16 July 2019
Yesterday the Tortuga first entered Idaho, hitting a long stretch of high desert where the experience was had in 25 miles and the next 75 was the same as the first 25, Looking for an option for a different experience a side road offered the opportunity, and the Tortuga jumped on it like a June Bug. Well much to the Tortuga’s surprise a secure facility with a tall fence and real live guards appeared. The yellow sign was more than enough to encourage another course of action.
Nuclear Waste Material disposal sight, GO AWAY, or words to that effect. Screeching to a halt and a quick U turn the Tortuga was back on the straight and narrow for anther 100 miles. Looking back in the rear view, no one with guns, no flashing lights or black helicopters and that night no warm glow of radiation around the camp site. The Tortuga had dodge that atomic isotope.
Traveling north on Hwy 93 through Idaho, North of Arco you can follow along the Salmon River Scenic Byway. It was there that I saw them! At first hard to believe, but maybe 30 Canadian Geese rafting down the Salmon River. Well no, they did not have rafts, but they were in mass floating down the river as if they were on summer vacation. Who would have thought, but makes sense, why fly when you have time to float?
Well there is another 200 miles logged in the rear view mirror and it was time to find a home for the night. ONCE AGAIN BLM to the rescue. Along the last 50 plus miles The Tortuga was on the Salmon River Scenic Byway and every so often you could find what I could only describe as a pocket park on the edge of the river. Well developed and maintained, bathroom and self pay kiosk. Today this site had 4 RV sites 3 were empty, and 4 tent sites and a real nice outhouse. The Tortuga had cleared the desert and starting to enter the mountains, the Salmon river on side and Clarks Cliff on the other.
From what I could figure out the Lewis and Clark expedition camp at this very same BLM site as the expedition attempted to find a passage west through the mountains. The local Indians provided salmon to the group of explores. I am not sure of all the details but I am betting they ate on the exact picnic table on which I was sitting.
Flash News, sitting at a picnic table overlooking the salmon river a flight of Canadian Geese flew across my front and landed in the river no more than 100 feet in front of the Tortuga. I knew they were Canadian based there accent,
Wait, Another News flash. The Lacy Dawgie, got shoulder deep into the water. She waded down the boat ramp and sheepishly creeped in up her chest. I think the hot sun on her back and the cool water made for the right conditions. A big moment for a refined lady that does not get her paws wet in the salty water of the Gulf of Mexico.
Lesson learned, Glacial river water over salt water for the Lacy Dog!
