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Much of this story is best told with pictures and not with words. So, look all of the way down at the bottom to see the photos that don’t embed in the text.
We pick up our adventure in Puerto Vallarta, from where we caught two flights to arrive in Boise late at night. Nathan got an up-close look at the cockpit and sat next to the pilot before take-off. I’m sure that he was impressed with the plane, but he still says he is going to be a train driver. I asked him if he ever thought of doing a job where he doesn’t drive anything, and his response was, “You mean, work in a supermarket?”.
From Boise we drove east and our journey paralleled the Snake river across mainly flat land with just a few glimpses of mountains way off in the distance. This is not what I imagined, as I thought this section of our trip was a visit to the Rockies. The Interstate’s are fast but the smaller roads give you some insight into the way people live here and the history of the place. For example, we stopped at Glenn’s Ferry and found that
Fireman in training
Our first morning in the US and we have to evacuate for a fire alarm. This is still the best thing that happened to Nathan on this part of the trip. He got to hold the axe and sit in the driver's seat. this was an important section of the Oregon trail, which families traversed in wagons to find a better life in the fertile lands of the North West of the country. So, 150 years ago they would reach the snake river at three island crossing and had to decide if they should risk a crossing to the favourable north route or not risk their possessions and lives (most couldn’t swim) and stay south of the river for a more difficult route to Fort Boise. Eventually Glenn built a boat and the town was named after his ferry.
We stayed over night at Twin Falls, which has an impressive canyon carved by the Snake river. There is a high bridge and we saw some base jumpers using the only legal bridge in the country for this purpose, then drove a few miles up the road to see one of the twin falls the place must be named after. I didn’t know what to expect, but the Shoshone falls blew us away. They are higher than Niagara and well worth a detour if you come this way.
I have changed my opinion about America. They have an environmental conscience here. We
Morning jog in Twin Falls
Leanne and I each had a run along the canyon rim path. Very scenic drove past hundred of power generating wind mills and a large solar panel array on our way. There are also hydro plants on the Snake river. Finally, after two days of driving the flat elevated plains of Idaho we arrived at some snow-capped craggy peaks that are part of the Rockies. We spent four nights in Jackson, Wyoming and loved the relaxed vibe of this winter ski village that is about to become a summer hiking village. As usual, we have arrived out of season. This just means that the crowds haven’t arrived yet. School holidays are next month. The weather is warm and sunny most days, but we can still see plenty of snow. We have been outside enjoying the hiking every day in Grand Teton NP.
Now, if you are a taxidermist and between jobs, you might want to head to Jackson Hole. There will be plenty of work for you. Shops are full of bears, moose, elk and smaller animals too. There must be a big market for this stuff and it ends up all over the world. To use up all of the meat, they seem to serve much larger steaks too. Leanne and I
A very big bridge
See the trucks on top to get a gauge of its size. have been sharing a main most nights. One of our favourite restaurants is Gun Barrell Steak and Game. Another is Caldera Pizzeria for its pear, gorgonzola and balsamic pizza.
Tomorrow we head off to Yellowstone to see the first ever National Park. We have seen a Moose in Grand Teton, which leaves a Bear on our large animal list. Fingers crossed!
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Nina
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Wow!
What a beautiful area! I was envious of all your hiking! I love walking out in nature, but I'm not able to walk long distances. Happy travels! Xxx