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| There is something special about the open sagebrush landscapes of the Inter-Mountain West (i.e., Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, and Montana). There are few places that I have traveled to that mimic this open, serene landscape, except perhaps northwestern Ireland. My favorite time to visit this landscape is in the springtime when the grass is green and the sagebrush has its new growth. The lushness and beauty only lasts a few weeks, and then the landscape turns a golden brown and looks lifeless. |
Since high school, my family has spent many hours camping and riding motor vehicles. We frequently drove to the Imperial Sand Dunes National Recreation Area in southern California to ride sport All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). My parents have continued pursuing their passion using Utility Side by Sides (UTVs).
I'm unsure what kind of adventure I'm in for when we leave Tetonia with my parents and their camper trailer and enclosed toy trailer. It's been decades since I've spent much time riding ATVs or UTVs with any frequency. I decided long ago that I didn't enjoy sitting and driving for hours to arrive at a place to recreate and then spend my day sitting and driving for hours. 😂 It's the primary reason I sold my mountain bike (i.e., an All-Terrain bicycle) and purchased a road bicycle instead. With my road bike, I could start riding from my house. Too much driving is also the reason why I started walking long distances. Life is better when it is slow.
Below is my parent's outfit. The truck, camper, and toy trailer are a long train-like setup standard in this part of the United States. If it looks long, it is because it is. 😂 The whole train measures about 24 m (78 ft).
Birch Creek Campground is located in the Lehmi (lee mi) River Valley of Idaho, about 112 km (70 mi) northwest of Idaho Falls. The Valley is constrained by the Lehmi Mountains to the west and the Bitterroot Mountains to the east.
The open landscape is just what I needed after spending the last week packing up and moving. Slowing down and enjoying the beautiful scenery and tranquility before everyone else arrives feels excellent. My parents and I were the first to arrive at the designed campsite. We expect three more campers and a fourth UTV to join us tomorrow.
In the picture below, in the foothills on the right, one of the trails that leads up into the Lehmi Mountains is visible. We will have great weather this week, and this area has a rich mining history that I can't wait to explore further.
Below is my parent's UTV and my ride for the week. Since it is only a two-seater, my mom has given up her seat to me, and she will ride with her friend Shauna while I ride shotgun with Dad.
Unfortunately, this landscape is so vast and arid that walking is a difficult way to travel. I love being able to see for 16-24 km (10-15 mi), but on foot, that is one full day of walking. I must admit that to enjoy this landscape, a motorized vehicle is essential. Nevertheless, I still find time to take extended walks before everyone arrives. In the evening, I notice several nighthawks flying high up in the sky. I love watching them swoop down on their insect prey and listening to the wind vibrate off their feathers. On my walk, I also encountered a Greater Sage-Grouse hen with several chicks. This was unexpected and surprised me when I flushed them.
It feels good to be back in a familiar landscape. Although I am at ease and comfortable here, I sense that this is a lifestyle that doesn't suit me anymore. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to discovering what this part of Idaho has to offer over the next week.
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