2021 Idaho Trip. July 22nd-August 7th

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
This trip had been in the planning stages since sometime last year, around the end of summer.
The plan was to meet up with my friend Cap'n Ron, and we would tour around Idaho and surrounding areas for two weeks.
Originally it was meant to include our favorite Canadian Couple, along with their Pickup/Camper with motorcycles in tow, for the first week.........................but due to the obvious "No-go" situation at the northern border, sadly again this year they could not join us.
The trip-planning included booking various Campsites, Cabins, and other accommodations way back in January when the 6-month window opened up each day.
I now had concrete dates on the Calendar, and something to look forward to throughout the Spring and early Summer!

As the "Day of departure" grew closer I performed some required maintenance on the bike, like washing it............(still had Utah dirt on it from last September!)

IMG_9884.JPG

Oil, Filter, and final-drive Fluid change.

IMG_9825.JPG

Cleaning and Lubing the Shift-lever and Brake-lever pivots.

IMG_9885.JPG

IMG_9886.JPG

Checking all the Spokes, check the Tire-tread and pressures, check Brakes, and check tire pressures again!

And add a waterproof SAE-port to my right side Bumot hard-Case for charging accessories on the go!

IMG_9829.JPG

IMG_9830.JPG

IMG_9831.JPG

I also went-through, and re-checked all the tools and tire-repair supplies that I normally carry on the bike at all times. Made sure all that was up to date.
 

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
With about a week to go before departure I started gathering all the items I would be taking with me, made myself a checklist, and as usually the way it goes, every time I checked something off my list I added two more things to it...............
Eventually though as I gradually checked-off every item, I finally ended up with a completed list and a pile of stuff!


This would be all of my Food, Snacks, Clothes, Camping and Cooking supplies, First-Aid and Toiletries, Electronics and Charging stuff, and a few Luxury items like a Camp-Chair and Folding-Table.

IMG_9878.JPG
I tried something different this time, with organizing stuff into a set of "Packing Cubes" that I got cheap off Amazon, and a few zipper-pouches.
I have to say, this really helped with organization, both during initial packing and at Camp each day.

Next came packing it all in the Bumot Cases.

All of the Food Items, and Cooking Supplies went in the Top-Case.
IMG_9880.JPG

All of my Clothes, Toiletries, First-Aid, and Charging/Elecronics stuff went in the Right-side Case.
I can charge my Battery-Bank and any of my USB devices in the Lid while I ride.
IMG_9881.JPG

And all the Camping and Camp-related items went in the Left-side Case.
IMG_9882.JPG

Holy-Cow! It all fits!
IMG_9883.JPG

The "Cooler Bags" attached to the top of each side-case would hold my two 3-liter Water-Bladders and my containers of Honey-Jalapeño Whiskey and Apple-Pie Moonshine.

IMG_9888.JPG

IMG_9889.JPG

Almost ready to go!

IMG_9887.JPG

Tank-Bag would hold my 3-liter Camelbak Bladder, Cell-phone, Sunglasses, and various items I need to access quickly.
GoPro Remote strapped to the top of it.
IMG_9894.JPG

I ordered these a week before departure also. They arrived with a couple days to spare!
I wanted something better than the twist-and-squeeze foam ear-plugs, and after riding with them for two weeks I give them a solid "Excellent" review rating!

They have a 19db noise filter in them, and I can say that they work well. You can still hear your music and Comms from your in-helmet speakers clearly, but they eliminate most of the wind and background noise.

IMG_9898.JPG

The evening before departure I topped-off the fuel tank, checked the bike over once more, layed out all my riding-gear.
I showered, packed my shoes, spare gloves, and two 1-liter spare fuel canisters in my Tail-Bag and strapped it on the passenger-seat.
I was completely ready to go!

I tried to get a good night's sleep as best I could.................I was excited, so you know how that goes!
 

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
I forgot to mention, throughout June and July I kept close tabs on the wildfires in Idaho and any area closures.
For the most part, none of that affected any of my travel or camping plans, until about a week before departure.
One of the Cabins I had reserved for one night was now inside one of the fire-closure zones.
I got an email from Recreation.gov detailing the cancellation of my reservation, and the full refund of my fees.
It was a slight disappointment, but I just ended up altering travel plans accordingly to not include that area.
The rest of the trip all fell into place nicely!
 

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
Finally the day of departure arrived!
I ate a decent breakfast, kissed my Wife and kids goodbye, and made sure they had my Spotwalla-link to track me.
I pushed the bike out of the garage, geared-up, and was ready to ride!

This would be my Home, and sole means of transportation for the next 17 days!
IMG_9904.JPG

Day-1, Thursday July 22nd
549 Miles

IMG_9959.PNG

I left the house shortly after 6am, and made my way through the city.
Traffic wasn't too bad yet as I was a bit ahead of the worst of "rush-hour".
As I started climbing into the mountains on Interstate-70 I felt a huge sense of release!
It was a wonderful feeling, like I was once again free of the confines and grip of the City.
This made me extremely happy........

It was an easy ride along I-70 toward Loveland Pass, and the Eisenhower-Tunnel. They had one lane closed through the Tunnel and vehicles were packing up, so it was a slow crawl to the other end (they were scrubbing the walls clean with one of their specialized trucks)
Once out the other end and down the other side of the pass, I exited the Interstate at Silverthorne. I would be on secondary and back-roads the rest of the Day!

I rode some of my favorite twisty-roads in the State as I made my way in a general north-westerly direction.
The miles were coming easy, but I was starting to get a little hungry so I stopped in the town of Craig for lunch and fuel.

IMG_9905.JPG

After lunch I continued west on Hwy-40 for a short ways, then turned onto CO-318.
This would take me just north of Dinosaur National Monument, and just about to the northwest corner of Colorado.
I had expected this road to be mostly dirt, but was surprised to find it paved almost the whole way with only a couple short sections of gravel.
It was along this section that I crossed into Utah.

IMG_9906.JPG

As I continued west the daily temperature was steadily increasing. It wasn't uncomfortably warm yet though, and I made sure I regularly hydrated myself from the Camelbak in my tank-bag.
Eventually I met up with US Hwy-191 after just briefly crossing into Wyoming. I turned south toward the Flaming Gorge Dam and Reservoir, and back into Utah.

IMG_9907.JPG

IMG_9911.JPG

IMG_9913.JPG

The weather had been cooperating with me all day, however the skies were becoming increasingly darker as I traveled.
Once I made my way over the Cart Creek Bridge and turned onto UT-44 I was greeted with a slight construction delay, and a brief light rain shower.
I welcomed it though. It cooled the temperature considerably as I continued on around the southern part of the reservoir.

IMG_9914.JPG

I rode west, and crossed back into Wyoming. Ahead of me the sky was almost black, and I could see the occasional flash of lightning.
To the right of me the sky was just as black.....................for a moment I contemplated re-routing to avoid the worst of the weather, however I noticed on the Garmin that the road ahead of me makes a turn and appears to head in the direction of the brighter part of the sky. I continued on and luckily managed to "thread-the-needle" between three strong storm-cells without ending up underneath any of them! This was the first of many instances where "road-karma" was on my side.

I stopped for fuel in Mountain View, and crossed Interstate-80 as I continued north.
I grabbed this picture in the Wyoming countryside along WY-412.

IMG_9915.JPG
 
Last edited:

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
I crossed back into Utah and made my way around the southern end of Bear Lake and met up with US Hwy-89.
Shortly before reaching my destination for the day I entered Idaho while riding north along the Lake.

IMG_9917.JPG

IMG_9916.JPG

A short ways up ahead, I made my turn towards my Campground.
It was just 8 miles or so farther up this lovely forest canyon road.

IMG_9918.JPG

I finally reached my destination, found my campsite, and settled in for the evening.

IMG_9919.JPG

I messaged my Wife and kids through the Garmin Inreach to let them know I had safely made it.
I then set up Camp, settled in and made some dinner.

IMG_9921.JPG

IMG_9922.JPG

As I relaxed at my table, I couldn't help but stare at this magnificent machine that is carrying me on this journey.
She ran and rode flawlessly, effortlessly..................................I truly love touring on this bike in every way.................The Adventure has begun!

IMG_9920.JPG

I covered a significant amount of miles today, and I knew I had at least as many miles and more tomorrow, so I turned-in early and went to bed before it was even completely dark outside.
One thing I did learn on this first day:
A wipe-down tent-shower using about 10 or so "Dude-Wipes" is surprisingly refreshing!

Here's a short "Relive" video of my route today.
Stay-Tuned!

 

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
Day-2, Friday July 23rd
601 miles

IMG_9973.PNG


I woke up fairly early this morning, but I wasn't in a big hurry.
I was enjoying being in the trees, away from any populated areas.
The Campground was full, but fairly quiet.
I relaxed with some coffee for a while before getting some breakfast started and packing up camp.

I knew I had quite a lot of miles to cover today, and at the end of it all I would be meeting up with my good friend Cap'n Ron.
Once I got to it, I made quick work of loading the bike and finishing up my morning duties. (running water and flush-toilets at this campground was a nice touch)

I readied myself and set off down the forested canyon back towards the main road.
I headed north, and then turned west on ID-36 at the town of Ovid. The road turned into a nice twisty route as it climbed up into the hills.
It was nice and cool and I was enjoying the ride, so much that I missed my turn down a gravel road that I wanted to take and had to back-track a couple miles.

I found my turn-off and enjoyed this empty scenic back-road.

IMG_9924.JPG

IMG_9925.JPG

Before long I met up with ID-34 and headed north.
I stopped at the little village of grace to check out this old Dam structure.
It appeared to be used to back-up water for diversion to the irrigation canals. (lots of farming in this area)

IMG_9926.JPG

I continued on my way and headed west on US Hwy-30. I fueled up the bike at the town of Lava Hot Springs, and jumped on Interstate-15 for just a short way.
For the entire trip so far I've had mostly clear air................I had wondered about the extent of the smoke from all the wildfires, and as I rode north I could see the brownish haze far ahead on the horizon.
It was when I exited the Interstate at the town of Blackfoot that I could smell it in the air.
I stopped at a local grocery-store and picked up some bananas to take with me, and a gallon of water.
It was here that I got a message from Cap'n Ron. He was en-route to our meetup location, and would arrive way before me, so I gave him the combination-lock code and sent him my Glympse location.
(we like to use the "Glympse" app when we travel, especially when we are planning to meet up. It uses cell-signal only to track you, but gives an accurate speed and location so we can gauge ETA's and distances before arrival.)
I topped up my camelbak and water containers before heading out into the emptiness toward Arco. The temperature was still mild, but I knew it was going to get warmer as I traveled today.
I was prepared for lots of hydration.

I purposely routed this way because I wanted to stop at this location. It was just off the main highway, and is the World's first Nuclear Powerplant.
As I got closer there were signs out at the main highway stating that the facility was closed, and that no tours were taking place.
I decided to ride over there anyway, as it was only a couple miles out of my way.

EBR-1 ( Experimental Breeder-Reactor #1 )
It went operational in 1951, and was deactivated in 1964. It was mainly a test-facility, and only ever powered its own building, but produced electrical power nonetheless.

IMG_9929.JPG

IMG_9928.JPG

There was absolutely no-one around! Not even a security-guard................just an eerily empty gated-off Building.
Once I arrived at the site, I was glad I decided to make the short detour over there.
There were other really neat things to see around the Grounds.


IMG_9930.JPG

I was curious about these two large "Structures" at the end of the parking-lot.
They are mounted on wheels, originally designed to be moved around, and each positioned on a section of double-railed tracks. They are obviously now permanently mounted in place, never to be moved again.
They both appear to have been out in the elements for quite some time.

IMG_9932.JPG
 

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
I was even more curious about them once I found out what they were actually used for.........................

IMG_9931.JPG

This one especially caught my eye, as it appeared to have what looked like two Jet-Engines mounted to it!

IMG_9937.JPG

It turns out that's exactly what they were!

IMG_9933.JPG

IMG_9934.JPG

IMG_9935.JPG

IMG_9936.JPG

Apparently this is a "Lead-Shielded" Locomotive designed to tow the Nuclear Bomber around................

IMG_9939.JPG

IMG_9938.JPG
 

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
I would have loved to spend more time out there studying these strange Structures, or even take a tour of the EBR-1 building, but I still had a lot of miles to cover so I rode back out to the main highway and continued north.
Not long after, I entered the town of Arco.

IMG_9942.JPG

I stopped to grab a couple pictures of what's left of USS Hawkbill.

IMG_9940.JPG

Now there's something you don't see every day................especially in the Desert!

IMG_9941.JPG

I headed west from Arco, and a short time later I was riding past miles and miles of Lava-fields and Cinder-Cones.
Looking out across this landscape, the lava extends as far as you can see and way beyond!

IMG_9944.JPG

"Craters of the Moon" National Monument.

IMG_9943.JPG

IMG_9945.JPG

The daily temperature had been steadily increasing as I rode along. I made sure to drink plenty of water.
By the time I turned north on Gannett Rd. I was getting pretty hungry as well.
I continued north on ID-75. I stopped for fuel in Bellevue, and eventually stopped at a McDonalds in Hailey. I was hoping to make a quick stop for lunch, get some A/C to cool off a little, and a little free wifi to catch up on a few contacts.
After grabbing my food and a fountain-drink, I was looking for a table to sit down at. It was at this moment that a large, older man who was sitting with whom I assumed to be his wife and two grand-kids started up a conversation with me. He saw me dressed in all my riding gear and utters "Jeez, you look like you're all dressed up to go to Alaska!"
I sorta laughed under my breath and replied "I'm not headed for Alaska, but I certainly travel some pretty good distances."
Some back-and-forth ensued as I sat near them, along the lines of "Where are you headed?" "How far do you ride in a day?" "Why do you wear all that gear?".................The usual sort of questions one gets asked by non-rider types that are curious. I usually don't mind this sorta thing, and like to use the opportunity to promote motorcycle-awareness or Safety-gear and that sorta thing, especially if there are young kids present.
I kept it brief, finished my lunch, used the restroom, and wished them well as I left. He wished me safe-travels.

Traffic was a bit heavy as I made my way north, but thinned out after passing through Ketchum. Shortly after that the road starts climbing again, and the temps cooled off nicely as I made my way towards Stanley.
I headed west there and kept pushing forward as the day continued to grind along.


IMG_9946.JPG

When I arrived at Lowman the temp had risen considerably. I rode towards Banks and the twisty road is mostly downhill so temps were climbing into the mid 90's the whole way.
I stopped at a pull-off and put on my "cool-vest" underneath my riding jacket and soaked my neck-sock.
It helped a little, but one thing I had not anticipated once I turned north on ID-55 was all the weekend Boise traffic headed the same direction as me!
Progress slowed to a crawl at times with all the Campers, RV's, and people hauling trailers full of SxS's and ATV's.
I still had a ways to go, and by the time I reached McCall I was hot, sweaty, and worn-down.
I stopped for fuel and drank a bunch of water and a nice cool Gatorade. I ate a snack bar as I rested for a few minutes. This seemed to help considerably and gave me some renewed energy.
I bought an extra Gatorade to take with me, planning to drink that once I reached the end of the day's ride.

I headed north on US Hwy-95 and traffic was a little better. Progress was a lot closer to normal.
I stopped once again for fuel in Riggins. I knew there was no more fuel between there and my destination, and beyond for the following day.

It wasn't long now.............I knew I was getting close! I also knew that Cap'n Ron would have already been there for hours, waiting for me to arrive.
I felt a sense of urgency as I turned off the main highway onto the narrow gravel road along Slate Creek. The sun was going down, and I could feel the day coming to a close.
The gravel was deep in spots, and there were a lot of potholes!
I had to summon any energy I had left to really focus on not making a mistake along this section.
After about 15 miles or so the narrow gravel road climbs very steeply, switch-backing up and out of the Canyon.
Once on top it was just a short mile or so to the Cabin where we would spend the night!

IMG_9948.JPG

I was so relieved to arrive safely, and almost collapsed in joy as I climbed off the bike!
Ron was relaxing on the front porch with some wine, waiting to greet me.
I was so happy to be there! So happy to see him! and so happy to not be moving anymore this day!

I removed my riding gear, grabbed the spare Gatorade and we both prepared our backpacker meals on the front porch.
The rest of the evening was spent right where we sat, enjoying some whiskey, catching up, and soaking-in the perfectly cool temps up in the forest.................
We stayed up way later than we should have, but the following day we really didn't have any plans or destination for the following night, so that was perfectly fine with me!

Here's a short "Relive" video of my route today.
Stay Tuned!

 

Sierra1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2016
Messages
14,819
Location
Joshua TX
That cabin looks fantastic. Did you find out what those numbers on the hill sides in Arco meant? The sail of my sub (USS Boston/SSN-703) ended up in Buffalo NY. No telling where they're going to show up.
 

Paul466

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 16, 2013
Messages
516
Location
Littleton, Colorado
I was even more curious about them once I found out what they were actually used for.........................

View attachment 84022

This one especially caught my eye, as it appeared to have what looked like two Jet-Engines mounted to it!

View attachment 84023

It turns out that's exactly what they were!

View attachment 84024

View attachment 84025

View attachment 84026

View attachment 84027

Apparently this is a "Lead-Shielded" Locomotive designed to tow the Nuclear Bomber around................

View attachment 84028

View attachment 84029
Very interesting, the led wall protecting the crew from radiation was the biggest challenge for that program do to weight and size, good concept on paper,we’re getting into nuclear space propulsion today……. Keep’em coming Skunk
 

SkunkWorks

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 13, 2018
Messages
1,735
Location
Colorado
That cabin looks fantastic. Did you find out what those numbers on the hill sides in Arco meant? The sail of my sub (USS Boston/SSN-703) ended up in Buffalo NY. No telling where they're going to show up.
I have no idea what those numbers represent?
I did see them, and found them a bit curious.
 
Top