Idaho in the Springtime!

Shoshone Falls is located in Twin Falls.

Often referred to as the Niagara of the West. 

It is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the 

United States and higher than the Niagara Falls. 

The snow was still melting so it wasn't as impressive

and they divert some of the water upstream for irrigation. 

Groundhogs also known as Woodchuck 

or Whistlepig, were everywhere.

Who remembers when Evil Knievel tried to 

jump the Snake River? 

To show perspective that is Scott at the top of the ramp.

Funny how he is remembered for a 

jump that was not successful. 

He deployed his parachute too soon. 

More roadside art. Pretty creative use of things laying 

around the house - chains, drills, tractor seat

and who knows what. 

This is the vineyard we stayed at in Hammett

with our Harvest Host membership.

 

Bullock's Oriole

A fantastic place to camp. 

This is the first time we sat on a 

dock and watched tadpoles. 

It was so relaxing and a beautiful sunset. 

 Then we camped right along the Snake River

in Wilder, Idaho which is just west of Boise. 

Another great sunset. 

The bees were busy collecting pollen.

Look closely and you can see how it is 

delicately grabbing the flower. 

One of the fun things about traveling so early 

in the season is seeing all the babies. 

Hells Canyon and the Snake River. 

It is North America's deepest river gorge at 7,993 feet,

 which is deeper than the Grand Canyon!

 Can you see the road on the right side?

The 22 miles of weaving back and forth,

 up and down and over three dams was so cool.

We arrived at the Hells Canyon Visitors Center 

and the ranger had his binoculars set up 

so we were able to see these mountain goats. 

Notice their shedding coats.

They stayed there a long time, so I was able

to grab the tripod and camera. 

 These photos are amazing because 

we were on the Oregon side and they 

were on the Idaho side!

Here it is without the zoom lens. 

The mountain goats are inside the blue circle. 

We were very surprised to see these rafters launch 

because all the rivers have been out of their banks.

They are in for an adventure!

Another bonus for traveling in the spring, we

were able to see so many fields of flowers blooming!

Our favorite roads are the scenic byways. 

Drove by Craters of the Moon National Park. 

    We camped here several years ago with Joel

 and hiked in the lava tubes. A very unique place.

We camped right next to this tree that had a hole 

 but didn't realize at first that a bird had made its nest. 

After patiently waiting, we saw mom in action!

More snow-covered mountains with fields of yellow flowers.

 Wow!

Idaho in the springtime didn't disappoint.  

Great Basin National Park & Roadside Gems in Nevada

 

Road to Great Basin National Park

These beautiful flowers just pop along the roadside. 

Have you noticed that there are not too many

 National Parks that have straight roads?

The snowcapped mountains are stunning

to view in the distance. We passed up the caves

here because we have been in several over the years.

We promised you more roadside gems!

Folks you can only see this kind of stuff 

when you travel the back roads of America. 

Nevada Fence Art 

Too Tall Tony 

Barb Wire who is needing a new wardrobe.

And her husband a little worst for the wear, Bob Wire.

Some things you just don't have words for.

As we left the park, we also saw a picnic shelter 

with informational signs.

What you don't notice from the road

 is the intricate iron work along the top. 

A talented artist has taken a lot of time to make this

 so we wanted to share it with everyone.

There must be a lot of artists in this area because,

 just down the road we find another roadside gem.

 Wheeler Peak is 13,063 feet.

Could be a monument to bikers

 who lost their lives along this road. 

A very creative recycling artist. 

Nevada Rocks!

Red Rock Canyon is just west of Las Vegas. 

You must get your timed entry ticket

 to enter this 13 mile one-way loop. 

Click on the link above to learn more. 

We haven't traveled this early in the year

so, it is amazing to see all the flowers blooming.

The timing was just right to capture 

the bee, cactus and shadows.

Amazing Petroglyph!

Another cool/hot place to see the red, gray, 

and sand colored limestone.

Yes, we climbed all those stairs to see the petroglyphs. 

We rounded a corner just in time

 to catch this mama and baby. 

And this dude just chilling in the shade. 

Wouldn't you like to know what he is thinking?

What do you see in this photo? 

We call it a Rockcasso (Picasso). 

A man and women kissing.

Okay, maybe we have been out in the dessert too long. 

Balanced Rock.

 I think there is one of these in every state. 

Behind the visitor's center there were several 

mountain goats on top of the hill. 

This photo is zoomed way in to get the Alpha

on the top rock. He stayed there for quite a while.

Elephant Rock

You know we love our lizards!

They are easy to spot but hard to photograph.