A fourth-generation Idahoan, born and raised on his family's Southern Idaho farm, Randy spent most of his time outdoors—hunting, fishing, camping, riding motorcycles, skis, and horses. A graphic designer and branding consultant by trade, Randy's passion for Idaho's outdoors led him to launch Idaho-Forged, so others may share their appreciation for what it takes to live in the greatest state in the Union. Randy and his Idaho-Forged wife, Nanci, are blessed with two incredible daughters, and a life the luckiest of men would envy.
Set within the rugged landscape of southern Idaho lies a rich tapestry of history, culture, and pastoral tradition—woven by the skilled hands and resilient spirits of Basque immigrants. These hardy people, hailing from the Pyrenees region between Spain and France, carved out a unique legacy in the Gem State: sheep herding. While Idaho’s picturesque mountains…
Why Do Idahoans Hold Huckleberries in Such High Esteem? Huckleberries, though often elusive, flourish abundantly, yet remain largely undiscovered by many unless they’ve ventured into the northern coastal areas or the Rocky Mountain region of the United States and Canada. These wild berries grow on small evergreen shrubs, thriving in the cool, shady regions of…
Nestled within the rugged landscapes of Idaho, a state renowned for its stunning natural beauty and diverse cultural history, lies the enigmatic tale of the Sheep Eater tribe. This lesser-known Native American group has left an indelible mark on Idaho’s history, and yet, their story remains shrouded in mystery. In this exploration, we delve into…
Nestled within Idaho’s diverse landscapes—steeped in the whispers of a bygone era—lie hundreds of ghost towns waiting to unveil tales of the past
Idaho, known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor recreational activities, undergoes a remarkable transformation during the winter months. With its mountainous terrain and continental climate, winter in Idaho is a spectacular display of snow-covered landscapes and frigid temperatures. We thought we’d delve into the depths of Idaho’s winter weather, exploring just how cold it gets,…
Welcome to the wild terrain of Idaho, where tales of daring and dreams of riches intertwine. As we embark on this thrilling journey, we’ll uncover the legendary ore wagons that once traversed these treacherous paths, carrying Idaho’s golden treasures. So buckle up and prepare for a rollicking ride through history! The Trailblazing Heroes of Idaho…
“Set a good example for our children, and those visiting Idaho from other states. Idaho is only as great as we keep it, and allow others to keep it.” –Randy Thaemert Welcome to the blog post where I delve into the intriguing world of outdoor defecation. Did I really just say “intriguing” in reference to…
Idaho has been a hub of outdoor recreation for decades, and many of the world’s leading outdoor gear companies have their roots in our great state. Let’s take a look at the histories of two of these companies: Scott Optics and Smith Optics. Scott optics Previous image Next image Scott Optics was founded in Sun…
The Sunbeam Dam in Idaho is an engineering masterpiece that will leave you spellbound. A marvel of its time, this concrete arch dam spans the Salmon River and creates a serene, albeit modest, lake that mirrors the surrounding mountains. Once the largest of its kind in the world, the dam powered the mining industry that…
May be Idaho-er than you. You may have never heard the term “Ridge Runner”, but they really aren’t all that mysterious. In fact, if you happen to be from North (not “Northern”, but that’s subject for another time) Idaho the term is pretty common. I, myself—born and raised in Southern Idaho—had never heard the term…