On the Road to Idaho

We got up early and broke camp and hit the road. Passing the now familiar monuments, we knew that we would see other sites just as lovely ahead on the road.  As usual, we passed field after field of corn.  I wondered to myself, where does all this corn go?  Does it go to other countries?  Who knows.  After a long day of driving, we finally arrived at Dubois Campgrounds in Dubois, Wyoming.  Being a Saturday evening, the little town was busy with lots of bikers and other tourists.  It is a typical little town of one-story buildings all boasting cowboy and pioneer foods and beverages.  We were too tired to even think about going out to eat or anything so we focused on finding our campground which was on the far side of the town.  The camp is pretty basic but the site was level enough and we had all the amenities so yea.  Not long after setting up, we took the girls for a nice long walk around the grounds so they could work out the kinks of being in the truck all day.  They are such good travelers.  As long as we stop every couple of hours and let them walk and get water, they are okay.  We are quite careful about always having the girls on leash. Point of fact, we have never stayed in a campground that did not required dogs to be on leash and picked up after too.  As we neared the RV, suddenly a large, grey and white dog started running in our direction.  Now, we are very protective of our girls so immediately, Jim assumed a defensive stance.  At the same time, the owners reacted.  The wife was calling to the dog who ignored her completely.  The husband came after him while calling out to us that he was friendly and would not hurt our girls but just wanted to meet them.  Now, on the surface that is great.  But we do not know the dog and it has been our experience when one dog is on leash and the other is not, well it does not always end friendly.  In this case, the dog turned out to be a gentle giant.  He was a poodle mix of some sort so his hair was soft and luxurious. The husband was nice too.  We had a nice chat while the dogs sniffed each other.  Then we headed in for the night.  Tomorrow, we would have to negotiate the Teton Mountains and we need to be well rested.

Traveling across this land, we see the words of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” really come alive.  Leaving Nebraska with all its corn, we headed into farm land that has little corn and no soy beans that we can see.  What we did see was a small plant with tiny white flowers, wonder what that could be.  An then we realized, Idaho — potatoes!  Lots and lots of potatoes.  We also see hay as well. The hills roll and undulate as far as the eye can see. Really beautiful.

Lovely vistas rolled past our windows like a movie.

Potato plants bloomed promising spuds for the future.

As we traveled, in the distance we began to see mountains rising.  These we know are the Grand Teton Mountains.  Unlike the mountains in North Carolina and the South, these mountains are rugged, rocky giants.  The grey of the stone with patches of snow sparkling in the sunlight was awesome. We have seen them before but this will be the first time we will drive in them.

The Grand Teton Mountains 

American Bison herd.

I was amazed to see a great many bicycle riders going along the roadway.  As we approached Jackson Hole, a bike trail was adjacent to the highway with bikers, scatters and runners enjoying the crisp mountain air.

A quick break to stretch our legs.

As we drove along with the mountains to our right, the traffic began to get heavier and heavier.  We keep seeing signs saying “watch for large animals” on the road.  Ahead, we saw tail lights coming on as traffic slowed to a stop.  Left of the road in the distance, a large herd of American Bison moved across the land.  Of course we stopped along with everyone else and I took a few pictures.  It is so amazing to see these strong, majestic creatures crossing the pasture.  That they are there at all is a wonder considering they were hunted to near extinction.  Americans commonly call the bison buffaloes, but point of fact they are not buffaloes at all.  Buffaloes are found in Africa and Asia while Bison are found in Europe and America.  Just a tiny tidbit.

Once we were underway again, we continued on to Jackson commonly referred to as Jackson Hole.  As we approached, I looked up at the mountain and saw a road that zigzagged across and up the mountain disappearing over the top.  I commented to Jim, “aren’t you glad we do not have to go up that road?”  Traffic slowed to a crawl as we made our way through Jackson.  Being Sunday, lots of tourists were moving about.  Some were heading back home and others out for a day of seeing the sights.  We were very glad to get on the other side of the town but as we did — oh my gosh, we are going up that road!!!  And up we went.  It wound and switched back and at times we negotiated 10% grades up and then back down.  I love the mountains but do not like driving in them at all.  It makes my nerves jangle and I have a death grip on the overhead handles.  At times, I just closed my eyes and trusted Jim to negotiate the road.  He knows I am nervous but I do not want to cause him distress by gasping and hissing as he goes around a curve that from my vantage point looks like I will soon be tumbling down the mountain kissing my behind goodbye!

Finally, we came out of the Tetons and into Yellowstone and a before you know it we had arrived at our new home away from home, YellowStone RV Park at Mack’s Inn in Island Park, Idaho.  Why Idaho you may ask?  Well, because we have never camped in Idaho and wanted to fill the blank spot on our map of America that is on the outside of the RV.  I know, that is crazy but that is just how we roll.  The camp is nice with lots of trees.  We met a camp host driving a golf cart at the turn into the camp.  He lead us to our site.  When I saw it I thought, oh my gosh this is going to be a challenge. The host jumped out and said to Jim, I will direct you into the site and make sure you do not hit a tree.  Just follow my instructions.  Jim looked at me and asked are you going to get out as I usually do the directing.  I replied, no.  I was amazed how easily the host directed Jim and in just a few minutes, we were in.  Snug as a bug in a rug I’d say.  How nice it will be to be stationary for five nights!  And best of all, we would be going to Yellowstone again!  But for tonight, time to rest and recharge our batteries.

Cooking was not written in the stars for tonight, so Jim went to the internet and found a place nearby called Shotgun Bar and Grill.  They boast good, cold beer and Mexican foods and they have live music on some nights too.  Sounded like a good choice so away we went.  It is a bit off the beaten path and was rustic to look at but hey, don’t judge a book by its cover, right?  Turned out to be a nice place to spend an hour or two.  Inside was the bar with lots of beer choices.  There was an area outside where we could hear music being sung.  The bartender told us that beverages were sold inside and food outside.  Beer in hand, we went outside to look for places to sit.  A pot bellied, bearded man rose from his place and offered it to us.  How nice.  The seats were two chairs connected with a table of sorts, like a love seat with a console.  The singer had a nice voice and was good with his guitar too.  He was a “crusty” sort, barefooted and bedraggled but he could sing.  His songs were all melancholy and sad.  Not a single happy song was sung.  Jim bought us a plate of nachos to share.  It was good but big so we went home with half to share tomorrow.

It was fun watching the locals drift in and out. Many had dogs with them and for the most part they all got along.  We met a nice couple who had their two miniature Australian Sheep dogs with them. One, black and white named Fig and the other, brown and white named Dune.  They were such lovely dogs.  We shared conversation with them and learned they both worked for an airline and thus had traveled a great deal.  The young lady commented they wanted to see 30 countries before they are 30.  She is 29 and had seen 28 so far.  They were fun to talk too.  After a couple of hours, fatigue set in and it was time to head for the barn.