And We're Off!! Oregon, Idaho and Yellowstone!
Blog #8
In late August, we left our farm in Weston, Oregon (until May 2019). It was bittersweet to leave our home of fourteen years, and all the blood, sweat and tears that went into making our home. At least we knew Jessika and Kyler would take care of our place while we were on our crazy adventure. There were several sailboats which looked interesting in South Carolina, so we were heading there, seeing friends and family along the way.
Our first destination was the Farewell Bend State Recreational Area . I'd seen it in passing for years, but this was the first time staying there. We took the scenic route over Tollgate through Summersville to La Grande, home of Eastern Oregon University where I earned my Masters in Teachers Education.
Then we climbed up Ladd Canyon, a treacherous stretch of road where we totaled our car on Christmas Day in 1989 (we were thankfully all okay!). We made our way easily through it on our way to Baker City, home of the National Historic Oregon Trail Interpretive Center, a must-see if you're a history buff.
We drove through very desolate landscape as we made our way to the oasis of the Farewell Bend State Recreational Area. (It’s located between Huntington and Weiser on the map below.) They have very nice facilities, and it is a historical spot on the Oregon Trail. After following the Snake River for nearly 300 miles, emigrants would leave the river to cross the high desert country to Baker City.
We took all three pets on a walk, and Penelope was a hit with several campers who had never seen a cat on a leash before. We even found a blue-tailed lizard (I think it's different than a Blue-Tailed Skink?)
August 28, 2018: Boise, Idaho!
My mom lives in Boise, so it was nice to stop and visit for a few days. We went for a walk on the Boise Greenbelt along the Boise River, ate at Sa-Wad-Dee (it’s wonderful Thai food!) and stopped at Delsa's Homemade Ice Cream where they've made the delicious treat since 1961. I also worked there during high school, many years ago!
August 30, 2018
We drove through southern Idaho farmland famous for its potatoes. Now besides irrigation lines, one sees wind turbines as well. (Don't miss Shoshone Falls near Twin Falls in the springtime: you won't regret it!) You can also see old lava floes between Pocatello and Idaho Falls, where our friends Jim and Gwen live.
August 31, 2018: Three States and Yellowstone!
Today we drove in three states: Idaho, a tiny corner of Montana, and into Wyoming as we traveled through Yellowstone National Park. At the entrance, we bought a National Park Pass for $80, good for one full year. Since we plan to stop at several national parks, this is well worth the money.
Old Faithful performed on time! There were so many visitors to the park. We had planned to camp here, but everything was full. We did see bison, ravens, bald eagles and a doe elk, but nothing else. As crowded as the park was, I thought even this was good!
Pets are allowed within Yellowstone National Park, but they must be on a leash at all times and within 100 feet of a road (check with the park for any changes).
I think Penelope was saying "Get me back in the truck before a bear eats me!"
We exited the park on the east side, winding through the most rugged country I've ever seen, and camped at Three Mile Campground about five miles outside the park for only $15! It’s pretty basic, and only hard sided trailers are allowed as there are grizzlies in the area, but the scenery is absolutely gorgeous!
Continue with us in "Wyoming”!
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