My Own Private Idaho

Stew and I went on one last tour of the state. We did some camping and exploring. I will really miss being able to throw a tent and sleeping bag into the back of my truck and take off in any direction to find something new and amazing. We went out toward the City of Rocks National Reserve. Along the way we were sidetracked a few times by some interesting places.

First, we stopped by Shoshone Falls. I regret that I wasn't able to stop earlier this spring when the falls were really raging. I hear that it was quite a sight to behold. At any rate, as you can tell, they are still quite nice.

Next, we made it out to the City of Rocks. The reserve was jammed full of people this time. I went last fall and it was virtually abandoned. The reserve isn't that well known because of the popularity of other nearby places (Hagerman Fossil Beds, Craters of the Moon, the falls, etc.) I think that City of Rocks gives these places a run for their money though. The formations are amazing and (for you history nerds out there) the California Trail even goes through the reserve. You can find Camp Rock, where westward travellers used axle grease from wagons to sign their names.

After that, on the way home we decided to take a couple of detours. We went to the Shoshone Ice Caves. Even though the temperature in the desert was about 384,739,473 degrees (Fahrenheit, of course,) we found an underground, ice-filled cavern that hovers around 20 degrees year-round. It is a bit inauthentic because the proprietors try too hard. You can't blame them for being a bit gaudy (just ask the caveman riding the dinosaur at the gate) to drag in a few suckers (i.e. me,) but it has its own kitschy yard sale type charm and the caves are really something.


Finally, on our way back home we stopped at Malad Gorge. Many of you may know it because I-84 passes right over it, but I'll bet most of you didn't stop. It is a rather narrow opening in the earth with a raging river (the Malad River, named after a French trapper got sick and felt it was from a meal of beaver that ate bitterroot growing in the area. Moral of the story: Don't eat rodentia.) There are hiking trails nearby and a story about escaped convicts from Boise that could easily make a great movie.



What I got from my trip:

1. One mean, sunburned trucker arm.
2. One last in-depth look at Idaho. I hope it will stay with me for two years.
3. A chance to hang out with a good friend one more time.
   
4. A reminder that there are some cool things right under your nose, wherever you are in this world.