DECLO, IDAHO - DAY TWO

JUNE 17, 2015

For our three night stay in Declo, we knew today was going to be our scenic drive day so we headed out for the City of Rocks National Preserve in nearby Almo. The City of Rocks is along the original California Trail and is also referred to as the "Silent City of Rocks". It is truly a spectacular place of geological landscape which lures rock climbers to the area, which we were privy to during our drive. I don't know how these folks do this, but it amazes me that they do.

CITY OF ROCKS NATIONAL PRESERVE

 

This looks like a sand trap on a golf course but it is actually just a small area of snow still lingering on the mountains.

 

 

 

 

If you look close you will see someone on the rocks walking! I had no idea he was there until I downloaded the photos.

This was an interesting rock marker - it made us think back in time and what it must have been like traveling their journey.

 

A series of photos below including this one are of rock climbers!

This is the rock above they were climbing on!

A field of Larkspurs!

 

The view after we drove through the City of Rocks!

This has to be the coolest mailbox ever!

 

SHOSHONE FALLS

 

After our trip through the City of Rocks, we headed to Shoshone Falls, a waterfall on the Snake River. Shoshone Falls is 212 feet high, 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls, and flows over a 1000 foot wide rim. The drive to Shoshone Falls was like being back in Kansas, again! There were miles and miles of flat farm lands growing hops, barley, wheat, sugar beets, and of course potatoes! When we came upon the falls, after a short drive down into "the canyon", it was an absolutely breathtaking view! 

 

The brochure outlines where Evil Knievel tried to jump across the Snake River unsuccessfully, which we were going to check out; however, the park did not recommend visiting the site for several reasons; the trail is 1-1/4 miles each way; it was extremely hot; and, there is nothing left at the site except a mound of dirt. We took the park's advice because of the same reasons!  And, as Thom said, "we have seen a lot of dirt"! When looking down the Snake River, you can use your imagination or you can think back and relive when Evil tried this jump and ended up in the river with this parachute!

 

 

 

As we were climbing up out of the canyon, this is what is painted on one of the rocks!

 

I.B. Perrine Bridge, 1500' in length, 486' high above the Snake River. The traffic was insane going across the bridge that this is the best shot I got!

 

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OF THE DAY

 

This dragon piece of art welcomes you to the Valley of Trees RV Resort, Declo, Idaho!

Along our drive to the City of Rocks, there are numerous "historical markers", and this is just one of them.

The most wildlife we saw today!

 

 

Thom took some video of a hawk and when he can capture a shot off the video I will post it. The hawk was quite entertaining with flight and sounds!

 

After our scenic drive yesterday, we were able to catch the Gators and Hurricanes in the CWS. The weather has been so cooperative this leg of the journey and has allowed us the luxury of sitting outside in our recliners and enjoying the great outdoors. I will knock on wood as I say this because the weather has been on strike up until now!

 

As this blog is being written on the 18th of June, today is just a relax and get ready for tomorrow kind of day. We head out to Caldwell, Idaho, just west of Boise, for three nights. It is Idaho's "wine country", which I look forward to! It is also where Smurf Field is, which I am hoping to see live! I cannot watch Boise State play football because of their blue football field but I want to really see it!

 

Until next blog ...