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.

Photos From the Road II

Western Montana - 10/4/08

Photos From of the Road

Eastern Wyoming

Point Sublime

Here's the view of the canyon looking north. Andy and I took the
South Rim Trail to Sublime Point. Along the way we encountered rugged
loose terrain that lined the edge of this ridiculously steep canyon.
One wrong mistep meant nothing short of disaster.

I was able to avert disaster by having a keen eye and a sure foot. There are no injuries to report as I completed the journey unscathed.

Although this photo was taken before we reached our destination we
felt that the views along the way were more sublime than the point
itself.

Artist's Point

Classic view of the Lower Falls and the canyon.

The Grand Staircase

These are the same steps Lori descended. Over 300 deep into the belly
of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Quite a hairy experience for
the squeamish.

The Adventurer

These photos are a little out of order, but I didn't have service over
the last few days. I'll post some of the good stuff.

I took this photo of Lori for documentation purposes of her trek down
the strenuous trail to view the Lower Yellowstone Falls. I'll show
you why in the next photo.

Back in Billings

As you can see this is a very classy town. I actually took this last
week when I was doing laundry.

Lower Yellowstone Falls