Unlike yesterday when we decided to travel the interstate, today we chose to travel US 20 through the middle of Idaho. It was a wise choice because the roads were good and not crowded and, because there wasn't stress from heavy traffic, we were able to enjoy the scenery which was varied and captivating.
We started our morning (49 degrees--burr), by walking just two blocks from our hotel and being on a River Walk along the Snake River. We decided to explore the options for this river walk, so drove 3/4 mile and were in the middle of Idaho Falls and at the "Falls" of Idaho Falls. We enjoyed a nice walk, saw interesting views and learned how and why the falls are the way they are.
When we left town we were headed straight for a black wall of clouds. It didn't take long for us to be driving through that wall. We had to slow down because of the intensity of the rain which lasted about 15 minutes. We could see other storms in every direction. We had to pass through one more but missed what could have been very unhospitable. We noticed what looked like snow along side the road near Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. First it was just a few patches but as we drove it got heavier and then there was about and inch on one side of the road for about 1/2 mile. It was hail; and it looked like it hadn't been there long. So thankful we did not have to drive through a hail storm.
It was a hilly drive; up and down and round and round with sage brush everywhere. Then there were areas of hay fields and fields being watered by irrigation lines. We felt like we were driving around home. Then there were a number of canyons with water along side. After the storms passed mid-afternoon the sky was full of white puffy clouds that made beautiful shadows on the hill side and also on the road. We drove in and out of shadows for quite a long ways.
We finally had to connect with I84. That is such a busy interstate, and where most vehicles are going
80 or more, it calls for complete attention. We finally got through the Boise area and traffic thinned out but was still intense. We were glad to get into Ontario, Oregon.
Again, God showered us with His grace by having all that we needed and wanted in one place. We had decided on the place we wanted to eat. It was right next to Home Depot where we wanted to check out lawn mowers. No, we are bringing one home in the Prius but we were able to see what they had in case they weren't available when we got home. The Home Depot here is in a shopping area with many restaurants, Big Lots, Harbor Freight, clothing stores--very interesting. And our motel was just across the street. Didn't have to use GPS to navigate--so wonderful.
This should be our last light away from home. We have been gone two days shy of 7 weeks. We are more than ready for home. Over the next few days after we get our house back in order we'll be able to add a few additional comments and observations gleaned over these many weeks. And of course, the results of the total mileage challenge presented in early May.
