Back into Hell's Canyon -- but why? August 10, 2020

Sorry I missed yesterday.  The internet here is so pathetic, I just didn't have the energy to post and try to put pictures on here.  I will publish this one when the internet is better but from the way it looks, we will be going further away from civilization rather than closer.  

August 9th, which just happened to be a Sunday, we left Huckleberry campground and headed to White Bird (?) We followed the Salmon River north here.  We noted that the towns along the river smacked of tourist -- like Bishop, Lone Pine and even Tahoe.  Lots of people doing expensive outdoor things.  River rafting looks like big bucks here.  Right now the river is slow and steady but I bet in the spring it rolls like scary.  

The park we had planned on staying at in White Bird had a beautiful space for us -- right on the lovely river.  Here is the view from our campsite.  




This morning, Monday, we decided to take a harrowing road to the bottom of Hell's Canyon.  Why not you say?  What else did we have to do?  About 2/3 of the way down the twisty, steep, single lake, precarious road (did I mention that at the beginning of the 17 mile journey the sign said "4 wheel drive please"?) We discovered that the fuel gauge was on "E."  Was I nervous?  You can imagine the scenario I had painted for us.  Stuck at the bottom of the hill (that's a weak word for the canyon we found ourselves in).  No diesel to help us, one of us would have to hike up the hill (again -- no words) with a can to get help . . . . You get the picture.  Well fortunately Russ has been here before -- he had an extra 5 gallon jug of diesel and we did make it out. 

Here are a couple of pictures of the ever amazing Hell's Canyon.  






After our trip we headed into town for lunch.  The Idahoeans do not appear to be too concerned with COVID.  Most of them are not taking the mask thing seriously but the distancing is noted in the restaurant by the "reserved" sign placed sporadically.  

After lunch we headed to the site of "White Bird Battlefield."  Here was the first battle of the Nez Perce War.  Near as I can figure, the Army was sent to destroy the Indians who were in the area bothering citizens who wanted to mine and homestead.  Although the Nez Perce sent a contingent bearing a while flag to make peace, the US Army advanced.  In the end, however the battle was won by the Indians with 2 or 3 of their braves dead while 34 white men perished.

War, what is it good for . . . . 




This is my girlfriend Ceilidh buttering me up for cookies.



When we got back to camp, I took a little walk and went swimming in the Salmon River.  Here 's my private beach.







Comments

  1. Helen GrahamAugust 10, 2020 at 7:41 PM

    Gold star Russ!
    I live vicariously through you two
    Safe travels
    Cheers
    Helen

    ReplyDelete

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