The Road Less Traveled

The Sunday School teacher was explaining the story of Lot (Genesis 19), and as Lot and his family left the city, his wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt. Then one little girl piped up, one time my Mommy looked back and she turned into a telephone pole! (Some of you will get it, some of you won't.) But enough of the funnies...

"Have you been to Stanley?" they would ask. No, not yet. "Are the roads even open in the winter?" I would reply. "Well, probably not, but you HAVE to visit Stanley!" they would say. "It is the most beautiful place. We honeymooned there!"

So, to Stanley I went. 750 miles and 630 pictures later, minus the ones where the windshield needed washing or the bumps were a bit too much, factor in the time to download, and we're down to 43 pictures posted for your viewing pleasure.

But first, I must commend my brother-in-law, the Honorable Judge Avery, for proudly wearing a beautiful...
...wig. The spec's are a nice touch as well. Visit here for the rest: http://phcofny.homestead.com/files/schdy/CZ_Youth_Rally_31309/index.htm

Below is a map of my weekend journey through the desolate, beautiful back country of Idaho. Starting from Idaho Falls, I headed up to Challis, over to Stanley, down through Sun Valley, over to Mountain Home and up to Boise for a Revival service. After staying near Boise for the night, getting some home cooked biscuits and gravy (they didn't even know it was my favorite), I headed back towards Idaho City, Stanley, Challis and back home. I'll let the pictures tell the rest...

The sail of USS Hawkbill (SSN-666), installed in July 2003 to "show their support for the armed forces", adorns the corner of Arco. Of all the submarine sails to choose from... why this one? (After some brief research, I found no connection between Arco and this submarine.)
The view traveling towards Challis
Entering a fun canyon course
Sunbeam Hot Springs (I only got my fingers wet.)
View of the Sawtooth Mountains, err... a birch tree, as you pull out of the mountain pass into Stanley.
This picture is more for the helicopter...
Majestic Mountains!
I only know One Person who can get credit for this beauty!


Heading towards Idaho City from Boise
Makes for a fun road to drive as you climb into the mountains
Looking left...
Looking right...
Is that because of the 100 foot cliff or because you can't jump out far enough to hit the water?
Welcome to Lowman, where there are more saloon's then stoplights (0) the roads are dirt and everything is wooden
I think this town is stuck in the 1800's
...the reason I didn't go from Stanley to Lowman on Friday. Luckily, the road opened back up on Saturday.
There are signs like this in NY, but do you pay any attention to them?
This is just one example, and the reason for...
...these guys. They were cruising the roads all day, plowing rocks.
A random geyser in the middle of a hill
My plan was to go cross-country skiing first. But, rather then do that, I decided to relax at Kirkham Hot Springs!
I spent about 2 hours sittin' here (in the water). Sorry no handstands... that's just dangerous!
More mountain passes with beautiful views
Entering the avalanche zone

The reason the road was closed the day before
Don't ask how I got this picture
Entering Stanley from the west
There it is! Remind me to face the camera next time.
Yes, Stanley is beautiful.
Couldn't decide which one I liked better
Finally some wildlife (elk)... or was it there the whole time and I just didn't see it?
"You lookin' at me?"
Tap dancing on Highway 93
Oh dear!
Yes, a bald eagle!!!!
Freedom's never free
I was afraid I had scared him away. Turns out he had other interests...
Beautiful scenery in the middle of nowhere
I had my eyes peeled here, even slowed down... but no luck

I found it!

My favorite picture of the weekend, with the sun tempting to set over the mountains as I head back into the high desert for the rest of the trip home.

...the end!

Spring's Ahead?

As I scoured the local visitor's guides and things-to-do-in-Idaho-besides-grow-potatoes-and-attend-rodeos websites, I came across the locals favorite cross country ski trails in Harriman State Park. With trail names like Coronary Bypass and Heart Attack Hill and trail descriptions like "...steep hills, sharp corners and many obstacles. You need to be quick on your feet to round a corner and avoid hitting trees... should not be attempted by the novice skier... very steep with hairpin turns, an extreme workout on the way up, and a nerve racking ride down avoiding the many trees. This trail is best for the snowshoer...", I couldn't resist seeing what the hype was all about. Of course, it also promised views of the Teton's, but they didn't account for the snow clouds. So, I loaded up and headed out Saturday morning and here's what I saw:
The sun rise and snow clouds were competing for a view of the Teton's in the distance. Right now it's an even split.
While serene, the problem with making first tracks, is, well, you're making the first tracks. About half way around, I met a gentlemen and we exclaimed how excited we were to see each other, knowing we wouldn't have to make first tracks anymore!
I think my 53" pole is touching the ground... now that's a lot of snow! Fences were completely buried and you had to look down to find the trail markers.
"When through the woods, and forest glades I wander... How Great Thou Art!"
Just how do they stay warm?
Looking at this makes my neck hurt.

Swan Dance (a little choppy to improved download time)
It's a bridge. (Who comes up with these captions anyways?)
Reflective ripplings (alliteration at it's finest)
From cat tails to pine forests
It's a yurt! (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yurt)
.... but the door was locked, so no peaking inside.
Heart Attack Hill
North Menan Butte
I hiked around this butte in November and stopped by to see if you could XC ski into the crater in the middle. However, the first requirement is snow...
...so instead I took pictures.
There it is!
Sitting amongst million dollar homes, this reminded me of all the vehicles I suggested while car shopping for my sister. A new set of tires and she should be good to go! Air conditioning is free.