60 th Escapade and beyond

Sweetwater Events Center, Rock Springs, WY - July 2021

This was the third Escapade, I've attended over the 24 years that I have been a member of the Escapees Club, but the first one after Travis and Melanie formed the Excapers, which really brought in a younger crowd and gave CPR to the club. 

The Vendor exhibitor tent was not air conditioned, no fans except personal fans brought by vendors. Needless to say it was hot and uncomfortable. But, I made the best of it and met some nice prospects for AGS. My vendor neighbors were all friendly and fun to talk to in between clients. 

Many years ago, Nancy & I actually did the Event center's Guest Guide. Chad Banks was our contact and the General Manager. He is no longer at the center, but his daughter was at the Chamber of Commerce booth across the aisle, how's that for a small world. Each night after closing the booth, I headed over to the RV Country FREE happy hour. These guys were awesome, beer, wine, some type of cocktail and snacks. Then after chatting with new friends, drinking a few cocktails, I'd take one to go and head over to the SOLOs happy hour. I decided to become a member of the SOLOs to meet other single travelers. Nice people but a bit older and less active than I like. But I made some new friends. 

On Tuesday and Thursday there was an outdoor concert by the Status Crowes. They rocked the house the first night on the Escapees's solar powered stage, I danced with a few ladies and decided to pay for Thursday night and extend my stay.  I had a great time meeting some more new friends and hanging with them, but the band was more mellow the second night and I didn't dance much.

The stage is a trailer, with fold down walls, the roof is covered in solar panels, there are a dozen Lithium batteries and after the band had played for over an hour, it was announced that the batteries were still at 95% capacity. 

Friday morning I headed out of town, east and then south. It was a cool morning and as I passed through Saratoga, WY, I decided to stop and take advantage of the town's free, mineral hot springs. After a long soak, shower and lunch I continued south to Delany Butte Lakes State Wildlife Management Area near Walden, CO. I got a nice, free campsite, next to the lake. That evening, I caught three Rainbow Trout, a 6 inch, a 12 inch and as it was getting dark a very nice 18 inch all while wading in the lake in front of my campsite. Saturday, I drove a few miles to fish the North Platte River and got two very nice 12 inch Rainbows. Sunday fishing in the lake was slow, but I did manage to catch one 18 inch Rainbow and it put up a good fight.

                                                                  My campsite

These white Pelicans were my neighbors, as well as Canada Geese, deer and various waterfowl.

Today, Monday, I headed to Silverthorne, CO for routine LOF service on the truck and I should be back at CORA for dinner. Yesterday, Tim, my hot tub guy, texted me to tell me that he was finally able to fix my tub. YAHOO!!!!

I also posted a fly fishing video a few days ago, which you may enjoy. 

Tight Lines and safe Travels.

Just a short fly fishing video to chill with

 

I'm currently relaxing before going to "work" at Escapade, not fishing 'cuz I don't have a WY license.

There isn't quite anything like a trout taking a dry fly after a nice presentation on a high mountain steam. If you fly fish this video will get your juices flowing, if you don't fly fish, the video should provide a few minutes a quiet relaxation.

I once read an article in which the author said "fly fishing gives me a reason to stand in a beautiful place and just enjoy, catching fish is a bonus".

Enjoy

https://youtu.be/-1uFRpf9WJA

Idaho Trip part 6

 posted 7//14/21

The last two nights, 7/12 & 7/13, I have been on the edge of civilization near Sway Valley, ID, overland camping on the Snake River. The Snake River is Trout heaven. Walk, wade fishing is very limited. The river is wide, fast with steep banks.

Typical if not better access for bank fishing on the Snake, this happens to be where I camped Tuesday night. Here I was able to carefully step into the river up to mid calf in an eddy, but it quickly dropped off to 4 -5 feet deep. 

 When I did find perfect meadows along the river they were posted “NO TRESPASSING”, on the other hand each morning I saw at least 20 drift boats on the river. I called to see if I might grab somebody’s canceled float trip, but no joy there. The trout on the other hand grow big and fat as they feast on a buffet of trout insects, caddis, Mayflies, stone flies, and these incredible 3 inch salmon flies. I did manage to hook a big guy on a large foam dry fly. It hammered it. Even though I had taken the advice of the local fly shop and attached it with 4 X tippet, the trout managed to run down stream duck behind a root wad and break me off. Due to the deep water and steep bush covered banks, its impossible to maneuver the fish, unless you want to swim like Brad Pitt, in fast deep current. No thanks, I'll leave that to Hollywood.

                                                   Monday night's campsite

The river is now on my bucket list for a float trip, I think I’d try to arrange at least a full day if not an two day with an overnight. The place is awesome. Although, fishing was tough, I had a great time exploring and just hanging out. I managed to grab a different, free, campsite each night and it always cooled down to the low 50s.

                                                      Tuesday night's campsite

I saw a Bald Eagle, deer, a pair of Turkeys, a pair of Whooping Cranes, a Golden Eagle, at windshield height about ten feet in front of the truck and only a few humans. Still no bear, WTH, maybe I should pour some bacon grease on my picnic table. Just kidding! 

Today, 7/14/21, I am officially “car Camping” and actually paying $8 for my campsite at Calamity Campground on Palisades Reservior, the headwaters for the section of the Snake I was previously camped on. I wanted a spot I could swim, get cleaned up, dump my trash, refill my water and get ready to “RV camp” at Escapade. So far, I’ve been on this trip for 14 days and have paid a total of $23 in camping fees. I could have camped free tonight at a lower elevation, but really wanted to swim, have some cooler temps and get “clean”.

                                                 Calamity Campground site # 6

                                                Calamity Campgrd Day Use area

It's less smokey here than up north, but visibility is still limited. My eyes burn sometimes, but mostly I am unaffected by the smoke and very grateful for that. In fact in camp, I hardly notice the smoke, its only when you look at some vast expanse that you see it.

Tomorrow, I officially go on the clock and begin to travel to Rock Springs, vacation is over for a while. I plan to do laundry, give the truck another bath and check in at Escapade early Saturday so that I can setup the booth before the Saturday 2pm deadline and of course get really cleaned up before the vendor dinner.

Tight Lines and Safe Travels

7/11/21- IDBDR - Part 5

 7/11/21- IDBDR - Part 5

Sunday morning I packed up early and was on the road by 7am. I had a loose plan based on confirming whether or not Lolo Motorway was closed due to wildfire. I drove the eight miles on the “Road to Paradise” heading back to the Magruder. Within a few miles the Magruder became a two lane, smooth, gravel road, a 14 mile section was paved  and I was doing 35-40 mph most of the way. It was anticlimactic. Sixty miles later I hit the highway and turned north towards Darby, MT.

Near Darby I found a pull-off, with a full rack of Verizon bars, uploaded the blog, and searched for info on the Lolo Fire. A section of Hwy leading to the Lolo Hotsprings was under a travel advisory, a section of the Lolo Motorway was closed, some residents were being evacuated and others were on standby. That made my decision easy. I didn’t want to be anywhere near a wildfire in the back country, without connectivity and possibly be on the wrong side of a road closure or worse. It was time to head south, away from both the Dixie Fire and the Lolo Fire. My momma didn’t raise no fools. 

Fuel was actually very reasonable in Darby, $3.29 a gallon. I inquired about a car wash and was told the nearest one was in Salmon, ID, which was on my way. In Salmon I gave the truck a much needed bath, vacuumed Enzo, grabbed a pizza and flipped a figurative coin whether to take US 93 or Hwy 28 south. Both are designated scenic byways but 93 ran next to the Salmon River, so 93 it was.

About 20 miles north of Challis, ID I found a free campground, with easy river access, a clean SST, which had a beautiful fish mural painted on all four walls inside, was well stocked with toilet paper.

                                                                One wall in the SST

                                                                  The SST

I flipped a couple of flies, wet wading and landed two very nice Rainbows. Later that evening I met Rusty and Melissa from San Diego. They had rented a Hertz Van, transferred their sleeping platform etc from there truck, which needed repairs and left San Diego on Friday heading for Glacial National Park. They weren’t real confident in their truck and originally planned to fly to Glacial NP and rent a car, but no cars were available, hence the rental van, which only cost them $30 a day.

Just before nightfall, a young mountain sheep, came down to the river on the opposite bank, and entertained me while I drank a glass of wine after dinner.  Sorry to far for photo.

                       The view from my site and also where I caught the two Rainbows

Monday, 7/12/21

I watched an adult mountain sheep climbing on the cliffs across the river, while drinking my first cup of coffee. Later a Bald Eagle flew in front of me, through the canyon, not more than 50 feet above the river. 

By 8am I had the campground to myself, drinking coffee and reflecting on the IDBDR. It was an absolutely amazing experience and I was sorry to have it end. I ended up driving a total of 437 miles on it, of which all but maybe 85 miles were various degrees of unpaved forest roads. I spend 7 nights camped in the forest, paid for one night, $6, met some great people and have found a new passion. Driving an overland route from one point to another is not physically rewarding like backpacking or canoe camping, but it is mentally rewarding. There were very few people, amazing scenery, quiet solitude and a new experience each day. I saw lots of wildlife, caught fish, and never really knew what was around the next bend in the road. I can see myself doing this for many years. There are ten Backcountry Discovery Routes in the US, nine in the west and one back east. There are also routes like the White Rim Trail in Canyonlands and numerous other overland routes available to explore. 

This was also a good trial run for next year’s trip to Alaska. I worked out some kinks, decided on a few things I don’t need and generally settled into a routine of traveling as a solo. Yes, there are times I wish I had someone to share the experiences with, but the experience of traveling solo is also a rewarding adventure. I’m looking forward to spending next summer traveling alone.

I have to arrive at Escapade, in Rock Springs, WY, no later than Saturday, 7/17 at 2 pm, to get parked and setup up the AGS booth. There is a vendor dinner at 6pm that evening, I won't miss a free meal especially with beer and wine. I have enough food to get me back to CORA, but probably need to stop at a laundromat before Escapade. Those are my only short term commitments which gives me the next five days to go wherever the adventure leads. I think I'm heading to the Snake River area SW of Idaho Springs.

Tight Lines and Safe Travels

IDBDR Part 4 July 8, 2021

 IDBDR Part 4   July 8, 2021 - posted Sunday 7/11/21

I stuck around last night’s camp, while the sun charged my batteries until about 10 am and then headed out. While I was there I met a Forest Service worker cleaning the SST. She informed me that the pond I was fishing in, was a water source for the fire fighting helicopter bucket dumpers and that they had been dipping water the last few days for the Dixie Fire. She also told me that they had just stocked the pond last week. I have this vision of fish flying through the air into the fire. OMG! Not my idea of catch and release.

Elk City was only about 15 miles away. I fueled at a fairly reasonable price of $3.68 a gallon, found a couple of Verizon bars on my phone at the local VFW parking lot and posted my blog. I also met a Forest Service Fire Fighter, who gave me the beta on the Dixie Fire as well as some camping spots on the Magruder. I headed out of town and up the Magruder into the smoke. Views were limited to about a mile, but I decided to do the 8 mile round trip to the Green Mountain Fire Tower (aka lookout). The lookout was closed, but even with the smoke it was a nice view.

After rejoining the Magruder, I traveled another 15 miles and reached Poet’s Campground around 4pm, which was recommended by the FS Fire Fighter. The campground is on a tiny babbling creek. Later, three southbound adventure motorcyclists, two guys and a gal, pulled in for the night across from me. We swapped trail info, and I learned that the Lolo Motorway had been cleared of trees, but may be closed due to a nearby fire. The gal is a Respiratory Therapist and the manager of the Cardio-Pulmonary department at a hospital in ID. Small world, that’s exactly what Nancy was in our former sticks and bricks life. So far she is the only woman motorcyclist I’ve met on the IDBDR. Elizabeth’s significant other, Mark and their friend Jeff both gave her kudos for her riding skills. But Elizabeth did admit that when she dumps the bike she just stands to the side while Mark and Jeff pick it up. These bikes are bigger than I expected. Elizabeth and Mark are riding  750 cc KTM bikes, Jeff is on a 1290 cc bike, so with all the camping gear, tools, etc they are very heavy. 

While we were talking, this guy, Jim, who was camped next door to me in a Tacoma, came over and it turns out he knew Jeff. Jim had been hiking the ID Divide Trail, but bailed because of blistered feet and was driving the Magruder as one of his “bucket list” items while his feet healed. 

Being on a  BDR, is similar to being on a through hiking trail, like the AT, PCT, or LT. The conversation starts with “Are you guys doing the BDR?” and an instant common bond is formed. But these motorcyclists also remind me of whitewater paddlers. The conversation always seems to come to dumping the bike and biting dirt, just like whitewater paddlers talk about dumping and swimming. I spent a large portion of the evening chatting with them, it was lots of fun.

I was glad to gain the knowledge about the possible Lolo closure, but I plan to enter the Lolo on 7/10, things change quickly around here and I’ll keep a positive attitude. Who knows, maybe I’ll meet a trail angel and plans will change. 

I’ve been averaging about 60 miles a day, so I have another 421 miles to Wallace, which is my planned exit off the IDBDR, but 60 miles of that is paved, so I have enough time to complete my journey if Lolo is open. If its closed, I could kill a day waiting, and make up the miles, but I’m not sure I want to do that. Fingers crossed.

7/9/21 Friday 

I said goodbye to Mark, Elizabeth, Jeff and Jim around 7:15 am and headed east on the Magruder. It was a beautiful day, some smoke in the air, but no odor, just a haze. I figured it would increase as the day went on. The Magruder is well traveled, not only as part of the IDBDR, but it’s a popular overland route on its own. I stopped at a view parking area and while I was there about a dozen motorcyclists stopped. Some, heading east and some, west on the Magruder and some, doing the IDBDR. One group confirmed that 8 miles of the Lolo Motorway was closed due to a wildfire. From my point of view that ruled out continuing on the IDBDR. I’ll end this trip on the IDBDR in Lolo, MT and come back another time to finish it. I continued on and saw a Moose, a deer with velvet antlers, a hawk and of course the usual rabbits, chipmunks and associated little rodents. This place is just magnificent. 

Since it was the beginning of a weekend, I decided to find a campsite along the Selway River, near where the Magruder crosses it. Of course, the first two campsites were taken, but there was a sign pointing north off the Magruder to Paradise Campground, 12 miles. How could I not take the “Road to Paradise”. Twelve miles later, I came to Paradise and it wasn’t, so I left and drove 4 miles back to a large meadow next to the river. It was occupied, so I asked if they would mind if I camped at the opposite end, they said no problem. 

I settled in and setup camp, including the awning, had lunch, relaxed and then went fishing. The Selway is wide here, but not very deep. I ended the day with five little native cutthroats, which ranged from 4 to 8 inches long. The little guys were quite feisty and jumped and thrashed awhile before finally coming to hand. I’ll spend Friday and Saturday night here before heading out on the Magruder Sunday morning.

I have a fishing recommendation south of Superior, MT, over Hoodoo Pass in Idaho and then some dirt roads into the Clearwater National Forest. Supposed to be some big Cutthroats and Browns in that section of the Clearwater River. It will be a full days drive, since half will be on Forest Roads. I’ll need to check the Wildfire website first because that could also be where the Wildfire is burning since it is north of the Lolo Motorway. Thursday I have to begin my drive to Rock Springs, WY to arrive at Escapade on Saturday before 2pm to setup the AGS booth, which gives me four days to play, after I exit the IDBDR. But for now I have a great campsite, quiet neighbors and fishing closely, life is good.

It has been hot here during the day, 99 degrees, but it could off nicely at night, low 50s. I’ve been wet wading to stay cool. I switched to a 4wt rod to give the fish a chance, Caught 7 more fish on Saturday, a mix of Rainbows and Cutthroats, in the 4 - 12 inch range. I walked up the road to go to a different section of river. Except where I am camped, getting to the river is difficult from the road. This is an old burn area, so the woods are a jumble of down trees, plus the road is 20 feet above the river with a steep embankment.

The current in front of camp is pretty fast, so swimming was not an option. I was able to move some rocks to create a dam with a space large enough for me to lie in. It was great to cool off in.

I apologize for the poor quality of some photos, the windshield gets pretty dirty and I didn’t want to chance spooking the Moose or Deer by getting out of the truck.

It will be mid-day Sunday, and I’ll be in Montana, when I post this and you’ll have to wait for the next post to find out what I finally decided to do.

See Pics below

Stay turned.

Tight Lines and safe travels 

                                                        Entrance to Magruder Corridor

                                                            Poet's Campground       

                                                        Campsite on the Road to Paradise

IDBDR Part 3 posted 7.8.21

 IDBDR part 3 

July 5, 2021. I had a long day today, 103 miles, with an average speed of 17 mph, over lots of winding, steep, rough roads. The roads are still in better shape than I expected. I have not aired down my tires, nor thought that I should. I was pretty tired at the end of the day. I’m very comfortable sitting in the truck seats, but whenever I stop and get out, I feel the miles. I think its just maintaining a certain level of muscle tension as I concentrate on the driving, and a little anxiety, being aware of the drop-offs, and wondering when the next ongoing vehicle will appear. I decided that doing over 100 miles on these roads was not desirable.

I met two adventure motorcycle riders on BWMs. They were completely kitted out and obviously doing the IDBDR, but North to South. They were planning to ivy in a wide spot on the road. One of the guys dumped his bike and sprained his ankle. After riding a short distance on it, he decided he could go no further. I can’t imagine riding a motorcycle up some of these steep. loose dirt roads. These guys were no spring chickens. The uninjured guy was late 50s, but the injuries guy was mid to late 60s. 

Old guys rock !!!!! 

I asked if the bikes were a bit unwieldy with all the gear. They said yes, they were just discussing what they could have left at home in Virginia. After exchanging trail notes, they told me that they had to bypass the Lolo Motorway because the downed trees hadn’t been cleared, the Burgdorf Hot Springs were closed, making sure I couldn’t do anything to help them, I got back in the truck and headed north. 

I was trying to reach Burgdorf Hot Springs, which they informed me was closed, so my new goal was the little historic town of Warren. I only made it to a Sheifer Campground where a bridge crossed over the South Fork of the Salmon River. Camping was free, the water was refreshing, but the fish were uncooperative.

July 6, 2021

I continued with my implementation of enjoying the morning, and hit the road at 10 am. The road was narrow, most of the way, with great views. I stopped at the Guard Station in Warren to obtain some info, but no one was home and no maps were in the lobby. On the north side of Warren, was a USFS airstrip. It ran parallel to road and didn’t look much different, except for the signs saying don’t park vehicles on the airstrip and snowmobiles prohibited from the air strip. 

As I climbed out of the valley, I passed a couple of ranches with mailboxes, then passed a small settlement of houses and cabins. There was a mailbox in front of every driveway. About 30 minutes later i pull over to let a oncoming Subaru Outback pass. The woman stopped and we chatted awhile. She is Mykita the mail lady. She works for a contract flying service that delivers mail all year long to those ranch and houses, twice each week. She is the driver and her boss is the pilot. In the winter the mail gets flown in, during the summer for the past 30 years, Mykita has delivered the mail. We sat in our vehicles, blocking the road and chatted about all the places I would visit along my route,  finally after 20 minutes, I said goodbye. 

Hours later the route took a sharp left and turned to pavement. It was very strange to be suddenly drive 50 - 60 mph. So strange, I completely missed the turn but on dirt to Burgdorf Hot Springs. I decided to stay on the pavement and visit McCall. I fueled, stopped at the Ranger Headquarters, grabbed a map and a couple of phone numbers to check the status of the Lolo. The woman at HQ, was very helpful and said that the Lolo would probably be cleared before I got to it. I parked in their parking lot with a full rack of Verizon bars on my phone, checked messages, emails and posted part 1 & part 2 on my blog. I headed back the way I came, and made the correct turn. The road to the Hot springs was wide, graded, gravel road so at 40mph I made up for lost time until I got to the French Creek Switchbacks. Incredible views, sharp 180 degree turns and long drop offs along a very narrow road. I finally settled into a campsite on the Big Salmon River. Air temperature was 100 degrees, and the water was 60 degrees. Needless to say, I spent a lot of time in the water. I had thought about staying a couple of days but at 11pm it was still 92. So I’m heading north and to much higher elevation tomorrow.

July 7, 2021 - I don’t need no stinking ATV

It was extremely warm camped next to the Big Salmon River. My neighbors, from Spokane,  informed me that it’s typically around 100 degrees in the canyon. I was up at 5 am and on the road by 7am. 

Today was definitely a BIG adventure. The first hour or so was wash board gravel, then good smooth gravel on FS Rd 221, the map said to leave 221 and get on FS Rd 643. At this point I think the BDR gods and map makers were screwing with me. 643 turn into a very rough ATV trail, with wash outs, gullies, mud and not much more that a two track. There were incredible blow downs which had been clear, but barely wide enough to get the truck through. There were also a number of hanging blow downs that I barely cleared. I took a number of wrong turns, which I was only able to determine as wrong because they became almost impassable. Luckily, I was either able to back up or make a many point U-turn. At some point, I miss judged my clearance and not only broke my fly rod vault, but my Orvis rod. Its all good, my rod has a 25 year replacement warranty if I break it. I have already broken one. So it will cost me about $50 to get a replacement. Considering they sell for lots more, I’m good. The fly rod vault is a DIY project, which cost me $50, I was able to salvage everything except the aluminum supports, so its a project when I get back to CORA. The other good news is that I brought two extra fly rods with me, so I’m still able to fish. 

I am extremely happy with how the truck is performing, I haven’t even had to air down the tires and the built in compass was probably the reason I didn’t get lost. I finally made it to the old historic mining town of Florence and its historic cemetery. If any body reading this decides to do the IDBDR, avoid FS Rd 643, stay on 221, 643 eventually merged with 221 and I was happy to be off 643.

Another problem that appeared today…… my house AGM batteries did not charge off my alternator while driving, so tomorrow, I have some diagnostic work to do and hopefully I get that taken care off. If not, I’ll have to find a sunny spot, near a fishing hole to hang for a day until the solar panels charge the batteries. 

FS Rd 221 eventually became paved, and at the junction of ID Hwy 14, I headed east towards Elk City. I decided to leave the IDBDR and Hwy 14 just before Elk City and drive 11 miles up FS Rd 233 in the hope of locating a campsite at higher elevation, which I did. I was rewarded with a small pond with rising trout right near to my campsite. I guess the BDR gods were satisfied with my sacrifices and I did catch and release four nice 12” Rainbows, and probably lost twice as many, plus at 8:45 pm, its already cooled down to 70 degrees. I’ll sleep well tonight. 

I also, passed a total of seven southbound Adventure motorcyclist southbound on the IDBDR. I have started driving with my lights on to give then a little more advanced warning. They appear to be a little shocked to see me coming head on in a fully loaded F150. :)

By the time you read this, I will pass through Elk City on 7/8/21, fuel up, grab some connectivity, post my blog and then enter the McGruder Corridor, which is an acclaimed overland adventure worth doing by itself. It’s over 120 miles, so I plan to overnight somewhere on it, then its 50 miles of pavement to Darby, where I will find out it the Lolo Motorway has been cleared of the winter dead fall trees. FINGERS CROSSED !!!!

By the way, Idaho is just gorgeous, very green, not a lot of tourists, large towering conifers, and I deer every day, today a Mountain Sheep ran across the road in front of me, almost to close. The people I’ve met are friendly. But, I have learned that unlike TX, they don’t wave to strangers just because you are driving a pickup truck on a dirt road. I’ve stopped waving. LOL 

BY THE WAY, I have decided to put all the photos at the end of the blog. Its much faster and since the only place I have connectivity is in town in the middle of my travel day, I need to be able to expedite the process. I have received a couple of texts, suddenly while traveling, but usually by the time I stop the truck I’m back to NO SERVICE. 

 

Tight Lines and Safe Travels

                                                Another unmarked FS Road Jct

                                                            Old Burn Area

                                            Abrupt drop off on a narrow section of road

                                                Campsite before the Town of Warren

                                                      Town of Warren, ID

                                  I guess the hood was worth more than the whole bus

                                       A wide spot of the French Creek Switch backs

                                                   French Creek Switch Backs

Campsite of the Big Salmon   100 degrees F

                                                                    FS Rd 643

                                                                      FS Rd 643

                                                      Florence Historic Cemetery 

                                                           My little fishing hot spot

\\

IDBDR Part 2 - July 4, 2021 Independence Day

 

Happy Birthday America !!!!!!

It’s been very warm in Idaho. Currently, there is a fire ban, which is fine by me, as long as Wildfires don’t break out. The air has been clear and I hope it stays that way. Last night 7/3/21, at dusk, which is around 9:30 pm this far north and west, I saw a big black shape moving through the old burned forest across the dirt road from my site. Needless to say, I got a bit nervous, especially knowing I didn’t bring my bear spray. My camp was clean, so I sat and watched as it moved left to right across my field of vision. Then about 25 yards behind it, another black shape appeared. Both animals were to far away to clearly see. Just as I was about to grab my binoculars, one of them mooed, and a small herd of Black Angus cattle appeared. I slept very well last night.

I packed up Enzo around 9am and headed out. I decided to drive further down the Forest Road and try to get to a high spot for a view as well as possible cellular connectivity. Found a view but no cell coverage. After enjoying the view, I turned around and headed back the way I came. It was time to get serious, head to Lowman, and begin the actual IDBDR. 

The drive to Lowman was spectacular, first through a valley with mountains in the distance and then in a canyon along the Payette River. Lowman was 65 miles from camp. I stopped at the USFS Ranger Station, which was closed but had an ample supply of Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) in the unlocked foyer. I grabbed the 3 maps that covered the first couple of sections of the IDBDR that I was doing. These are much more detailed than the Butler IDBDR map I have. They even have the opening and closing dates of the roads. Had I only known. LOL.

After leaving the Ranger Station, I refilled all my water at the next USFS campground, topped off my fuel tank with 4 1/2 gallons of unleaded at the little Lowman convenience store for $4.49 per gal, dumped my trash after asking permission and then crossed Hwy 21 and entered FS Road 582. Finally!

Leaving Lowman

The road had recently been graded and at times I was cruising along at 30 - 40 mph throughout the forest. The smooth grade continued, but the road became very twisty, so I slowed accordingly. At mile post 12, I came to my first junction, stopped to recon my location and then turned left onto FS road 510. I was entering an area that was pretty heavily burned during the 2016 Pioneer Fire. Mother Nature was working hard to restore the land, but I could tell it had been a very hot fire. The trees were mostly burned sticks, which allowed for continuous views as the road wound its way along the contours of the mountains.

                                                                  Mile Post 12

Using the Butler map for the “big picture” and the MVUM for the fine detail, I finally arrived at Deadwood Reservoir, 43 miles since I left pavement, at around 3pm. The drive was very much like backpacking, except I averaged 17 MPH, rather than the 1 1/2 to 2 mph I used to average backpacking. The road never got very rough, a few ruts here and there, but any decent vehicle could drive it. I only saw 2 vehicles and one ATV all day. There were a few turn outs for views, but mostly the road was a vehicle and a half wide, so between the constant switchbacks, big drop offs on the left side of the road and the chance of meeting an oncoming vehicle, I slowed to a reasonable speed.

At Deadwood Reservoir, I  scouted two USFS campgrounds on the reservoir and lucked out. Barneys Campground was mostly empty. I settled into site #2, $6 with my senior pass, no neighbors , my own private beach and an amazingly clean “SST” (sweet smelling toilet) aka outhouse. Spent the afternoon, swimming and fishing. The swimming was more productive than the fishing. Life is good.

                                                  Barney's Campground site #2

                                                     Sunset From Barney's #2

I have settled into a new routine, because of the very warm, daytime, ambient temperature. The mornings are cool, 65 degrees, and it’s very quiet. So, unlike backpacking, where the goal was to get an early start and cover miles, I’ve decided to enjoy the cool mornings in camp, and then escape the heat driving with the air conditioner on in the truck. 

Random view from the Driver's window, and yes that is the edge of the road. Most places the road is 1 1/2 vehicles wide, some places one one vehicle wide. 

Tight Lines and safe travels

uly 1, 2021- Off to do the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route.Part 1

There is zero coverage in the ID mts.

I had planned to leave yesterday, June 30th, but the universe had other intentions, but very good intentions. As I was calling it a night on 6/29/21, my phone acknowledged an email. It was from my Real Estate agent, informing me I had a full price, cash offer on my spare lot at CORA. So rather than departing on my vacation, I stuck around to sign papers, woohoo!!!! The buyers had zero contingencies, including accepting my delayed closing until after 8/15/21. It really couldn’t have worked out better. It will be sad to give up the extra lot, but I can’t pass up the huge influx of cash.

I also had to wait for my mail forwarding to arrive via FedEx 3 day express, which was shipped on 6/23. Long story, but it took a tour of Colorado and went to Memphis twice. It didn’t arrive until after I left on 7/1 at 4:30pm.  I’m not a genius, but that is more than 3 days. Needless to say, I am boycotting FedEx for the rest of my life. My good buddy at CORA, Mark, picked it up for me.

Thursday morning, 7/1, I headed north to get on I-70 west, and headed to Dinosaur National Park, mostly to check it out, camp for the night and do a quick hike Friday morning before heading to Idaho. Getting a campsite was not a problem. The park is huge, with two entrances 22 miles apart. I stopped at the first one in CO, talked to the ranger and will definitely be back. I didn’t stay the night there because the campground was a 30 minute paved road then a long overland route, approximately another hour over a rough road to the campground. Normally, this would be right up my alley, but I still have a long way to go before I reach my IDBDR starting point in Pine, ID. This could be a great fall trip, cooler temperatures and I’d make it the destination, rather than just a stop.

Friday, I got up early and did the Fossil Discovery Trail, short 2.4 mile hike round trip it leads to the Fossil Wall Gallery. The shuttle from the visitor center starts at 8am, I started hiking at 7 am and figured I would get the hike done while it was cool, view the bones and be on the road by 8:30 am. Nowhere, did it mention that the Gallery wall was in a building, which doesn’t open until 8am. I arrived, along with a couple at 7:30 am and hung out until staff arrived at 8:00. We had the whole place to ourselves. 

Actual dino bones on the wall

Bronze Cast of a removed skeleton

Actual dino bone you can touch

I hiked back to the parking lot and was on the road my 9:30 am. 525 miles later, I arrived in Pine, ID at 7pm, found a great campsite over looking a half empty reservoir. The shore was packed with campers and ATVs. I had the bluff to myself, dust and generator free.

Sat, 7/3, I went into Pine, topped off the gas tank at $3.99/ gal and headed out on the IDBDR. The first 14 miles were paved, HWY 114, then I got on Forest Road (FS) 172. FS 172 was in great shape and I quickly arrived at my first junction. I was supposed to Take FS 129 north, but was greeted by this sign

At least the sign was there and I didn’t have to drive the 15 mies to the gate and then turn around. I had debated whether to begin the trail in Pine or Lowman. This was the universe deciding for me. So Saturday I took the long scenic drive to the eastern side of the Sawtooth Mountains and stopped at a dispersed campsite just west of Stanley, ID. It puts me in easy striking distance of Lowman and the IDBDR.

This trip is all about seeing Idaho. Today it wasn’t from the IDBDR, but the drive was still very pretty. The eastern side of the Sawtooths, remind be of Summit County in Colorado, albeit, less developed and less people, but give it time. The western side between I-80 and Pine is much less developed. This is all new terrain for me, so I’m still having a great time and if all goes according to plan, I’ll be on the IDBDR on Sunday.

Tight lines & safe travels