Lava Tube, Waterfall, Hot Spring, and STUCK!

Monday, June 13, 2022 Bend, Oregon

Sunday we left Robin and her adorable log cabin to drive west in the rain, at one point even having to pull off and wait for the driving rain and hail to abate so I could see the road. Spent the night in a beautiful, isolated dispersed site in the Deschutes National Forest outside of Bend, OR. 

Monday we explored the Newberry National Volcanic Monument's Lava River Cave, a 1 mile long lava tube. It was so cool! First had to disinfect my earrings, rings, and hiking shoes, and then don these oh so attractive galoshes, since they had all been in previous caves and could carry White Nose Fungus to the bats in this cave - which would be fatal to them.

Ice from dripping water

Lava drips

Then it was time for the Paulina Waterfalls above ground.

The drive to Umpqua NF

And fire's aftermath

Charming bridge and steep, slippery climb to Umpqua Hot Springs

but so worth it

Finally headed to Nate and Rux's in the Eugene area. GPS, set to avoid freeways,  took us down some paved National Forest roads with beautiful views

but then the roads were unpaved,  and became narrower, more twisty,  and climbing as we crossed over the mountains until this happened

Stuck! I panicked as the rear swung towards the drop off to the river and we were firmly stuck. We were without cell signal and hadn't seen sign of others for the last fifty miles or so as we crossed the western Cascades.  After an hour of digging out the snowpack from under the chassis and placing branches down for traction, Matthew finally drove us out and we proceeded the rest of the way off the mountain in the dark, finally arriving at our destination much later than we had planned.

Scenes from Idaho

Saturday, June 11, 2022

Drove through the lava fields along side Craters of the Moon,  although we didn't stop this time. 

Then came upon this gorgeous valley. 

Although I almost stepped on this with my sandals when I went to take the picture. 

And again,  breathtaking colors

A quick stop in the Costco in Boise for gas,  nuts,  and local beer brought us this chuckle

Low clouds on our way to Council to have a delicious home cooked dinner and visit with Robin.

Idaho and the Tetons

Friday, June 10, 2022

We are avoiding the interstate this trip so our route west has us meandering through areas we haven't explored before in Wyoming. The colors were extraordinary! 

The continental divide

Didn't realize we'd be going through Grand Teton National Park but so glad we did. 

One of at least 2 elk antler arches in Jackson.

A very long 10% grade climb and descent brought us into Idaho - although it was difficult to read the welcome sign. 

We stopped at the really nice Idaho Falls main library for some stable internet before driving on to our stop for the night. 

Personal musings:

1.The mid section of Wyoming surprises me with all its cropland - not what I think of when I think of this state. 

2.The homes in the reservations we pass through are modest, usually single story, but as soon as you are off the reservation they become mcmansions. So much to unpack there. 

3.I'm trying to embrace a slower way of life, and also conserve gas, so I am trying to tame my lead foot (inherited I might add), but I am very self-conscious as I putz along at 60 mph as cars pass me.  I'm not ready to be the little old lady I'm sure they think I am as they pass. 

4.I will always try to travel with a basil plant - it smells incredible when brushed, adds flavor to our meals, and brings us much happiness. 

Paddling, Pools, and Pints

Thursday, June 10, 2022

Began the morning with a leisurely paddle around Cameahwait Lake, enjoying the birds, fish, and views before heading out for Thermopolis.

Drove through a gorgeous canyon

Arrived at Hot Springs State Park in downtown Thermopolis, which is a beautiful green park with lots of mature shade trees. Took advantage of the free mineral hot springs (and hot shower after) before walking around the grounds.

Enjoyed local brews in Ten Sleep at the Ten Sleep Brewing Company and the scenery before heading west and spending the night in a rest area.

Lazy Day

Cameahwait Lake, Shoshoni, Wyoming

Said goodbye to Landon as he continued on his travels then finally went kayaking on this small lake with gorgeous views of the snow capped mountain range. Love listening to and watching the red-wing and the yellow-headed blackbirds. 

Open Land, Winds, and Water

6/7/2022

Today's destination was Cameahwait Lake in Wyoming. The drive up from Loveland was beautiful but with very strong crosswinds.

Picked a beautiful free site to camp, complete with decent pit toilets, fire rings, grill, and sheltered picnic area. Landon and his pooch Zelda were our neighbors and were an absolute delight. The evening was spent sharing stories and his bottle of whiskey.