The Snake River runs through the city of Twin Falls, Idaho. Since we are passing through, we must visit the falls known as the Niagara of the West. It is definitely off season and the road to the falls overlook is closed, but we’ll walk down the twisty .6 mile road to the falls. It is a beautiful sunny day, no wind so feels warmer than 18 degrees, but where the cliffs shade the road we have ice to negotiate. Just watch your step!
Continue reading “Shoshone Falls on New Year’s Eve”
We are getting an early start today, which in winter means leaving by 7:30am. This is the last 260 miles of my drive home from a holiday visit to family and friends in California. Little did I know that today’s first 25 miles along ID-33 East would be so glorious. East Butte at left, Middle Butte right, are two of three volcanic domes that grace the landscape as we journey through the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho. Come on along as we take a quick look at this unique area.
Continue reading “SNAP*Shot: 25 Miles in Dawn’s Early Light”
When autumn arrives, it is time to head north to savor the unique and beautiful Western larch, called tamaracks in western Montana. Our first stop in Swan Valley is a marvelous view of Swan Peak, the second highest peak in the 99-mile Swan Range. Swan Peak stands at 9,289 feet, with the highest peak only 67 feet taller. Swan Valley ranges from 2,000 to about 2,500 feet giving us a spectacular 6,000+ foot rise to mountain tops. This time of year the mountains gleam with the tamaracks’ autumn gold. Let’s explore the grandeur of these glowing yellow trees of the North.
Name one thing that is great about Yellowstone in October: Off-season lodge rates. Name one word of caution about Yellowstone in October: SNOW. Since I love staying at the new Canyon Lodges with steep discounts and the aspen and cottonwoods are in sparkling yellow now, I’ll take my chances. It is a gorgeous day to drive along the Gibbon River to Norris Junction then heading east to the Canyon area. The Gibbon River has thermal features along its banks and is one of only a few Yellowstone rivers flowing north to south, but that’s a story for another day. Today we are heading to Canyon’s Washburn Lodge, staying the last two nights before the Canyon area closes until next May. Tomorrow morning we will walk the northern end of North Rim Trail to explore waterfalls and canyon walls. This will be such fun.
