Photos From the Road IV

On Route 12 going north in Idaho just outside of Lewiston, where I
have set up camp to rest for the journey ahead.

Photos From the Road III

The landscape is constantly changing as I continue west.

Today I crossed Idaho following the Lochsa and Clearwater Rivers
through the Bitteroot Mountains. Driving north from Wisdom to
Missoula I could see why it's almost impossible to drive through
central Idaho. The massive mountain ranges line the road and act as
an impregnable barrier to the west. Further adding to the area's
mystique were the dark overcast clouds and a wintry mix.

Nevertheless, I began the crossing at the Lolo Pass. Needing no
tribal chief as my guide, I took the windy 100+ mile stretch of road
through the only reasonable passageway through the mountains.

Even in bad weather this is a very scenic route. I stopped frequently
to indulge myself in the historical landmarks along the way. The road
also didn't have the up and down hairpin turns and switchbacks I've
associated mountain crossings with, which made the drive more
enjoyable. Slowly, I ascended up and down the range all the while
driving right up against the river at the bottom of the canyon's floor.

To compare: A few days ago we took the Beartooth Pass on the way out of Yellowstone on the way back to Billings. Very grand indeed, but
much different in nature, scenery wise. For a good stretch of that
road it goes above the alpine level offering majestic views of
hundreds of miles of desolate granite peaks and lakes that looked like
baby pools from afar.

Today's route was the same way that Lewis and Clark took when they
passed through Idaho. The Nez Perce also used it and referred to it
as the Buffalo Trail.

Tomorrow I'll cross the Snake River into Washington.