GREETINGS FROM BOISE,
Idaho (ID), USA
Today was a driving day but we made the most of it taking the scenic route – in fact 4 scenic byways along the way.
We left Ketchum just on 9am and started on the Sawtooth Scenic Byway. For the first half hour or so we drove through a wide valley with a number 
of posh looking ranches dotting either side of the road as well as a few “gated” type complexes. From what we have seen, this area is a real summer and winter playground for those with a bit of money.
The valley then started to narrow and we began climbing through pine forests of the Sawtooth National Forest. We reached the top at Galena Summit and had expansive views beyond the National Forest to the Sawtooth Wilderness and the mountains themselves.
The road ahead at Galena Summit
As we had progressed up the mountain, we had passed 3 enthusiastic skiers who were actually “wheeled skis” to practice their cross country skills under the watchful eye of their coach.
At the top, as we took in the view from the lookout, we also noticed a number of mountain bikers who were using nearby dirt tracks for their trip down the mountain. We had also seen a couple of buses higher up the mountain which seemed to be unloading people and bikes so it is obviously a “thing to do”.
Our “dear” friends, the deer
We headed down the other side and onto open plans below the mountains, generally following the river fairly closely. At one point we spotted 2 Pronghorn Deer grazing in a paddock and managed to get a photo as they inquisitively posed in our direction.
This Byway finished at the town of Stanley, where we then linked up with the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. This was a winding road with some steep sections, through the Salmon-
Looking back on the Sawtooth
Mountains from Stanley
Challis National Forest. One thing about the National Park/Forest system is they really cater for those who want to use them. In the designated areas, there are excellent facilities – picnic areas, camping and RV areas, rest rooms, boat ramps near rivers and lakes etc – and all very well maintained.
Having gone up and down through the forest, at the bottom we turned off onto the Wildlife Canyon Scenic Byway.
We didn’t manage to see any wildlife today however one section is a winter range for elk and there can be large quantities sighted at the right time. But the drive also closely follows the Payette River making some great scenery mingled with the forest and jagged rock mountainside. This Byway has seen some major work as it has been plagued with rock slides and avalanches and there is some serious retaining in some areas against further problems.
Along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway
Finally, we started to head south toward Boise with the turn of the river and followed the Payette River Scenic Byway.
This road closely follows the turns of the river and it is a popular river for rafting as there are various sections of rapids along the way. We saw a few groups in the river at various parts along the way.
We reached Boise early afternoon so decided we needed some exercise for the day. So it was “mall walking” as we found a big mall with all the big names – Macys, Sears and JC Penney – to help us stretch our legs, and wallets. Not to be left out, and to complete the set, Costco was right nearby !
The scenic Payette River
Tonight we are booked in at the Oxford Suites in Boise. Adrienne had made enough bookings with the website “Hotels.com” that we were eligible for a free night – well not exactly free, there are always the taxes ! And tonight they had their “Evening Reception” available where they provide a couple of drinks and appetizers included in the room rate. We had decided that our bellies could do with a rest and that appetizers would be fine. So it is a nice spacious suite for the night, dinner with a couple of drinks, and breakfast for A$23 – can’t ask for much better value !
Tomorrow we have a long drive, leaving Idaho for Oregon, via the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, to Bend. Luckily we gain an our getting back to Pacific Daylight Time