Moose Creek Estates - Bob Wilson

Extreme 4-Wheeling - Friends Gary & Julie

2012-02-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

Many people in the Salmon, Idaho area / Moose Creek Estates area enjoy extreme 4-wheeling. Gary Beers (Gary Beers Construction and Julie Gott Dodd provided these photos taken last spring / early summer.

Freeman Creek

Deep Snow

Headed for High Country

Near the Top

Deep and Steep

Over the Rocks

Didn't Spill the Beer

Help through the Drift

High on Freeman Creek

Heading Down the Valley

The nearly three million acres of public land in Lemhi County provide limitless adventures for those who enjoy the outdoors. This is some of the most beautiful country in the continental United States.

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Steelhead Trout Fishing with Shane Parmer

2012-01-27T08:46:00.001-07:00

Shane Parmer, a long time friend, is one of the best steelhead trout fishermen I have ever met. Shane is also a knife maker among his many other talents.

This year was another stellar steelhead run. Shane graciously gave me permission to post a few photos of his fish and fishing the Salmon River which is only twenty miles from Moose Creek Estates.

Shane Parmer Fishing for Steelhead on the Salmon River

Shane Parmer with a Fine Steelhead

Shane with Another Nice Fish

Nice Catch Shane

Time to Head Home and Grill some Great Steelhead

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

2012-01-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

Mountain Fox Photographed on Trail Camera Last Week

I enjoy snowshoeing the trails in and around Moose Creek Estates. One of my favorite activities is getting out after a new snow and seeing all of the tracks of the various wildlife that has been out during then night prior. We have been enjoying the trail cameras as it can let us actually see the wildlife. The same night this was taken, we were also able to photograph an elk but the photo did not turn out well.

We look forward to getting photos of the many other species of wildlife this winter. I will post them as we get them.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Moose Creek Estates Blog Follower's Loyalty Reward Sale Extended

2012-01-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Moose Creek Estates would like to thank you who regularly follow our blog. In appreciation, we will be offering one lot for sale with conditions:

The promotion will only be advertised on this blog.

You may select any building site (raw land lot) pictured at http://www.moosecreekestates.net/idaho-land-for-sale.html

Sale price is offered to one of our followers at $189,500

Only one lot to be sold in this promotion

Sale closes on midnight February 29, 2012. To qualify, the selected lot must be under sales contract at that time.

Lot selection satisfaction assurance applies - http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/2012/01/expanded-sale-conditions.html

If a buyer purchases a lot (bare land) at Moose Creek Estates during this sale and up to 6 months later decides that they prefer a different unsold lot, Moose Creek Estates will exchange lots at no additional cost. The buyer will only have to pay recording fees, etc.

We will document this guarantee in the sales contract. This is a great time to take advantage of incredible Moose Creek Estates lot pricing with zero risk if you prefer a different lot after the snow melts.

Once again, thank you for following the Moose Creek Estates Blog.

Warmest regards,

Bob Wilson

(512) 773-1069

E-Mail: Bob@MooseCreekEstates.net

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Lodge on Lot 6 at Moose Creek Estates (Can be Your Dream Home)

2012-01-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Lodge on Lot 6 at Moose Creek Estates
The 12' Wide 200' Long Hardwood Deck is a Favorite Living Area in Summer Months

This exquisite 4,800 square foot log / frame lodge at Moose Creek Estates on the Idaho / Montana border is built on three levels. The large main floor has three bedrooms (one of which is a second master suite), two bathrooms, a spectacular kitchen and large living room, and unparallelled mud room and laundry room. A loft / office occupies part of the top level. The lowest level consists of a large master suite / living area, bathroom with four by five foot shower with two shower heads, storage room / walk in closet. The entire exterior of the lower level (all exposed concrete) is covered with beautiful river stone. With fireplaces, exterior walls, etc. there is more than one hundred tons of river stone.

Trout Pond in front of Lodge

A large herd of elk migrates onto the property in June to have their babies. It is common to see elk and deer and occasionally moose only twenty or thirty yards from the deck. Wildlife of all types are ever present on and around the property. In minutes you can be in the National Forest that surrounds the Moose Creek Estates on all but one corner. There you can hunt or photograph trophy deer, elk, black bear, and many other species. The development controls access to a 2.5 mile frontage and thousands of acres of National Forest.

This exclusive luxury lodge blends into nature as if it belongs here just as it was designed by architect Don Stamp.

Lodge in Winter

The fireplace was made to handle logs up to four feet long and eighteen inches in diameter. The antique skis on the wall give one and ideal of the scale of this warm and homey room. They are fourteen feet long. The large living area provides lots of space to entertain guests who love to join us year around. If you enjoy outdoor recreation, there are numerous activities every season.

Living Room on Main Level

Excellent downhill skiing and snowboarding is available only four miles up Highway 93 North at Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort which is known for it wonderful dry powder. Just a mile up Highway 43 from Lost Trail is the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Area with hundreds of cross-country skiing miles of trails and exquisite scenery. It is always nice to return from skiing, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing and warm up by one of two large fireplaces in the Moose Creek Estates lodge.

1 of 2 Fireplaces Accommodate up to 4 Foot Long Logs

Forty-four of the beautiful hand forged iron shields, by North Fork Forge, adorn the stair railings inside and outside. Stair railings are topped by iron fillets as are the front of each inside stair tread. North Fork Forge also created a hand wrought quaking aspen chandelier that spans nine feet between two of the large beams and is seven feet tall (see article on North Fork Forge earlier in this blog for more of their incredible iron art).

One of 44 Iron Shields that Adorn Stair Railings Inside & Out

Hand Forged Quaking Aspen Chandelier by North Fork Forge from Below

Hand Forged Chandelier by North Fork Forge seen from Loft

An art niche at the top of the loft stairs is a great place to display this silver mounted saddle made by world famous maker Ray Holes in 1952 as well as other arts and antiques.

Art Niche at Top of Loft Stairs

The twenty foot long bar is made from a standing dead beetle killed douglas fir from the property. The tree was 154 years old. Note the copper working surface and elegant one and one half inch thick, solid hickory cabinets in the kitchen.

Custom Bar - Note Part View of Door to Garage on Left in Front of Stairs

Bar Sink - Note Copper Work Surface on Custom Bar

A large island with vegetable prep sink and its own disposal enables for lots of cooks to share the kitchen. A custom English baked clay sink is showcased under granite with an earthy pattern that also adorns the other cabinets, counters and serves as a beautiful back splash.

A six burner Wolf Subzero gas stove makes cooking a pleasure. The large Subzero side-by-side refrigerator is faced by hickory as is the Bosch dishwasher.

Floors throughout the living areas, hallway, lower level master suite, storage / walk-in closet, and laundry room are solid rough-sawed hickory.

Spacious & Functional Kitchen with 1 1/2" thick Custom Hickory Cabinets & Rough Sawed Hickory Flooring

Wolf Subzero 6 Burner Gas Range - Work Surfaces Covered with Beautiful Granite

If ever there was a perfect laundry room, this is it. From the garage, one has the choice of entering the laundry room or the kitchen. This allows the laundry room to serve as a mud room. The builders didn't love the four hundred pound cast laundry sink near as much as we do.

There is ample storage for everything from coats and boots to kitchen supplies and the central vacuum cleaner system hoses. Everyone who sees this room expresses a wish that it was in their home.

Laundry Room When Doors were being Installed - Note Door to Garage

Laundry Room with Lots of Storage in Custom 1 1/2" Solid Hickory

All doors throughout the lodge, including closet doors are custom made from knotty alder. The home is trimmed in knotty alder throughout.

This view of one of the guest rooms is typical of the other bedrooms on the mail level - large and comfortable. It seems that everyone guest makes the same comment that it is the best night sleep they have ever had. It is easy to slow down and relax in this beautiful natural setting.

Guest Bedroom with Exposed Beam & Custom Knotty Alder Closet Doors

The ceiling in the kitchen and main level living area is constructed of a beautiful blue pine. The two massive main beams in the house measure 1 foot by 3 feet by 65 feet and weigh well over eight thousand pounds each. The massive structure of interconnected beams was designed to support ten feet of heavy, wet snow on the roof and is also a thing of beauty.

The custom antique wagon wheel & moose antler chandelier with rawhide shades provides part of the light to the office / loft area. Note the beautiful structural beams in the background. The quality of construction throughout the home has been described as cabinet quality and tolerances. The entire lodge is a work of art.

Custom Chandelier

Blue Pine Ceilings & Massive Interlocking Beam Structure

We are using the lower level master suite as a large bunk room to accommodate our many children and grandchildren who love to visit us at Moose Creek Estates. Each custom made (Boynton Brothers) log bunk features a full size bed on the bottom and twin on the top.

The large walk-in closet / storage features floor to ceiling shelves as well as lots of room to hang clothes. The fireplace insert in the lower master suite is 99.5% efficient and uses very little wood for the amount of heat generated.

Lower Level Master Suite Seen from Door to Patio & Pond

Lower Master Suite Seen from Living Area

Lower Level Master Suite from Stairway - Note Beautiful Inset Hickory Bookcase

This beautiful suite opens to a lower patio and the trout pond as well as to the lower parking area. It is common to see all kinds of wildlife out the windows of the master suite as well as the other levels of this unique home.

Trout Pond off Lower Level Parking & Master Suite

The bottom level master suite bath features ample cabinetry and storage made of solid inch and one half hickory. The four by five foot tile shower has two shower heads and massive plate glass doors as do the other bathrooms in the house.

4' x 5' Lower Level Shower with Dual Shower Heads & Seats

Lower Level Bath with Ample Storage in Hickory Cabinets

Click here for more photos of the Lodge / Model Home on Lot 6 at Moose Creek Estates

For more information, call Bob Wilson at (512) 773-1069

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort - 4 Miles from Moose Creek Estates

2012-01-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

A great part of our Moose Creek Estates experience is Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort just four miles up the highway. The resort is world-famous for its great dry powder.

The limitation of overnight accommodations make this wonderful ski playground devoid of lines. Words can't begin to convey the skiing / snowboarding experience just up the road so I will try to show you this beautiful resort with a few videos. They aren't necessarily up to date so some of the recent improvements may not be reflected.

The Grasser family run a first class resort and your quality experience is their top priority. This is a must visit ski resort. We love it!

Snowboarding at Lost Trail Powder Mountain - 4 Miles from Moose Creek Estates

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Year End Reflections

2011-12-23T08:21:00.001-07:00

This Week @ Moose Creek Estates - by John Goodman

My wife, Beth and I are still in Texas enjoying the holidays with our children and grandchildren here. We have had a wonderful Christmas season. The only thing that would have made it any better would to have had our son Brett and his family here from Utah.

This time of year, I enjoy reflecting back on the past seasons and can certainly say without hesitation that this has been one of our best. We had numerous friends and people who have since become friends visit us at Moose Creek and enjoy our beautiful piece of Idaho and many adventures in the area. Beth and I have frequently agreed that the best part of having taken on the Moose Creek Estates project has been all the new and wonderful people we have met.

The area is 93% Public Land so we can enjoy all of the mountain lakes, whitewater and fishing rivers and streams, ghost towns from the mining in the 1800's, mountain trails, horseback riding, exploring, 4-wheeling, etc. Every day or two we enjoy a new adventure in this beautiful area.

We especially enjoy sitting on the deck in the evenings after a nice dinner. Here we visit as we watch the deer, elk, and other animals come out of the forest to graze - sometimes with twenty or thirty yards of the deck. The baby elk are my favorite to watch. Often, we watch the yearling and cow elk chase each other around the trees in their form of play. Where else can you see something like that right off your deck.

View North from about Lot 18

As many of you know who have visited us at Moose Creek or have followed our blog and web site, we have invested heavily in environmental enhancement. This have been especially rewarding as we have seen a dramatic increase in the numbers and even species of wildlife who dwell here now. Animal species that have been absent for decades have moved back in. It reminds me of the movie "Field of Dreams", build it and they will come. Chinook salmon, yellow marmot, Columbia ground squirrels, and my favorite, beaver have returned.

We now have at least two clans of beaver living in the local streams. One of these is in the North Fork of the Salmon River and the other at the mouth of Pierce Creek. They are a beautiful and intelligent animal. It is amazing to watch them build their dams and homes with the underwater entry.

Beaver Dam on the North Fork of the Salmon River @ Moose Creek Estates

We very much look forward to meeting those of you who plan to visit Moose Creek Estates in January to take advantage of our sale. I can't wait to get on snowshoes to hike the trails at Moose Creek and skis at Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort 4 miles up the highway from us.

We wish you all a wonderful and prosperous New Year.

Warmest regards,
Bob and Beth Wilson

I can still remember the first time I arrived at Moose Creek Estates. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and calm of the place. MCE is to this day the most serene place I've ever been. The property has had so much care, so much effort put in to keeping it beautiful and in such amazing shape. I love the walking trails, the creek, the endless wildlife and the proximity to great areas like Lost Trail Ski Resort, Salmon Idaho and even world class steelhead fishing. My family loves it, my friends who have spent a couple weekends at Moose Creek all love it, and I love it. I can't wait for the next chance to get back to a true home away from home, which is why I bought here over 2 years ago.Nate SpeerCarlsbad, CA

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Moose Creek Estates (MCE) FAQs

2011-12-12T14:17:00.000-07:00

Click on photos for more photos / detail...

Ifyou love nature and outdoor recreation, MCE is absolutely the finest lifestyle available where you experience nature at its best. We see deer, elk, moose, and other species of wildlife out our windows and off our deck.

MCE is surrounded by national forest on all but one corner so no one can ever build around us.

MCE is a gated community with our own state-of-the-art fire equipment and we are one of 16 Idaho Firewise Communities.

MCE offers plenty of privacy with just 30 (two to eight acre) home sites carefully situated on a 2.5 mile long valley in 200 acres of prime mountain real estate.

MCE’s Operations Manager lives on-site to provide road maintenance, environmental enhancement and security.

You can walk out your back door and be in the National Forest with trophy elk, moose and deer, and black bear. We control exclusive access to 2.5 miles of National Forest and 10s of thousands of acres.

MCE is environmentally focused and walking through our spacious property easily differentiates us from the rest.

The North Fork of the Salmon River runs through the length of the property to provide a great fly fishing experience.

The entire river corridor has been donated to the Home Owners Association and can never be developed allowing homeowners and their guests exclusive opportunity to view the wildlife and flora in a pristine setting along the nearly three miles of GROOMED hiking / biking trail along the North Fork River.

Effective deed restrictions protect the integrity of the investment as well as the environment.

One lot has been set aside for an emergency services building.

Moose Creek Estate residents benefit from lower property insurance premiums as they are protected by the NFFPD Fire Department and Gibbonsville EMS services just 7 ½ mile from MCE. In addition, Lemhi County has committed to provide MCE with its own ambulance in the near future.

There are 3 million acres of land in the local Lemhi county. Only 285K acres of that is private land. The remainder is public land where you can fish, hunt, 4-wheel, etc. The population of Lemhi County is only ~ 10K.

The Salmon River is only 20 miles away and is world-famous for its whitewater rafting and salmon / steelhead fishing.

Easy access to Moose Creek Estates from the very well maintained Highway 93 all four seasons of the year.

Commerial airport at Missoula, MT within 95 miles and local airport in Salmon, Idaho has a 5500' runway.

Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort is only 4 miles up the road on the Idaho Montana border with its 25 runs, 5 lifts, 46 trails, & up to 2.5 mile runs.

MCE is winthin easy access to many nearby amenities including dining, shopping, the Arts, golfing, many different clubs of interest, hospital and great services along with many FINE contractors to build the home of your dreams.

The lots that have been sold are for a combination of retirement residences and second home sites.

As owner, Bob is not a developer by trade. Where a developer would come in and spend the minimum amount of money for curb appeal, sell the lots, and move on, Bob is a retired computer executive who loves this valley and plan to have a presence here for the rest of his life. Thus, he has spent several million dollars on environmental enhancement, etc. that a regular developer would never spend. The property reflects that. Bob loved MCE so much that he relocated there.

Owner financing available.

"Looking for a little piece of Heaven on Earth? Moose Creek Estates might just be THE PLACE for you. Nestled deep in the woods, backing up to a National Forest, this pristine land offers beautiful trees, streams and wildlife. The developers are fighting mightily to maintain and even improve upon what Nature so generously has given us. We were impressed with the conservation program and plans for further expansion. Each home site is unique.

We visited in the "Dead of Winter" and experienced the beauty of fresh fallen snow glistening in the moonlight as we sat dreamily by a warm fire, wine glasses in hand, snug as the proverbial bugs in a rug. The air is crisp, the sky is vast and the people are unbelievably friendly. What's more, they are anxious to share their little slice of paradise with those lucky enough to be invited. We met so many talented craftsmen and women who shared their knowledge of this unsung area of Idaho. We are anxious to return to experience this wonderful spot in other seasons as well!"

Beth E

I have a photo of the Moose Creek Estates (MCE)gated entry on my desk at work and look at it every day. I call them the "Gates to Heaven"; they keep me focused as to why I'm working and what I want out of life. Moose Creek is a beautiful place, maintained by people who truly care about the property as a whole and the surrounding forest. I only get to my lots once a year, for now, and every time I approach the MCE my blood pressure drops, my spirits rise and I am at peace with myself and my surroundings. The people I have met in the area over the years are genuine, hard working and honest with a tremendous amount of pride for the area and what Bob has accomplished since returning to the Salmon area. I especially enjoy the wildlife, the incredible night sky, and the clean fresh air There is always something to do all year round with hunting, fishing, skiing, hiking, four wheeling, and snowmobiles just to name a few. MCE is within a reasonable drive to shopping and antiquing and there is mail service! MCE has come a long way from when I first bought the property, it is improving every year, not just to enhance the value of the property but because it is the right thing to do with the community as a whole. MCE is a jewel surrounded by National Forests; it really is a one of a kind place.
John Valente

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December Moose Creek Estates Update

2011-12-08T14:58:00.001-07:00

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays from Moose Creek Estates

2011 has been a wonderful year. We have enjoyed hosting many friends and made many more friends at Moose Creek Estates. My treasures in life are my faith, family, and friends. Life is truly good.

Steelhead fishing has been great on the Salmon River (20 miles from Moose Creek Estates). If they haven't already, the fish will go dormant when the temperature of the river water drops to 36 degrees. They start moving again about mid-February when the ice melts and temperature warms. If you are looking for a great guided fishing experience, I can recommend Rawhide Outfitters without hesitation.

Luke Cranney with Rawhide Outfitters - Steelhead

Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort (4 miles up the highway from Moose Creek Estates) is open and the skiing / boarding is excellent.

Snowboarder at Lost Trail Powder Mountain Resort

The powder there is some of the best in the world. Here are some stats of the mountain there:

Elevation: Summit 8,200 ft – Lodge 7,000 ft – Base 6,400
Vertical Drop: 1,800
Lifts: 5 Double Chairs – 3 Rope Tows
Trails: 50+ marked trails on 1800 acres across two mountains
Longest Run: 2.5 miles
Annual Average Snowfall: 300″

Take a few minutes to check out their web site: http://www.losttrail.com/

It is shaping up to be a great season for cross country skiing, showshoeing, and snowmobiling. Many of the thousands of miles of US Forest Service roads in the county become snowmobile trails in the winter. Snowmobile riding is very popular in the area.

Snowmobiling on Lake Mountain into Iron Lake - Click on Photo for Flickr.com Photo Collection

Click Gates for Photo Overview of Moose Creek Estates, the Area, & Activities

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Moose Creek Estates Area Photos - A Diverse Collection

2011-12-06T11:33:00.001-07:00

Click on Either Photo to See Moose Creek / Salmon, ID Area Photos

Good Friend Jerry Baker on a Mountain Near Moose Creek Estates

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Link to Photos of Wildlife at Moose Creek Estates & in the Area

2011-11-27T12:30:00.001-07:00

Click on Photo to see Wildlife Photos at and near Moose Creek Estates

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

New Snow - Very Dry Powder with Great Views

2011-11-15T19:03:00.001-07:00

It is obvious that Beth and I are still enthused about the beautiful, relatively new, snow. We had about five inches of very dry powder this morning. It made me wish that Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort, which is only four miles up US Highway 93 North from Moose Creek Estates, was already open. We just had to get out to take a few photos starting with several shots of the view from the deck of the lodge here at Moose Creek Estates.

Unfortunately, when we got around to checking the trail cameras, they had photographed nothing in the last two nights. We put new batteries and memory in for tonight. Here are a few of our photos from this morning - mostly right off the deck of our lodge. Sorry for all the photos of snow but it is early in the season.

1800's Trapper Cabin and View South of the Deck of our Lodge at Moose Creek Estates

View Northwest off the Deck of our Lodge at Moose Creek Estates

View North off the Deck of our Lodge at Moose Creek Estates

View South from Moose Creek Estates

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Wildlife Along the Salmon River

2011-11-13T17:19:00.001-07:00

My good friend and iron artist / blacksmith, Don Moore, his son Jarred and Jarred's friend invited me to ride down the Salmon River to have lunch at the Shoup Store & Restaurant. I was glad to get out and always enjoy driving the Salmon River to see the beautiful scenery and wildlife. We drove to the Shoup Restaurant to find it closed so drove on to Panther Creek to enjoy lunch at Dan and Jessie Rufe's Mother Chuckar's Cafe where the food is always excellent.

After an excellent lunch, we drove back up the Salmon River. Along the way we saw dozens of deer, some elk, bald eagles, and Bighorn Sheep. I snapped a few photos to share with you, my friends, who take time to follow my blog.

Mule Deer Buck along the Salmon River

Mule Deer Buck above the Salmon River Road

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ewe along the Salmon River

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Ram along the Salmon River

Mule Deer Buck and Young Doe

Mule Deer Buck along the Salmon River

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First Real Snow @ Moose Creek Estates

2011-11-12T14:52:00.001-07:00

We enjoyed a wonderful evening with two couples from Salmon last evening over a dinner of steak and salmon prepared by Beth and John Goodman. A warm cozy fire burned in the large fireplace and propane lights on each side of the fireplace and over the bar added ambiance. Life is good on the mountain. The wealth in life is faith, family, and friends.

This morning, we awoke to about four inches of snow. I had to get out this afternoon to enjoy the new scenery and take a few photos.

View to the Southwest from Moose Creek Estates

View South of the North Fork of the Salmon River at Moose Creek

Lodge on Lot 6 at Moose Creek Estates after First Snow

1800s Trapper Cabin at Moose Creek Estates

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Frozen Beaver Dams on the North Fork of the Salmon River at Moose Creek Estates

2011-11-08T14:44:00.001-07:00

Beth and I decided to get out of the house to enjoy the scenery and swap out the memory in our trail cameras. We traded out the trail camera memory, which had no photos as we hadn't guessed correctly where the elk would be last night.

We wandered along the North Fork of the Salmon River, which flows through the 2.5 mile length of Moose Creek Estates, to enjoy the scenery after the last week of freezing temperatures. We were especially intrigued by the progress the beaver had made in modifying their environment to prepare for winter. After spending time wandering along the river in the cold (high 20's) we returned to our lodge at Moose Creek Estates to add a couple logs to one of the two, four foot fireplaces and warm up.

We dearly love being literally surrounded by wildlife and National Forest in our little 2.5 mile gated community. Life is very good here.

Stump Left from a Tree Felled by Beaver near the North Fork River @ Moose Creek Estates

Tributary of Beaver Dam where Beaver have been Transforming Raw Material into Food and Building Materials

Frozen Beaver Dam on the North Fork of the Salmon River at Moose Creek Estates

Frozen Beaver Pond on the North Fork of the Salmon River

Water Flowing over a Small Beaver Dam on the North Fork River @ Moose Creek Estates

North Fork of the Salmon River below Beaver Dam @ Moose Creek Estates

4 Foot Fireplace on the Main Floor of the Lodge @ Moose Creek Estates

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Wolves Leave Area - Elk Back

2011-11-05T20:26:00.001-06:00

The last of October, we began seeing wolf sign and the elk left the area. The wolves seemed to have moved on and we are seeing elk again. We have yet to get wolves on the trail cameras but are getting more photos of elk which we enjoy. It is great having the elk back.

Note: These are just a few of the many caught on camera that night. This is true of each posting of elk on trail camera.

The weather has cooled off here at Moose Creek Estates and we have a brief covering of snow on the ground.

Bull Elk 110211

Two Bull Elk 110211

Bull Elk Fighting 110211

Bull Elk 110211

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Beautiful Fall Day At Moose Creek Estates

2011-10-31T16:14:00.000-06:00

The sun was shining, the sky a beautiful shade of blue, and the temperature a cool 44 degrees here at Moose Creek Estates, our beautiful piece of real estate on the Idaho / Montana border. Beth and I decided that it was far too beautiful outside to be inside so wandered some of the land for sale here on the mountain. Below are a few of the photos we snapped as we enjoyed the nice views.

View North from Lot 11

View of North Fork of the Salmon River from Lot 11

View of the North Fork of the Salmon River from Lot 11

Quaking Aspen Grove that has Lost Most of its Leaves

View to the North from Lot 20

View Southwest from Lot 20

View to the South from Lot 20

View North of Lot 21

View North from Lot 24!

View North from Lot 24A

View South from Lot 24A

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Another Beautiful Day At Moose Creek

2011-10-25T09:14:00.003-06:00

Today is another wonderful day on the mountain. The temperature dropped and is only a crisp 25 degrees this morning. Elk are bugling all around. There were no trail camera photos yesterday so am off to check them this morning. I love hiking on and around Moose Creek Estates as one never knows what kind of wildlife we will see. Living here is a great experience.

Here are a few photos taken here a couple of days ago. Enjoy and have a wonderful day...

Quaking Aspen Grove on Lot 14

Old Cabins on Lot 13 - Photo by Marcia Whetstine

Quaking Aspen Grove on Lot 14

Quaking Aspens on Lot 14 & 17A

Quaking Aspen Grove on Lot 17A

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Hiking along the North Fork of the Salmon River - More Elk Photos

2011-10-22T10:41:00.001-06:00

Yesterday afternoon, John Goodman, our Operations Manager at Moose Creek Estates, dropped by to invite me to accompany him to swap out the memory cards in the trail cameras and tour the last month's Firewise forestry management / environmental enhancement. We hopped in one of the Polaris RZR 4-wheelers and drove to the trail cameras. The elk had been at the wallow near one of the cameras but had not visited the other. Here are a few of the elk photos:

From the trail cameras, John drove me around the property to show me where he had been burning piles of limbs that had been the lower branches of trees trimmed as part of our Firewise program as well as selective tree thinning he had done. When we reached the river corridor / green belt, we got out of the RZR and hiked up the North Fork of the Salmon River to see more of his work.

As we walked through the beautiful old growth forest along the river, I could feel a serenity and level of relaxation. Over the years of our environmental work, the river corridor has been transformed from a jungle with many trees that had fallen and made the area virtually impassible to a beautiful and healthy forest. The rain was sprinkling lightly and the sky overcast but the views were wonderful. Here are a few of the photos I took along the river as we hiked along it.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Home at Moose Creek Estates - More Elk Photos

2011-10-21T10:34:00.001-06:00

We arrived back at Moose Creek Estates late last evening after a few weeks away to visit family and friends in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. It is such a wonderful feeling to be back here on the mountain with wildlife all around. We experienced a nice rain last night with a cool temperature of 38 degrees F this morning.

A nice fire in the lower level fireplace is keeping our lodge / home nice and cozy. I can't wait to get out on the property but first have to unpack from the trip. Stay tuned for more photos of this beautiful area in the crisp fall weather. In the mean time, here are some photos of elk caught on the trail cams over the last few days.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Even More Elk on Trail Cam @ Moose Creek Estates

2011-10-16T09:58:00.000-06:00

Life in the mountains at Moose Creek Estates is so very serene. We love watching the deer and elk all spring, summer and fall as they roam freely around our North Fork of the Salmon River valley. They seem to realize that we are harmless as many come within just yards of the deck at our mountain home here. Once you experience this kind of living, it would be difficult living anywhere else.

Even more elk on trail camera from two days ago. A couple of hundred elk come into our little valley at Moose Creek Estates in the spring to birth their young. They spend the summer and fall in and around the property until the snow gets deep then migrate south to their winter range. They are great to have around. Note: the date is still not correctly set on the trail camera.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

More Elk on Trail Cam

2011-10-14T20:23:00.002-06:00

These bull elk were captured on trail cam at Moose Creek Estates over the past week. Apparently, when the batteries died, the date didn't get reset. Thus, the date is not set correctly on the camera. The elk and other wildlife make great neighbors. We absolutely love the life at Moose Creek...

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Upper North Fork HFRA Ecosystem Restoration Project Environmental Impact Statement

2011-10-14T17:14:00.001-06:00

Federal Register - Upper North Fork Ecosystem Restoration Project Impact Statement

We are excited to see this project get started. It will vastly improve the ecosystem and provide much more habitat for local wildlife. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will manage the actual work.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

2011-10-11T15:16:00.002-06:00

I am in TX for another week and reflecting on why my heart is tied so tight to Moose Creek. It boils down to some fundamentals.

First, we live in the midst of the best nature has to offer. We see deer, elk, moose, and numerous other species of animals off our deck and out of our windows.

Second, it is exciting to see new species of wildlife that have been absent for decades move into the property as a result of our environmental enhancement.

Third, (should really be first on the list) are all of the wonderful people that this beautiful piece of Idaho have become acquaintances and friends as a result of our being at Moose Creek. People have greatly enriched our lives as has this wonderful setting in which to live.

Life is very good...

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Moose Creek Estates Offers 10% Referral Fee

2011-10-05T09:01:00.006-06:00

Moose Creek Estates offers a 10% referral fee for lot / raw land sales made as a result of your telling someone about us. Please share with friends and acquaintances. E-mail me to document your referrals - bob@moosecreekestates.net.

http://www.MooseCreekEstates.net

http://www.MooseCreekEstates.blogspot.com

http://www.MooseCreekEstates.tumblr.com

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Moose Creek Estates September Update

2011-10-03T15:11:00.000-06:00

We have enjoyed a wonderful and busy summer at Moose CreekEstates. People visited us from all over the United States to experience thebeauty and recreation at and around our recreational haven. We enjoyedexploring mountain lakes, 4-wheeling the mountains around Moose Creek, flyinginto the Idaho wilderness, horseback adventures into the high mountains,whitewater rafting, fishing, exploring ghost towns, and of course eating anddrinking well.

Beth, John Goodman, and I enjoyed meeting new people anddeveloping new friendships with some incredible people. We have some new folksjoining our little community. Three lots arestill available at the discount price of $250K.If you are interested in owning beautiful land in an incredible area foroutdoor recreation, come visit us soon. We still offer seller financing.

Please forward a link to this to friends and acquaintances. We stilloffer the 10% referral fee for lots sold as a result of your telling someoneabout Moose Creek Estates. Besides, they may enjoy the photos and video ofwildlife and Idaho adventures.

Here are some fun links to photos, videos, blog postings,etc. of this summer’s adventures as local area scenery, etc.

A Perfect Day Along the Salmon River

Massive Bull Elk Caught on Trail Cameras

Beaver Dam Rebuilt after Washing out in Spring High Water

Beaver Dam Construction a Month Later

Whitewater Kayaking on the Salmon River

Wildflowers @ Moose Creek Estates

Exploring UP Lake – A Beautiful Lake above Salmon, Idahoonly Accessible on Foot, Horseback, or Quad

Video of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep on Panther Creek

Flying the Frank Church River of No Return in Small Plane

High Country Horseback Adventure - Raging Streams & Trails along the Cliff

Video of Elk by our Deck in June

Elk and Deer on Moose Creek Estates Hiking / BikingTrails

Burning Quad

Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River – Picasa Photos

Whitewater Rafting on the Salmon River - Slower Water

Local Area Adventure / Scenery Photos (Picasa)

Local Area Adventure / Scenery Photos (Flickr.Com)

Photos Taken at Moose Creek Estates – Wildlife &Scenery (Picasa)

Photos Taken at Moose Creek Estates - Wildlife & Scenery (Flickr.com)

Fish & Wildlife in the Moose Creek Estates Area –Photos

Join the Facebook Group:

Warmest regards,

BobWilson
President& CEO, Kokopelli Endeavors
Moose CreekEstates

E-Mail       Bob@MooseCreekEstates.net
Web Site   http://MooseCreekEstates.net
Blog         http://MooseCreekEstates.blogspot.com

Mobile 512-773-1069
FAX 512-233-5856

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

A Perfect Day on the Salmon River

2011-09-30T08:24:00.000-06:00

Wednesday morning, my wife, Beth, and I along with friends Steve and Susan Moranda and John Goodman enjoyed a drive down the Salmon River to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to have lunch at one of our favorite eateries - Mother Chuckar's Cafe on Panther Creek.

When I originally wrote this blog entry, I did it in my typically dry journalistic style with which I will probably always be burdened. What I neglected to mention before this revision was that this was a truly perfect day. I have experienced more exciting adventures but the thing that made this day perfect is that I was surrounded a few of by my best friends and family, the weather was great, and we saw numerous species of wildlife along the river.

The first of my friends who accompanied me is my wife and partner of 36 years, the mother of our wonderful children, who has supported me completely in raising a wonderful family, a successful corporate career, and pouring more money than anyone would believe into my dream of creating a healthy and diverse ecosystem at Moose Creek Estates.

One of the most important benefits of our journey from vision to creation of such a rich and healthy environment at Moose Creek Estates is all the wonderful people along that journey who have touched our lives in a wonderfully positive way and the many who have become our dear friends.

However, prior to our journey through the development and enhancement of our beautiful valley, we were blessed to have met our adopted family / friends of thirty-five years - Steve and Susan Moranda who have enriched our lives more than words can express.

John Goodman, who has been our friend and the co-architect (sometimes more the architect) of bringing Moose Creek Estates to the healthy and robust valley it is, was also able to join us. John has been with us managing the operations and environmental work there for nearly eleven years. He has been an employee, friend, part of our family, and environmental visionary / driving force behind achievement of the Moose Creek Estates vision. Without John, Moose Creek Estates would not have been such an environmental success.

Leaving Moose Creek Estates, we drove down the beautiful North Fork Valley to the main Salmon River about twenty miles away. Then, we followed the river as it turned west on the Salmon River Road. I should note that the Salmon River is world famous for its salmon / steelhead fishing as well as its whitewater rafting and kayaking.

We stopped at the Shoup Store and Restaurant which is under new management. It has enjoyed a complete facelift with new kitchen and excellent food. We couldn't leave without purchasing a loaf of their fine homemade sourdough bread.

Salmon River in September

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep along the Salmon River

Stamp Mill at the Old Clipper Bullion Mine on the Salmon River

Rocky Cliffs Towering over the Salmon River

Beautiful Salmon River

We enjoyed a delicious lunch at Dan and Jesse Rufe's Mother Chuckar's Cafe before returning to Moose Creek Estates after a wonderful day filled with beautiful scenery, great food, and fine friends. Check out our web site at: http://www.MooseCreekEstates.net. See more photos at: http://www.MooseCreekEstates.Tumblr.com.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Bull Elk Caught on Trail Cam

2011-09-17T08:18:00.000-06:00

The lifestyle at Moose Creek Estates differentiates it from anything else anywhere. Since it is surrounded by National Forest, no one can ever build around us. More importantly, we see the abundant wildlife from the forest daily. One early morning a couple of months ago, I walked around the house looking at the view from each window. I saw elk out of every window in the house.

Walk out your door and be in the National Forest in mere minutes where you can hike, hunt, or find a place with the right view and watch for wildlife to pass by. The gated entry and our on-site operations manager ensures that no one bothers homes or property.

Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski resort is only four miles up the highway for great skiing with minimal to no lines. The Salmon River, which is world famous for its whitewater rafting and steelhead, /salmon fishing.

There are approximately 150 mountain lakes in the area and numerous ghost towns. So many incredible adventures in our back yard.

Seller financing is available. We also offer a 10% referral fee for lots / bare land sold as a result of your telling someone about us. Come see this recreational paradise for yourself. Contact Bob Wilson at (512) 773-1069. Check out our web site at http://www.MooseCreekEstates.net. See more great photos at http://www.MooseCreekEstates.tumblr.com.

5 Point Bull Elk Photographed on Wallow at Moose Creek Estates

Large (appears to be 6 x 7 point) Bull Elk Caught on Trail Cam at Moose Creek Estates

Massive Bull Elk Caught at a Wallow at Moose Creek Estates

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Update on Beaver Dam Construction Less Than a Month after Started

2011-09-06T10:53:00.004-06:00

Less than one month after the beaver began building their new dam, I decided to document current progress. The beaver are incredibly good engineers when it comes to falling trees and building dams. What an amazing animal! They dug the vertical limbs into the river bed and cantilevered them into the face of the dam. Then, they placed rocks and mud on top of that layer. More of the vertical limbs were then dug into the river bed and levered them into the dam as they had the layer before. We hope the dam will hold up to high water in the spring.

The water behind the dam is about five feet deep.

Early Morning Photo of Beaver Dam at Moose Creek Estates the First of September

I took a photo of the beaver working but due to early morning low light and his speed swimming the photo was blurred. Below is a video of the North Fork of the Salmon River and the beaver dam.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Wildflowers at Moose Creek Estates - Photos by Beth Wilson and Others

2011-08-25T09:02:00.002-06:00

Moose Creek Estates and the surrounding area receive more than double the precipitation of the Idaho State average. Thus, we have wildflowers blooming into September. Beth came back out from a tour of the property with numerous photos of wildflowers yesterday. They are such beautiful photos that I feel the need to share them with our followers. Please comment if you can identify the flowers for me.


Daisies on Hillside - Photo by Beth Wilson


Daisies - Photo by Beth Wilson

Daisies with Butterfly - Photo by Beth Wilson

Indian Paintbrush - Photo by Beth Wilson

Purple Flowers - Photo by Beth Wilson

Daisies - Photo by Beth Wilson

Yarrow - Photo by Beth Wilson

Daisies - Photo by Beth Wilson

Below are photos of wildflowers from spring and earlier summer - many taken by John Goodman. As the snow melts from the bottom of the property to the top, there are different species of flowers blooming at the bottom of the property than the top. The glacier lillies and a couple of other species spring up as the snow melts starting at the south end of the valley and following the snow melt north to the top. Other species follow them. Moose Creek Estates is a rainbow of wildflowers.


Daisy with Butterfly


Butterfly on Daisy


Yellow Flowers


Indian Paintbrush


Purple Wildflowers


Oregon Grape

Violets

Hillside Covered with Flowers

Snake Grass

Not Sure What This Is

Butter Cup?

Purple Flower?

Glacier Lilly

Bloom Partially Formed on Bear Grass

Bear Grass Blooming

Bear Grass in Full Bloom

Small Yellow Flower

Sego Lilly

Lupine

Tiny Flower

Wild Geranium

Tiny White Flowers

California Poppy at Dusk

Glacier Lilly

Trilium


Periwinkle

Blue Flowers

Purple Flowers

Violet

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Charlie Moore Whitewater Kayaking on the Salmon River near Moose Creek Estates

2011-08-18T16:16:00.001-06:00

Sunday afternoon, Don Moore (my friend who is a blacksmith / iron artist), Charlie Moore (his eldest son), and I drove down the Salmon River to have lunch at Mother Chuckar's cafe. We stopped along the way to let Charlie do a bit of Kayaking. The river is getting lower but more rocks protrude so it is still great rafting and Kayaking. Below are a couple of short video clips of Charlie in Pine Creek and Dutch Oven rapids.

Charlie is a talented athlete and makes kayaking look easy. I decided that I am too old to learn so am content to watch others who know what they are doing.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

August 2011 Moose Creek Estates Update

2011-08-15T15:05:00.000-06:00

Good afternoon from Moose Creek Estates,

We are enjoying a wonderful summer. We have had visitors most of the summer. Some were already friends and the rest have become friends. We have enjoyed many mountain and river adventures in the recreational paradise around Moose Creek Estates.

Elk are bugling in the mountains around the property signaling that fall will be here soon. We see elk, mule deer, and white tail deer almost daily. However, this year we were fortunate to see an albino mule deer.

The summer offered an excellent salmon fishing season with many fish caught over fifty inches in length. Trout fishing has been great as well.

Wildflowers are still blooming. You can see a couple of photos in our blog posting about the beaver building a new dam here at Moose Creek. Click the link to see the photos as well as photos and a short video clip of the beaver actually working on the dam.

http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/2011/08/beaver-rebuild-their-dam-at-moose-creek.html

Last week we enjoyed an adventure ride on quads into the beautiful UP Lake west of Salmon, Idaho. Click on the following link to see photos and video of the great time with our new friends from Florida.

http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/2011/08/up-lake-near-salmon-id-and-moose-creek.html

Once again, if you have interest in exploring the possibility of owning a lot here at Moose Creek Estates, we welcome you to come to Moose Creek and stay with us for a few days so that you may experience the beauty of nature and the fun of deer and elk in the front yard. You can purchase a property for yourself or join with extended family or friends in your own a shared mountain lodge. We still have several more couples coming in the visit and see our recreational paradise so contact us to schedule soon. Come see it in person. I can promise that you won’t see anything else like it. Also, we offer flexible seller financing.

Now that the elk mating season is here, we expect to see more of the elk than ever. The good time we enjoyed with friends riding horseback into the headwaters of Cow Creek has me wanting to spend much more time on horseback. I am planning two rides for several days each into the Frank Church River of No Return wilderness area. I can’t wait!

Below are some links for your enjoyment:

Moose Creek Estates Blog with video and photos of the area and the property:

http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/

Facebook Moose Creek Estates Group:

https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_66658887713&ap=1

Flickr.com photo stream with photos of the area and Moose Creek Estates

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosecreekestates/

Picasa Photo Albums:

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/myphotos

You Tube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/kokopelli1952?ob=5#p/u

Twitter ID:

Bobwilson1952

My wife Beth and I hope to see you this fall or winter. We are anticipating another great ski season at Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort only four miles up the road.

Warmest regards,

Bob Wilson
President & CEO, Kokopelli Endeavors
Moose Creek Estates

E-Mail       Bob@MooseCreekEstates.net
Web Site   http://MooseCreekEstates.net
Blog          http://MooseCreekEstates.blogspot.com

Mobile 512-773-1069
FAX 512-233-5856

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

UP Lake near Salmon, ID and Moose Creek Estates

2011-08-14T14:55:00.005-06:00

We were fortunate to meet our now good friends, Shawn, Candy, Cheyenne, and Chloe when they came to visit Moose Creek Estates. We enjoy sharing mountain adventures which we enjoy with our guests. One of the numerous beautiful places in the area is UP Lake, a deep glacier lake about ten miles west of Salmon, Idaho. The route there is up the 1800's stage / freight wagon road that leads to the ghost town of Leesburg.

We loaded up a couple of Polaris RZR and two quads and headed for Salmon and the base of the mountain where the road (more of a trail) takes off. From there we proceeded up the steep and extremely rocky stage road to the lake. The last half mile is extremely rough as it requires navigating over solid rock, nearly vertical inclines several feet high.

Shawn Kirk on a Rock by the Trail to UP Lake

Cheyenne, Chloe, & Candy Kirk on the Trail

Shawn Kirk Fishing at UP Lake

View Across UP Lake

Shawn and the children fished using grasshoppers for bait. Unfortunately, the fish were only biting on the huge mosquitoes. No fish. We did enjoy a wonderful lunch before navigating the rough trail back to Salmon, Idaho. We celebrated the day with locally made rootbeer in rootbeer floats at Bertrams Microbrewery then returned to Moose Creek for dinner.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Beaver Rebuild their Dam at Moose Creek Estates

2011-08-14T14:44:00.001-06:00

Beaver dammed off the North Fork of the Salmon River at Moose Creek Estates last year and built a home in the middle of the pond. Their pond covered nearly two acres and was six feet deep in the middle. This spring, high water washed out the dam. We were disappointed as we enjoyed having the beaver at Moose Creek and appreciated the fish habitat that the pond created.

Last week, we noticed that the beaver were back and busily creating a new dam. We are excited to have them back and amazed at how rapidly they are constructing the dam. John Goodman, Operations Manager at Moose Creek Estates, discovered the dam. It had been started only four or five days prior. John had been on that site about five days earlier and no dam.

John took me and the Kirk family (Shawn, Candy, Cheyenne, and Chloe) to visit the dam. The afternoon was beautiful. Wildflowers were still in abundance.

New Beaver Dam at Moose Creek Estates

Candy Kirk Checking out Wildflowers

Daisies and Flax near Beaver Dam


California Poppies near Beaver Dam

We had a great time looking at the beaver dam from different sides and taking a few photos. I was disappointed that we didn't see any of the beaver. A couple of evenings later, I went to the hill overlooking the beaver pond hoping that the beaver would come out before dark so I would be able to take a little video footage. I was fortunate and was able to watch the beaver work for nearly an hour. The following is a short video clip of a beaver working.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep on Panther Creek

2011-07-27T10:42:00.001-06:00

We enjoyed a great weekend with two friends from Texas. Lee, Darwin, and I left Moose Creek Estates for a ride along the Salmon River to Panther Creek. There we enjoyed a fine lunch at Mother Chuckar's Cafe. After lunch we drove up Panther Creek to the old mining / ghost town of Leesburg. Along the way we encountered a small herd of Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep. I couldn't resist stopping for photos and video.

There are a couple of photos of placer mining at Leesburg in the 1800's as well two photos taken in the early 1900's there. Click the link below to view them and photos of other ghost towns in the area.

Local Area Ghost Towns

Click the following link to see present day Leesburg.

Present Day Leesburg

We left Leesburg and traveled through the mountains to Hwy 93 South about eight miles south of Salmon, Idaho. We entered the Salmon River Road and the mountains initially 24 miles north of Salmon from Hwy 93 north. This beautiful loop through the mountains took us about seventy miles on back roads. We could just as easily traveled through the mountains to come out on Hwy 93 south 55 miles south of Salmon.

There are approximately 2.7 million miles of public land (US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management) in Lemhi County. About twelve thousand miles of back roads and four wheel drive roads crisscross the public land. It truly is a recreational paradise.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Whitewater Rafters on the Salmon River

2011-07-19T10:47:00.001-06:00

On Sunday, my wife, Beth and I decided to enjoy the day by driving from Moose Creek to North Fork and on down the Salmon River from there to have lunch at Dan & Jesse Rufe's fine Mother Chuckar's cafe on Panther Creek. The day was sunny and in the 80's. A beautiful day for a drive. I expected to see lots of rafters and salmon fishermen.

The salmon run is late in reaching the area this year as well as the rafting season delayed by high water due to the significantly greater snow fall during the winter. The first salmon was caught last week. The next three or four weeks should be great fishing and whitewater rafting as the river is much lower and clearer.

Surprisingly, from North Fork down to Panther Creek, we only saw six rafts and a small number of fishermen. The video below is of a group of rafters on a large raft.We prefer the smaller four man rafts as they don't smooth out the rapids and make for a more exciting ride.

The scenery was beautiful and the lunch excellent as we have come to expect from Mother Chuckar's cafe. All in all another wonderful day in the Moose Creek Estates area...

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

July 2011 Moose Creek Estates Update

2011-07-12T09:16:00.003-06:00

Good morning from Moose Creek Estates,

The summer is passing quickly. High water from melting snow delayed the whitewater rafting season as well as the Salmon run arrival. The Salmon fishing should be getting hot around the last week of July and first weeks of August. Whitewater rafters have been enjoying the Salmon River for the last week. The water is great if a bit cold.

Until the last few days, we enjoyed from one to several couples at a time visiting Moose Creek. We had an incredible time enjoying wonderful people and experiencing great adventures in the area. One guest won nearly $700 at the local horse races and donated the entire amount back to the organization managing the races. Fine people make life very good.

The elk have been having their babies on and around Moose Creek Estates since mid-June. One morning there were so many elk around the house here that you could see cow and calf elk from every window of our house. We were privileged to see an albino mule deer one evening. Here is a video of elk playing one morning early right off our deck: http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/2011/06/elk-by-deck-at-our-home-at-moose-creek.html

We flew over some of the most rugged mountain country in the US in the Frank Church / River of No Return Wilderness area in a small plane to eat breakfast at the Flying B guest ranch. See video clips: http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/2011/07/flying-in-small-plane-in-frank-church.html

Several of us spent the Fourth of July riding horses with Rawhide Outfitters through raging water and along high mountain cliffs into the head of the beautiful Cow Creek drainage. Rawhide Outfitters provides its clients with an incredible experience whether elk hunting, trail riding, white water rafting, or catching the big Salmon / Steelhead. See video clips: http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/2011/07/fourth-of-junly-back-country-horseback.html

Over the next few weeks, we will continue exploring ghost towns, whitewater rafting, 4-wheeling in the nearly 3 million acres of National Forest in the county, visiting some of the 150 mountain lakes in the area, horseback riding through the beautiful rocky mountains, fishing for salmon and trout, etc. We can experience all of these activities less than fifty miles from Moose Creek Estates.

Below are some links for your enjoyment:

Moose Creek Estates Blog with video and photos of the area and the property:

http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/

Facebook Moose Creek Estates Group:

https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_66658887713&ap=1

Flickr.com photostream with photos of the area and Moose Creek Estates

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosecreekestates/

Picasa Photo Albums:

https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/myphotos

You Tube Channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/kokopelli1952?ob=5#p/u

Twitter ID:

Bobwilson1952

My wife Beth and I hope to see you this fall.

Warmest regards,

Bob Wilson
President & CEO, Kokopelli Endeavors
Moose Creek Estates

E-Mail       Bob@MooseCreekEstates.net
Web Site   http://MooseCreekEstates.net
Blog          http://MooseCreekEstates.blogspot.com

Mobile 512-773-1069
FAX 512-233-5856

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Flying in a Small Plane in the Frank Church / River of No Return Wilderness Area

2011-07-11T14:45:00.001-06:00

The Frank Church / River of No Return Wilderness in a core of 2.3 million acres contained in Valley, Idaho, and Lemhi Counties. It is second in size only to the Death Valley Wilderness. Good friends of mine, Dr. Charles Anderson and Dr. Brett Anderson from Texas, invited me to join them in overflying the Bighorn Crags and the Middle Fork of the Salmon River with a stop at the Flying B ranch (landing and taking off on a postage stamp size grass runway) for an excellent breakfast.

We opted for an early flight to take advantage of denser and smoother air. We left Moose Creek Estates early so as to be on time for the8:30 AM take off in a small, four place, plane from the Salmon Airport. Justin Keller from Middle Fork Aviation, our pilot, made the ride a pure pleasure and an adventure to remember. Instead of a direct flight into the Flying B, we requested that Justin fly us over the Bighorn Crags, Big Creek, and up the Middle Fork to the B. This was an experience of a lifetime and one that I would definitely recommend. Check out the videos for a sense of the experience.

Flying over the Bighorn Crags in a Small Plane - Check one off my Bucket List

Landing at the Flying B Guest Ranch - What an Experience!

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Fourth of July Back Country Horseback Adventure with Great Friends from TX

2011-07-06T11:56:00.002-06:00

An incredible horseback adventure with Johnny and Justin Cranney of Rawhide Outfitters was one of the best experiences I have enjoyed in the past year. Moose Creek Estates residents accompanied several choice people from Texas to ride into the back country at the head of Cow Creek south of Salmon, Idaho. We met Johnny and Justin at Twelve Mile then followed them to Cow Creek where we saddled my horse which was the only one lacking a saddle since I had requested to ride my own rig.

The trail followed Cow Creek crossing the raging water several times. Frequently, we were riding across cliff faces several hundred feet above Cow Creek. Thank goodness the horses were sure footed and experienced with this ruggedly beautiful terrain.

At the Cranney hunting camp five miles up Cow Creek, we were treated to an excellent meal cooked on site by the Rawhide crew and my favorite dessert - a wonderful home made German chocolate cake. Rather than ramble further, I will provide links to a few select video clips of our back country horseback experience with the Cranneys and our wonderful friends visiting Moose Creek Estates.

See www.rawhideoutfitters.com and www.rawhideoutfitters.net. Whether hunting, fishing, trail rides, or whitewater rafting, Rawhide Outfitters provide a first rate experience with memories to last a lifetime.

Cow Creek Horseback Adventure - Part 1

Cow Creek Horseback Adventure - Part 2

Cow Creek Horseback Adventure - Part 3

Cow Creek Horseback Adventure - Part 4

Cow Creek Horseback Adventure - Part 5

Cow Creek Horseback Adventure - Part 6

Cow Creek Horseback Adventure - Part 7

Please ignore the shaky video. Check out Moose Creek Estates web site at http://www.MooseCreekEstates.net.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Elk by the Deck at Our Home at Moose Creek Estates - Video

2011-06-22T00:26:00.000-06:00

I walked out on the deck this evening when I noted three elk coming out of the timber and headed toward the house. I hurried back inside to grab my camera and try to take a little video of them even though darkness was falling. Please excuse my errors as a videographer.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Moose Creek Estates June 2011 Update

2011-06-18T08:48:00.003-06:00

Good morning from Moose Creek Estates,

We are enjoying the cool weather (50’s & 60’s) this week at Moose Creek. This past winter we significantly more snow than the 30 year average. Normally, we receive about 30 inches of precipitation annually. Thus far according to the Snotel weather station on Moose Creek, we have received 36 inches of precipitation (they measure from October to October). That made for great skiing four miles up the road at Lost Trail Powder Mountain Ski Resort, wonderful snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. The high water resulting from the melting snow is making for incredible whitewater rafting on the Salmon River.

If you have interest in exploring the possibility of owning a lot here at Moose Creek Estates, we welcome you to come to Moose Creek and stay with us for a few days so that you may experience the beauty of nature and the fun of deer and elk in the front yard. You can purchase a property for yourself or join with extended family or friends in your own a shared mountain lodge. Thus far eighteen couples are scheduled to visit this summer and stay with us at Moose Creek. Come check it out. I can promise that you won’t see anything else like it. Also, we offer flexible seller financing.

Over the next few weeks, we will be exploring ghost towns, whitewater rafting, 4-wheeling in the nearly 3 million acres of National Forest in the county, visiting some of the 150 mountain lakes in the area, horseback riding through the beautiful rocky mountains, fishing for salmon and trout, etc. We can experience all of these activities less than fifty miles from Moose Creek Estates.

Below are some links for your enjoyment:

Moose Creek Estates Blog with video and photos of the area and the property:

http://moosecreekestates.blogspot.com/

Facebook Moose Creek Estates Group:

https://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_66658887713&ap=1

Flickr.com photostream with photos of the area and Moose Creek Estates

http://www.flickr.com/photos/moosecreekestates/

Picasa Photo Albums:

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Bobwilson1952

My wife Beth and I hope to see you this summer.

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Warmest regards,

Bob Wilson
President & CEO, Kokopelli Endeavors
Moose Creek Estates

E-Mail       Bob@MooseCreekEstates.net
Web Site   http://MooseCreekEstates.net
Blog          http://MooseCreekEstates.blogspot.com

Mobile 512-773-1069
FAX 512-233-5856

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Elk, Deer, & Video of a Segment of the 3.5 Miles of Hiking / Biking Trails at Moose Creek Estates

2011-06-17T21:55:00.003-06:00

Today was another cool (54 degrees F) at Moose Creek. I used one our two the state-of-the-art fire pumper trailers to wash the two parking pads at the house then decided to drive through the property to look for deer and elk. I saw a mule deer doe and yearling doe on lot 8. Then, at lot 22 I noted an elk drinking from the positive flow from the well there.

Mule Deer Doe at Moose Creek Estates

Mule Deer Yearling at Moose Creek Estates

Cow Elk Running Past Well for Planned Home on Lot 22

I decided to ride a segment of the 3.5 mile hiking / biking trail to check out the bridges to see how they are holding up to high water. Everything was great. It is so nice to be home at Moose Creek Estates.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Hiking & Fighting Snow Drifts on Quads with Speed & Winches

2011-06-14T09:25:00.009-06:00

We have two cats (Jo and Angel) that we found abandoned here in Idaho ten years ago. They travel back and forth between TX and ID with us. When we arrived in the middle of the night, one got out of the car and took off. She was gone for two days. I headed out to find her and try to find newborn elk to photograph. I didn't find the cat. I didn't get close enough to the elk to photograph. When I returned home from my hike, the cat had come home.

Later in the afternoon we (Beth, our grandson Jackson, friends Don Moore and Charley Moore, and me) decided to drive the quads up the old freight road that was constructed in 1878 to allow Jeremiah Fahey, a local merchant, to bring freight from the Bitterroot valley into Gibbonsville. Each year at this time or earlier, we ride up through and remove any trees that the snow pushed over during the winter.

We made it only a few hundred yards before running into major snow drifts. Click here to watch video clips of us trying to drive the quads through the snow drifts then winching on through. Finally, we turned around and drove / winched the quads back out.

The You Tube video is a playlist of short clips...

As you read my blog posts, I would very much appreciate your comments. I want to provide you with a fun remote experience of the Moose Creek lifestyle.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Arriving at Moose Creek for the Summer & Fall

2011-06-13T07:34:00.005-06:00

We usually choose to drive between our home in Texas and Moose Creek. We usually arrive in May but were enjoying time with our children and grandchildren in Texas so much that we left there on June 11th. My wife Beth, our grandson Jackson, and I were tired and excited to be home at Moose Creek Estates when we pulled in at 1:00 AM. As we drove down Kokopelli Drive toward our home here, we were delighted to be met by a large herd of elk grazing on lot 5A. We surprised the elk and they ran through the trees toward to mountain to the east of the lot. There were so many that they appeared to be everywhere.

One of the first things we noticed as we pulled in was the roar of the normally docile North Fork of the Salmon River. The river is really boiling with all the melting snow in the mountains - at least fifty percent more than average.

I will strive to make more regular updates to the blog and include current photos. I can't wait to get out to check out the property and do some photography today.

Click Photo for Moose Creek Estates Web Site

Willie George Sr. with Buffalo Bill Cody & other Photos of Lemhi Shoshone People

2011-06-09T14:19:00.006-06:00

Front Row: Willie George Sr. - Unknown - Buffalo Bill Cody

Click Photo to View All Lemhi Shoshone Photos on Flickr

Sacajawea's brother was chief of the Lemhi Band of Shoshones. The Lemhi Shoshones made it possible for Lewis & Clark to survive the winter in the Lemhi Valley prior to coming up through what is now Moose Creek Estates, over the continental divide, and on to the Columbia River and the Pacific coast.

Moose Creek Estates Fire Equipment

2011-05-26T20:15:00.009-06:00

One of Two State-of-the-Art Fire Pumper Trailers

Each 630 gallon pumper trailer has dual, electrically retractable hose reels with additional cloth hose, draft pump to allow filling from the river, and quick change hitches to allow them to be pulled with Cat, tractor, or truck.

Moose Creek Estates Noted by USFS as Leader in Fire Management & Environmental Enhancement

2011-05-26T16:06:00.006-06:00

Forest Enhancement - Removing "Ladder Fuels" for Fire Prevention
Click Photo then See Page 23 In the 2009 Annual Idaho Fire Plan

See More Details in January 13 Blog Post - "Upper North Fork Forest Restoration Project"

SNOTEL Graph for Precipitation & Snow Water Equivalent (Oct 2010 - Sept 2011)

2011-05-21T22:41:00.008-06:00

This year's precipitation at Moose Creek Estates is shown by the red line. Compare it to the orange line which reflects the average precipitation from 1971 - 2000. Most of the precipitation comes from snowfall. Obviously, we have received a major amount of snow this year.

The blue line represents snow water equivalent or the amount of snow in inches of precipitation remaining at the Moose Creek weather station. Compare it to the purple line representing the average snow water equivalent from 1971 - 2000.

The good news is a more healthy forest / vegetation as well as great wildlife habitat. And the skiing / snowboarding was incredible at Lost Trail Powder Mountain this year.

A Few Mountain / Exploring Adventures near Moose Creek Estates

2011-05-09T13:33:00.005-06:00

Click Photo to View - Selected Idaho Adventures (mountain lakes, ghost towns, etc.)

Snowmobiling near Moose Creek Estates

2011-05-09T10:37:00.002-06:00

Click Photo to Watch Video - Snowmobiling near Moose Creek Estates

Whitewater Rafting the Salmon River near Moose Creek Estates

2011-05-08T09:48:00.003-06:00

Click Photo to Watch Video - Whitewater Rafting the Salmon River near Moose Creek Estates

Bull Elk at Moose Creek Estates

2011-05-07T11:59:00.000-06:00

Note the ribs showing on this monarch of the forest. This past year has provided us with the most snow of any winter since we have been at Moose Creek Estates. The additional moisture is great for the ski resort four miles up the road and will be a blessing for the environment but it has been hard on the deer and elk.

Rain is melting the snow rapidly. Wildflowers as well as grasses and other food for the wildlife is growing and will provide abundant food for the elk, deer, moose, and other species of wildlife throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

2011-05-06T09:41:00.000-06:00

Wolf at Moose Creek Estates - Photo by John Goodman

Moose Creek Estates Model Home Slide Show

2011-05-05T21:09:00.005-06:00

Video of Moose Creek Estates Lodge

This luxury lodge is custom built bythe best craftsmen available (all local).

Exquisite and unique 4800 square foot lodge
Large trout pond in the front yard with other cattail ponds
Great vistas
4 Bedrooms include a main floor Master bedroom with walk in closet and lower floor Master Suite
3 Bathrooms featuring granite slab counter tops and plate glass shower doors
Heat, Air Conditioning & Power - Solar powered 6kWh with propane generator backup and a bank of large storage batteries
2 River Stone Fireplaces with 48" fireboxes in each fireplace accepting up to four foot long logs
Walk Out Basement - Large family room with fireplace, master suite and bathroom
Main Floor - Spacious kitchen; living room with vaulted ceilings, fireplace and custom bar; 2 bathrooms; 3 bedrooms; and mud room / laundry room
2nd Floor - Loft office
No expense was spared on this frame / log home with rough-sawed hickory wood floors, hickory cabinets, granite slab counters, English baked clay kitchen sink, custom doors, high end kitchen appliances, and gas lights in addition to electric lights
Iron Art complements the different fine woods used in construction of this home including the Quaking Aspen Tree Chandelier
Custom Doors throughout home, all doors and house trimmed in knotty alder
2 car garage
Roof - 30 year fireproof composite
Frame & Log Home Construction - 2x6 frame with blown in insulation, 7/16" thick fiberboard inside and out, then 2x10 boards were textured like hand hewn square logs. They were put on inside and out and precisely matched with spacing between them of 1 1/4" that was then chinked like logs. This home has an insulation factor of R35 and ceiling R55.
More than 100 ton of river stone was used in the construction of the fireplaces and to surface all exposed concrete.

Moose Creek Estates Area Photos

2011-05-05T17:41:00.006-06:00

Moose Creek Estates Area Photos

Here is an updated slide show of photos of outdoor adventures (skiing, snowmobiling, exploring, whitewater rafting, etc.) near Moose Creek Estates. Enjoy...