I Went to the Penitentiary

 Day 8

Boise, Idaho

We have officially been on the road for a week. In that time we have traveled through Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and have spend the last few days in Idaho. Here is the first week of the trip. 

The first stop this morning was to get some breakfast at a local place. We went to Goldy's Breakfast Bistro. I ordered the biscuits and gravy with some scrambled eggs. It was really good but soooo much food! 

After a filling meal we turned right and headed 2 blocks to the capitol. This capitol is so beautiful. There was a lot of traffic driving past so we had to time the photos. I now officially have visited 45 capitols! I have 6 left because I am including Washington D.C.; our nation's capitol. 

Since we visited on a Monday the capitol was open. Usually you have to go in a side door, show ID, and go through a metal detector. Today, the front door was open and we walked right into the main lobby. We were greeted with the rotunda and a great view of the dome. The Idaho flag was hanging proudly in the middle. There was so much marble making up the inside. We did our usual traditions - elevators, bathrooms, house, and senate. The gift shop was unfortunately closed. Here are some pictures from the inside. 

When we left the capitol it was about 12:30. Time for a coffee break. Dutch Bros is a popular coffee place here in the northwest so we gave it a shot. I got a blended energy drink and Celeste got a blended coffee drink. Both were delicious. We will be getting Dutch Bros again and the best thing is that one just opened up back home! 

We took a little rest in the hotel room until about 1:30. We got into the car and headed to the Old Idaho Penitentiary. The Administration building was built by the convicts and was finished in 1894. The prison has been closed since 1973 and is in ruins now. It was very eerie to be there and to know that prisoners lived and died where I was standing. It was neat to see how the guards kept watch at the rules of the prison. They also had back stories on a lot of the prisoners. There were some beautiful rose bushes inside the grounds. It was also super sunny so I am squinting as I took selfies. 

After our time at the Penitentiary, we headed to Boise State University for a quick picture for Celeste. We then got Sonic drinks, then headed back to our hotel to relax and repack. Legally Blonde was on TV so of course we had to watch it. I used DoorDash to order food from a place called Eureka! I had a burger with fig marmalade, goat cheese, and arugula. It was fantastic. We also ordered Mac and cheese balls and Brussels sprouts. I was in need of some veggies. 

Day 8 was another great day on the road.