Day 16: Boise

Today we sleep a little longer and leave after breakfast. Our first destination is an outlet center near Boise. After a 1-hour drive, we reach the parking lot. There are not many stores left. Only 4 stores in the entire complex, I have no idea if the economic crisis has hit here. We need formal clothing for Erik and David, Rene's sister is getting married in 3 weeks. Fortunately, the children's clothing store is still here. We find what we need and buy two outfits for €25, a bargain. Unfortunately, they don't have traditional suits. Boise is the capital city of the potato state Idaho. In a travel guide, the highlight of the city is the Old Idaho Penitentiary, an old prison. We visit this place. It is located in the historic district. We pay $6 per person and can explore the exhibition on our own. They show old prison cells with stories from inmates. The prison operated from 1872 to 1973. The exhibition is very interesting, we have already experienced something similar in Alcatraz. However, there is no execution room there. Today, we see a room for hangings. It feels very strange to stand in that room. The death penalty still exists in Idaho. Since 1976, 3 people have been executed in the state of Idaho. It's difficult to explain this to Erik. He doesn't understand it either. We also see other rooms such as the barber shop or chapel, and an exhibition on weapons. It's very interesting. We spend an hour in the museum. Then we visit downtown Boise. We hope to find a shirt for Erik. The city is green and has a large university campus. We see the city's Capitol building. It is the seat of government for the state. Unfortunately, there are hardly any shopping options. Some pubs and restaurants, but mostly offices and banks. After a while, we return to the car. It's already 4:30 pm and we still have to drive 25 miles to the campsite. However, instead of the planned 30 minutes, the journey takes 1 hour. It's rush hour and everyone wants to leave the downtown area. Our tour takes us past the suburbs, with many single-family homes. Then we reach the campsite with a pool and playground. It's fully booked. There are many permanent campers with their huge RVs. Our RV looks so tiny compared to theirs. It's warm and after dinner, Erik gets to swim. I'm currently doing laundry.