Wednesday July 28, Blackfoot Reservoir Camp, Near Soda Springs ID

After driving up the hill from the camp this morning, couldn’t believe how the view just opened out and we were in irrigated cropping land that went on for miles. Even a field of linseed just starting to turn blue as well as yellow canola. Idaho is famous for its potatoes and for the first time saw acres of them, just coming into flower. And everywhere there was wheat ripening, really enjoyed driving through it as we headed through the small rural town of Ashton to Driggs at the base of the Teton Mountains. They were so hazy this morning which was such a shame. Spent some time in Riggs sorting out some documents that needed to be printed and emailed back to NZ…..thank goodness we did not leave it to do in Jackson, but more of that later!!!

Then we wound up and over the Teton Pass at 8500 feet, a real test for Ruakiwi, but no problems. The wildflowers were just wonderful, but the traffic was pretty busy so no chance to stop.

And onto Jackson. Two years ago on our mid west trip we visited Jackson, coming in from the East, and it was a pretty busy tourist town, but as we were so close thought we should revisit. Mistake. It was frantically busy, even worse than last time and trying to find a park anywhere near town was near impossible. The only good thing was lunch, found a great little café a bit back from the centre and were able to sit out on the verandah with a cold beer and lunch and relax a little. Have to admit that we have never seen so many shops selling the same tshirts, hats and sweaters with Jackson on them somewhere….all pretty tacky.

Back out of town and time for the weekly laundry, remembered the Laundromat from last trip! It was 4.30 before we set off south down 89, the scenic highway following the Snake River. Not an easy drive for Ian as the traffic was really thick all the way and everyone seemed to be in a great hurry. So with relief we turned West on 34 and much easier driving. We were looking for a campsite all the way, and finally read in a book about a BLM site on a lake, and although it was not signposted very well, we took a 4 mile drive on a side road and were just delighted. There was this great camp right on the side of a hill overlooking the lake with views around the hills, and the sites had electricity, and only about 6 other campers were here. Even passed a moose and calf on the road. Another great wilderness spot!