Dillon Montana

Stan:

The day we arrived with 0ur constant companion when we go north, the weather.

Saturday June 4:

Dillion Montana, 42 degrees, clear, no wind. Looks like a good day for an adventure.

From Jackpot to Dillon, was a relatively easy dive, and as usual, we kept to state highways.

We left Jackpot around 7:30 AM and went through Twin Falls Idaho, where we picked up Highway 20 to Arco Idaho. We came home this same way in September of 2004 and the surrounding mountains were covered in snow. The higher elevations are still covered in deep drifts that may last through July. Driving the same route yesterday, was an entirely different experience. The lower foot hills, up to 10,000 feet or so, are covered with varieties of multi colored grass and blooming brush, such as Rock Rose.

Highway 20 passes through the North Western end of Craters of the Moon National Monument. In September, there were light snow flurries when we passed through. Yesterday, it was cold, breezy, 40 degrees or so, but much greener. One of these days we’ll have to stop for a longer stay and hike the many trails laid out through the lava flows.

Coming into Arco, we encountered our first road construction, a five or six-mile stretch of resurfacing. The highway all the way from the Craters of the Moon is in need of repair. Perhaps it will be finished by the time we come this way again.

From Twin Falls on, the fertile valleys are heavily cultivated, almost all alfalfa, with, perhaps, a few barley fields. I sometimes think that more alfalfa is grown in the U.S. than any other crop, maybe with the exception of corn.

We picked up I-15 at Dubois and began, what I think, was the most scenic portion of our trip. South Western Montana is a treeless grassy plain, pushed up into mountains. I-15 winds through the foot hills and valleys, passing through sparsely populated countryside, all without the bother of heavy traffic. Why, I wonder, was a very costly freeway needed in this area? The answer, of course, is to give travelers a convenient way to wiz through all the scenic beauty with a minimum of effort. I don’t remember seeing this block of  Montana featured in a car commercial, but it would almost be perfect. Miles and miles of open road, no traffic congestion, and soothing scenic vistas.

We also passed a two or three building complex calling its self the Opel capitol of the world. I’m skeptical, but who’s to argue? It’s good copy on freeway signs, and makes someone an honest living.

Miracles of miracles we found the Countryside RV park with out getting lost. The park is four miles or so from Dillon. It’s flat and exposed to the wind, but well laid out with big areas of grass that are perfect for Sheila to run around on.

Johnna:

June 3, 2005

Won $70 at the Blackjack table last night. I think this makes me about even with Cactus Pete. Lost about that much when we were there last September. Talked to a gentlemen from Twin Falls who told me that the farmers in southern Idaho were having a hard time planting their crops due to unusually high precipitation this spring. Fields were still to muddy to plow.

Got an early start again (about 7:30). Managed to get through Twin Falls without taking a wrong turn. Fueled up at the Flying J north of Twin Falls at the US-93/I-84 junction. Drove through the Craters of the Moon National Monument. The formations made by the lava flows are really bizarre. Due to the chilly breeze we decided not to walk any of the trails. Green grass and wild flowers were prominent against the black background of the lava. Various kinds of shrubbery were also in bloom. Ran into road construction on US-93 just south of Arco. About 10 miles of dirt/gravel and had to stop one time for about 15 minutes. Decided to take ID-22/33 along the foot of the mountains to Dubois rather than cut back to I-15 at Idaho Falls. Even though these highways were narrow, the road had few turns, the surface was good and the lack of traffic made for a pheasant drive. Ran into rain showers before getting to Dubois. The drive on I-15 from Dubois to Dillon over Monida Pass went without event. The scenery was pleasant going over the pass and down the Red Rock River valley then along side the Clark Canyon Reservoir and through the Beaverhead Canyon Gateway. Pulled into the Country Side RV Park at about 2:30. Spring has just sprung in Dillon. The trees have just budded and the wild grass is just headed out.

Drove into Dillon to eat out. The main street where most of restaurants are was closed for street repair. Ended up at the Safeway deli for cold cuts and pasta salad. Went back to the trailer for a deli dinner. Signed up for their discount card as we will probably be shopping at Safeway stores often on this trip.