The trip to Pocatello was yet another combined purpose outing. First we needed to make a Costco run (for certain foods that are not available in the supermarket, like Ribeyes, as well as to refuel the gas tank on the truck, which was close to empty). There was not one in Idaho Falls (yet, maybe next year) and since we have already come to Star Valley via Idaho Falls, this was an opportunity to see a different part of this region. So we took US 89 north, to WY-239 W, north on State Line Road (yes we are that close to the Idaho State Line), to ID-34 W and S (the Pioneer Historic Byway and part of the Old Oregon Trail) and followed it for 55 miles all the way to US 30 W for another 34 miles to Interstate 15 N into Pocatello. OMG!! The scenery never ceases to just amaze us. We fell in love with this area having come from Lucerne, (the southern route) via US 189 N, to US 30 W, to WY 89 N and that was spectacular scenery as well, but with every trip we take... north to Jackson or now West to Pocatello we are constantly reassured that this area is where we want to be for a summer base, as the natural beauty exists everywhere, in any direction and with each trip we find at least 15-20 more things and places we want to plan to explore at a later date. Here are the images of our road trip to Pocatello on August 22, 2019.
Entering Caribou National Forest land.
Surely there are scavengers in the area (coyotes and such) yet this bull elk .was apparently killed several days prior (judging from its state of bloating), yet it has not been touched by any scavengers, not even by vultures
The traffic here (like most of Wyoming and much of Idaho) is very sparse. Sometimes one doesn't even see another vehicle for 10-15 minutes drive. One would hate to run out of gas or have a flat with no spare around here.
Interstate 15 (N/S)
Lava Hot Springs, an Aquatic hot spring and vacation destination.
There are many small RV campgrounds for small trailers and fifth-wheels
Mary was tired of driving so the photographer (Bill) offered to drive. We pulled over at this country road and found this very cute building (above and below), which is actually a 5,500 sq ft Historic Schoolhouse restored into a Idaho Vacation Home for rent ($350-$400/night), with 5 bedrooms (2 King beds, 2 Queen beds, 1 Double bed, 5 Twin beds and 3-1/2 baths, plus an original school gym, ideal for family gatherings and such. It is located near the Lava Hot Springs attraction on US 30 N, 7 miles from Lava Hot Springs, in Bancroft ID.
(Above) This is the Tin Cup Fire in Idaho, located about 30 northeast of Soda Springs ID, near the Grays Lake Wildlife Refuge Headquarters. It actually started on July 30th (started by lightning) and has been burning slowly since then. Because it is a slow-burner and due to the location of the fire (sparsely populated area) as well as due to the fire behavior, it was recently decided that the fire would be allowed to burn on its own (though closely monitored) to let it play its natural role in the ecosystem. It has so far consumed 72 acres of mixed conifer and aspen ecosystem. Fuel breaks will be put in place to prevent spread of the fire to private lands. Stimulating aspen regeneration with the fire's natural disturbance will increase habitat for a variety of big game species.
These signs were all over the roads... and soon we met the reason Why?
Bill honked at them to get them off of the road. Mary thought that was mean.
E N D
