot Group prepared 2 full breakfasts for their ladies.   This group enjoys River’s Edge as their gathering spot.

We are pleased to say that both groups are “Be Back”.  We welcome Good Sam Groups to our Park to enjoy our beautiful grounds and the surrounding area rich in pristine wilderness, an abundance of wild life, shopping and dining. Just call us at (208) 865-2477 to arrange your date and I will forward a packet of information to make your stay enjoyable for all.

For anyone wishing to become a Good Sam Member we sell memberships at our front desk which will immediately give you Good Sam Member benefits.

Mike and Donna Oliveria, Good Sam

Abner and Shirley Further Explore Idaho

Written By: Shirley - Oct• 03•11

Thanks to our hosts, James and Marianne, Deanna and Joe and Sue and Tom we were able to further explore our beloved Idaho for the second time this season.
Our destination was Lava Hot Springs in Southern Idaho. We had always wanted to visit friends David and Colleen Day from the area who had visited Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground in the Spring of 2010. The whole trip came together while we were having our Wagonhammer social hour and discovered that guests Jody and Londa were the owners of The Alpaca Inn, Lava hot Springs.  We made reservations at their lodge for a 2 night stay.

Londa and Jody greet us at their Alpacca Inn

Londa and Jody greet us at their Alpacca Inn

We followed The Salmon River Scenic Byway, Highway 93 South to Arco then highway 26 to Blackfoot. Our usual route is the quickest way so we were able to experience new country on our way to Blackfoot. We then connected to I 15 South to The Lava hot Springs Exit. We were graciously greeted by our hosts Jody and Londa at the Alpaca Inn. They have very tastefully renovated what was once an apartment building to a charming inn. The rooms have every amenity wanted including very comfortable beds. We discovered that Jody had constructed the rustic pine furniture and Londa has used her green thumb to make a very attractive yard. Enjoyable photos of their very own alpaca from their Willow River Farm nearby are found throughout the rooms. I also enjoyed Londa’s gift items which included her very own jewelry and alpaca yarns, sweaters and scarves.

We so enjoyed our two days as we had our personal tour guides to show us the area. David and Colleen shared their farming area and we also toured the Museum and Visitor’s Indo Center. The history of the area was well displayed with the Hot Springs being the main attraction to town. The highlight of our visit was the pleasure of both Colleen and David sharing their talents with Abner and I. Colleen’s intarsia of a magnificet elk was just awarded the best of show at the local fair and she also came in second place at the state fair. Congratulations Colleen !!!

Colleen's Award Winning Elk

Colleen's Award Winning Elk

David is also quite an accomplished woodworker and has acquired and extensive collection of antique tools.

We all got together for an evening meal at The Wagonwheel Restaurant.

Lava Hotsprings in Idaho

Lava Hotsprings in Idaho

The next morning we visited the Lava Hot Springs. Long before white settlers discovered the natural, odor-free mineral waters in this quiet valley, the Bannock and Shoshone Indian gathered here to bathe, rest and worship. In 1911 The State of Idaho began to develop the hot springs and today it is an incredible relaxing experience surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.

We decided that rather than return to Wagonhammer via the freeway we would explore Soda Springs and follow The Pioneer historic Byway. We lunched at Alpine and enjoyed the Majestic Teton Mountain Range and the Star Valley area. The Palisades Dam Area and Swan Valley were also very picturesque. We headed on home via Rigby and highway 28 by the Lemhi range and river.
We now have a further appreciation of Idaho and would recommend The Alpaca Inn as a destination for your Lava Hot Springs visit.

It is always good to get back to Wagonhammer and are now looking forward to our fishing and hunting season and the return of our many guests who have become our friends.