Dragon of Yankee Fork

This journey is for my father, Dr Paul David Dalke, the leader of the Idaho Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit, 1947-1967, at the University of Idaho. Dad taught me to appreciate the heritage woven into the Gem State. We traveled the highways and dusty roads; fished the rivers and streams; watched a baby fawn and her mother, the eagles soar and the butterflies migrate. We smelled the ponderosa pine trees, syringa, and lady slippers after a summer shower. We listened to the sage grouse "blooming", counted eggs in blue grouse nests; uncovered ancient fossils; and enjoyed the magnificent mountain ranges high atop Indian Hill Lookout.

Dad's Legacy: "To be remembered not for human frailities or mannerisms, but for something you did, achieved, left behind; something that reached and touched the lives of perfect strangers." My dad was a gentle man. I am a grateful daughter.

Dragon of Yankee Fork is an alphabetical jouney of personal stories, poetry, photographs and a little bit of science thrown in for good measure; to learn and use as a reading resource through the beautiful state of Idaho. I have created this page to help with my travels In July 2017 to do research on this project and make sure my facts and sciences are indeed correct before publishing.

It is my hope that Dragon of Yankee Fork will touch the lives of families, friends, and perfect strangers, as they discover how the stories in each letter become a part of the fabric that is the State of Idaho.

To Idaho--with Love

The vast forests of pine and cedar, cones and needles,
Ancient rock formations, waterfalls, creeks to jump,
Deep shadows and quiet camping spots.
Dusty logging and forest service roads with "potholes" to spare.
Miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding with my Dad.
Rivers where Rainbow and Brook trout jump at fishermen's flies
Lakes where Bass and Blue Gills are an angler's delight.

Elk, deer, moose, antelope, mountain goats, big horned sheep
Black bear Mama's with her cubs.
Bobcats, rabbits, rattlesnakes abound
Once in awhile an illusive mountain lion watches.

Mountain bluebirds, bohemian wax wings, purple finches
Magpies, crows, great horned owls, bald and golden eagles,
Song birds and raptors grace the thermals,
All you need to do -- is observe.

Butterflies in migration, bees and mosquitoes,
Wildflowers of every color and hue, sage brush and syringa,
Bitterroot, indian paint brush, delphinums,
Their delicate fragrances tickle your nose.

National Forests, Wilderness Areas, State Parks
Hells Canyon, Craters of the Moon, gold dredge at Yankee Fork
Each with its own story, are you listening?

But best of all the rolling hills of the Palouse
Dotted with farms and acres of wheat, oats, green peas.
The Community of Moscow in Latah County
Whose bell in the tower of First United Methodist Church
Continues to call the faithful to worship.
Where my family, farmers, towns people, business people
University students, faculty and staff
Blended together in this business of Life,
And nurtured a young girl with her imaginary friend, "Shagnasty"
To dream of exploration far beyond Idaho's borders.

For these experiences, I am eternally grateful.

Martha Hindman