Recently we sold our ranch in Montana so we could move my mother in law closer to us. This past weekend we helped her move her horses and possessions to her new place near New Plymouth.
I have made the drive from Boise to Corvallis, Montana many times over the past eight years. This past weekend I paid particular attention to the very scenic trip. We left Boise and drove up highway 21 to Idaho City. From that Gold rush city, I drove the long and winding road to Lowman. There were a few campers enjoying the beautiful July weather in a woods that was surprisingly green.
From Lowman I drove up Banner Summit to Stanley. I think that Stanley Basin is the most beautiful spot in Idaho. It's craggy mountains remind me of the Alps. There were a lot of campers in the basin, and the Salmon River was full of rafters. It always amazes me when people who live in this stae have never been to the Basin. There were a lot of campers up there, but there were still many open spots. When the weather in Boise is near 100 degrees, it is ten degrees cooler in Stanley, and it routinely drops to the 49s at night. The Salmon was running fairly full and was certainly open for business.
From Stanley I drove up the river to Challis and then Salmon, and over Lost Trail Summit to Montana
On our return trip we caravanned south of Challis To Arco, and then east across Southern Idaho on highway 20. I took this road many times when I was a youth, before the freeway came to the Gem State. We drove past Mackey Dam and down the Big Lost River. The Big Lost flows through Southern Idaho before disappearing underground. Attempts to find out where it goes have proven fruitless.
We drove West through Carey and crossed highway 93, 30 miles South of Sun Valley. Then we drove through Fairfield before picking up the freeway at Mountain Home. On the way we passed through Craters of the Moon National Monument, and travelled along Silver Creek. the famed fly fishing stream that turned into big budinrdd.
Before you sit down to another weekend in front of the TV, why not get out and see the marvelous state in which we live. Summer is going fast.
