Posted 8/22 happened 8/10-16 (due to mountains interfering with internet access 🙂 and photos to come later

Headed up the Salmon River. We dropped 4000 ft in about 20 minutes in the Salmon River Valley. We are staying along the river in several places as we head to Smiley Creek in the Sawtooth Mountains. The river starts up that way and winds itself north to the Snake River and then west in the Columbia River to the Pacific. The river must drop 7000 ft to get to the ocean, which means the trout and salmon must swim UP 7000 ft to spawn.

Enjoyed hot springs at a campground in Challis, ID. More hot springs on the side of the road- check out this pic with the big cauldron people put in place for others to enjoy.

 

The water out of the pipe was hotter than tap water, so the cauldron was too hot! People make stone pools in the river to control the hot and cold water mix. Clare soaked his feet, Linda laid in it and Rhylee couldn’t decide if he liked the cold side or the hot side, but he did get a good washdown, to his chagrin.

 

Idaho trivia- IF you flattened Idaho out, it would be bigger in area than Texas!
At Smiley Creek to meet up with Derek. Cool and overcast temps- something we have not had for weeks and weeks! The three of us went trap shooting- first time I had ever used a shotgun, Derek was really good and Clare was a bit rusty. The range master gave me my first shell- it was a hit! and a special clay signed with the date- of course I no longer have either as we have no room for knickknacks.

Then a gondola ride up the local mountain- we were in the clouds, and Elk burgers at the restaurant up there. And a river float rafting trip, jumping out of the raft to float awhile in the very cold water. Hanging out at the campfire, telling stories, laughing and chilling. We’ll see Derek again in Utah at the end of September right before he deploys to the Middle East.

We are now trying to get out of the path of the eclipse, as everyone around here is crazy about it and expecting huge crowds. Heading to Oregon after a stop in Boise for mail, errands and re-stocking.