Guess what? National forests in Idaho don’t have wireless but they do have beautiful campsites. Saturday we started from Jackson, Wyoming and went almost straight up (10% grade = STEEP) over the Teton pass. Tillie decided second was the gear for her, giving us plenty of time to enjoy the spectacular view. Not all vehicles could be that considerate.
Then it was on to Idaho. First mountains and then miles of potato fields – those famous potatoes have to come from somewhere. Then endless miles of sagebrush and lava outcroppings, home of the world’s first nuclear energy plant and still a nuclear research facility. It is truly desolate so it is no wonder they decided to put it here. John took us to Craters of the Moon which is very picturesque as only old lava fields can be. It was here that we met Tillie’s sibling, only a year newer, but definitely from the same family. It still runs too! Mary went off exploring some of the lava caves while John & Patty sensibly decided to remain in Tillie out of the sun.
Finally we were out of the desert and drove north into the start of the Sawtooth Mountains that are beautiful. We camped near Ketchum/Sun Valley, did a bit of touring around town, then went back to camp to grill Mary’s first T-bone (a cut they don’t do in France). For dessert she had her first s’more. Although their may be some argument, Patty is obviously the best at roasting marshmallows.
Today we drove up & down, up & down, up & down through the Sawtooths. Unfortunately, thousands of acres of pine forest have been almost destroyed by the pine beetle. We had lunch in Idaho City where John had once considered buying the old hotel/bar. Patty again gave thanks that it never happened.
Garry & Yvonne’s home is beautiful & air conditioned! Garry fixed us a great meal featuring all Idaho products, including one of his great pies – cherries are in season as are apricots. We got lucky!