Today started out as a cold and overcast morning that threatened rain. We grabbed a couple of bad coffees from the so-called breakfast at the hotel and headed west over the Teton Pass. Once we got on the way the sun started peeking out from behind the clouds and by the time we were over the pass, it was a beautiful day. Before long, we were out of the mountainous terrain and entered a prairie-like landscape, covered with wind turbines. It is nearing the end of harvest season and, with the dry weather, the soil is loose and prone to blow in the wind. Although the dust devils weren’t as pronounced as some of the ones we saw in Western Washington, we saw quite a few but we unable to photograph any.
As we drove towards Idaho Falls, the clouds appeared ominous, with dark tails that threatened possible storms. About 11:30 we stopped in Idaho Falls for a walk, before enjoying a picnic lunch of leftovers next to the Snake River. While we were sitting next to the river, the sun burned off a lot of the clouds, leaving wisps in the sky.
After lunch we headed downtown to get a few pictures of the falls as well as a closer view of the Tabernacle (as shown above).
We then headed towards Craters of the Moon National Volcanic Monument, just outside of Arco, ID. As we neared Arco, the prairies turned to more of a desert landscape, and buttes (which are actually just hills, not true buttes) rose from the sagebrush. We also drove past the Idaho National Laboratory, which is a 2,300 sq. km complex that employs over 4,000 employees and does nuclear research in numerous fields. Not long after, we arrived at a lookout which was about a mile from Craters of the Moon. We stopped, surveyed the landscape and decided that it definitely looked interesting enough to take a closer look. We both thoroughly enjoyed both our walk along a path that marked the different types of lava and lava flows; as well as the seven-mile drive through some of the lava fields. We have decided that we need to come back and visit this place next time we are in the area again.
We continued on towards Twin Falls, and watched as the mountains disappeared behind us. Coming around a corner just before I descended one of the last hills we encountered today, I happened to notice a lone creature at the top of the ridge. I pulled over and managed to get a photo, of my first Pronghorn. It wasn’t the greatest picture, but rarely do I get to see an animal for the first time AND get a picture of it.
We continued on into Twin Falls, and checked into the hotel. Twin Falls didn’t have any restaurants that were featured on a Food Network show, but my research on food sites had led me to Idaho Joe’s. We checked with the girl at the hotel’s front desk and although she hadn’t been there herself, she had heard great things about the place.
Man were we glad that we went there. Mum and I shared the boneless hot wings for an appy; followed by a Caesar Salad for Mum and a Blue Cheese bacon burger for me. It was heavenly. I even had my first bite of cornbread, which tasted pretty good for bread made from corn meal. Not only was it a great meal, but they also sold a steak seasoning that we had seen advertised at Pickle’s Restaurant in Arco. We both got a jar as it seemed to be kismet.
Well, we’ve now come to the end of our day, and I am off to bed.
Talk to you soon and thanks for reading.
L
