Yesterday’s drive once again showcased all that Mother Nature had to offer both in terms of weather (except for no tornadoes or hail thankfully!) and scenery.
When I left the hotel yesterday, my first stop was to find a Starbucks and collect a Utah mug. This was pretty easy since Starbucks seem to be literally everywhere when you’re near a city. Anyway, I’m up to 3 now: St. Louis, Colorado, and Utah. I passed a Starbucks on the way to the hotel I’m currently at, so will collect an Idaho mug when I leave here as well. Nancy likes collecting these mugs, and you can only get them when you visit a Starbucks located in that location.
Yesterday’s drive was, once again, fantastic. I got on I-80 heading west west west! Pretty quickly the bright sunny skies of Salt Lake City darkened and clouded up as I approached the Great Salt Lake Desert and Bonneville Salt Flats. Eventually a steady rain started and persisted for about 50 miles. The irony of driving through the desert in the rain was not lost on me. In fact, the salt flats were actually a Great Salt Lake even if the lake was only an inch deep. Eventually I made it to the Wendover, UT rest area where I took some pics (the rain let up, for a bit) and read the sign about the land speed records. While there, a couple from Calvert County who were retired and traveling the country in their RV noticed my plates and chatted me up a bit. You meet some nice people on these kind of trips.
After emptying myself, I proceeded onward on I-80W with the intention of turning northward. After consulting my atlas I decided to turn north on US Route 93 in Nevada. Once crossing into Nevada, I-80 begins to climb another range. I encountered gorgeous views and several fairly heavy snow squalls. These snow events only lasted for the duration of the time I was traveling above whatever elevation the freezing level was. It kept me on my toes for sure.
I got on US-93N and it takes you through some scenic middle of nowhere areas. Just what I wanted! Eventually I made it to southern Idaho. I refueled when I got to Twin Falls, and continued on US-93N avoiding the interstate that passes through Twin Falls. While in Twin Falls, I drove across a bridge and noticed it spanned a huge canyon and people were BASE jumping off the bridge. Fortunately right after I passed the bridge there was a scenic viewpoint and I stopped and got some cool pics. I then continued on in the back country with little to no traffic and gorgeous weather. The clouds broke up, the precip stopped and the rest of the day was perfect driving weather.
While driving on 93, I also encountered the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. While I did not go into the park, I was able to stop at multiple scenic view points and get some pictures. At one of the view spots I couldn’t resist and took a rock for my collection.
After consulting the atlas again (remember folks, I have not ONCE used the GPS at all on this trip) I determined if my plan was to see the Tetons today, then I should shack up in Idaho Falls. I made my way there via US Route 20 after 93 parted ways for other areas. There was a decent amount of day light left. I stopped at 2 hotels, both of which were full, and called a 3 which was also full. 4th time proved to be the charm. It was the most expensive of the options (by about $40) but I have a fantastic room with a river view balcony and, most importantly, it was available. Shortly after I checked in I took a walk around Idaho Falls, and it is a nice scenic little town. I found the falls and walked their nice little river park.
When I got back from my walk, I overhead the front desk say they only had one room left to a guy who was trying to check in. I’m glad I was able to get a room.
Sadly, the trip is quickly coming to an end. Today will end further east. I plan to visit the Tetons, and meander through the middle of nowhere Wyoming. This will take all day I’m sure. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to take I-90 back East. It will be a scenic drive and doesn’t pass through any major cities until getting to Wisconsin. Because of that, when I do reach an interstate (likely I-25) I will take that to I-90. It all depends on how far I get as to where I stay tonight and what roads I take.
Anyway, I have rested enough. The weather is sunny and beautiful so it’s time to get going on today’s drive.
