Trying Winter Camping

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Some trips are good, others are better and exceed expectations. This trip falls into the latter category. Plans for this trip started forming with the thought that now that I have a van, it is easier to get away and I should just do it. I should try winter camping. Logic told me to stay close to the salt water where it is warmer and go when it is sunny. Hum. The day after Thanksgiving started a sunny streak of weather and Fidalgo Island (City of Anacortes, Washington area) had some ophiolite rocks I’d read about. Off I went.

Photo of seagulls. I don’t know if the rock was an ophiolite.
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The Eclipse

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I had been uncertain about spending the effort to view the eclipse. I had heard that there may be crowds which I have an aversion to, and the weather forecast was semi cloudy. But I wanted to keep my options open, so I slowly headed west. Having some spare time, I drove the road to the Warm Springs Reservoir to look for agates and petrified wood. I found lots of agate type rock but no petrified wood. I also found some blue rocks that I have no clue what they are.

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Snake River

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When leaving east central Idaho, my general plan was to head south to the Snake River and then westward to see the eclipse in Oregon. I lack a story to tell, so the following is just a collection of photos from this portion of the trip.

Little City of Rocks is a fun diversion west of Highway 46.

Little City of Rocks
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Highway 28

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To somewhat complete my investigation of east central Idaho, I drove to Highway 28. First on my todo list was to visit Skull Canyon mentioned in the Roadside Geology of Idaho. Skull Canyon showcases limestone about 325 million years old. You don’t have to like geology to find this canyon interesting.

Skull Canyon Mississippian limestone
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Failed Teton Dam

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Looking for a place to spend the night, I drove to the failed Teton Dam overlook.  Once there, it looked vandalized.  There were no signs explaining what had happen or what I was looking at.  Just a paved surface, curbing and sidewalks.  And then I began to understand.  I was at the overlook built to showcase the dam – its ability to provide power, reduce flooding, and provide irrigation water.  Now all mention of the failed dam has been removed from the overlook.  There was nothing.  It was as if the wish was to remove all memory of the dam. The spillway can be seen, that is the only reminder that a dam once stood there. The spillway now provides a new purpose, a surface for artists to express themselves on.  

Failed Teton Dam spillway
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Craters of the Moon

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After cleaning up in Mackay, I went to the Craters of the Moon National Monument to wait out the weather.  It was cold and rainy.  Dogs aren’t allowed on the trails there, but they are allowed on the road.  Razzy and I walked the road with my wool cap and raincoat on. The plants stood out against the black volcanic rock.

I believe this is a Blazingstar Mentzelia laevicaulis
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Ooh La La

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Such magnificent views. I wanted to see the mines above Mackay, so I drove the Pass Creek Road westward. It was gorgeous and the view of the road below made me chuckle. Look closely in the photo below and you will see a yield sign by the intersection. Is the yield sign needed in the middle of nowhere?

Pass Creek Road looking west.
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Onward

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After my failed attempt to see “the most beautiful spot in Idaho” I drove on looking for a home for the night.  I could have stayed at my turn around spot, but I was looking for a better view.  I was being picky.  And I was also enjoying the view of the Little Lost River Valley.  I chose the Summit Creek Campground for my home for the night.  It was a nice campground, and I was lucky that there was an auto mechanic staying there.  

View of the Lemhi Range from my Summit Creek camp site.
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