If it's Wednesday it must be Idaho
Trip Start
Aug 05, 2011
1
6
29
Trip End
Sep 03, 2011
Where I stayed
What I did
Slept
Caldwell, Idaho
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
J had gone to the gym before breakfast and was pleased to report that some old gent had called her ‘awesome’ – I agree, although I was not sure whether the gentleman in question meant that her running machine action was awesome, or that she was awesome as a person – so encouraging Americans, something to try to emulate.
Then it was loading up the pimp-mobile and heading off East on Interstate 84. After wrestling through the rush-hour traffic we stopped off briefly at the Multnomah waterfalls – impressive.
Then it was off towards the unending horizon. The interstate is very pleasantly empty, running along the Columbia river initially, which is so wide it looks like a lake. There are train lines along both sides of the river, and massively long trains (almost a mile of freight towed by 5 engines - honestly it was incredible). And on the roads there were triple combo freight wagons (ie one lorry towing 2 large trailers - so much freight to deliver.
The land changed as we ate up the miles – forested mountains giving way to endless plains, then to scrub land - ‘wild west’ territory, then more rolling hills. It is amazingly unpopulated with only sporadic habitation – needing huge irrigation systems (and a whole lot of water) to grow anything. The sky was blue and we were able to make about 75mph (watching for the traffic patrols!). The temperature was on the rise, eventually getting to 95 degrees as we headed East - we appreciate the air conditioning in the pimp-mobile.
In terms of media watch – no time for a paper today, but we listened to talk radio as we went – struck by the number of adverts looking for volunteers to do medical trials, but also by the (almost amusing) right wing conservative views on the stations we were listening to - J was staggered - she feels that her stereotypical preconceptions are right on the button.
Then, at lunchtime, we turned off to Baker City to get some provisions and give our mount (ok – car) a rest. Baker City was not a city, which was a disappointment, but it was what seemed to us ‘small town America’, and fascinating for that - if only we could have stayed longer. We hit Safeway and purchased an essential piece of kit – a huge icebox – got a block of ice, and
packed it – now we are Americans! J wanted to visit the Oregon Trail centre but we ended up at the Baker City museum instead. Seeing it was $6 to get in, J refused, causing the very proper lady on the desk to be highly disappointed. But we had places to go, people to see, so we unhitched our wagon (car) and headed off into the mirage and heat.
409 miles went very quickly indeed and we crossed into Idaho, changed time zone and arrived at our destination for the day – Caldwell – a settlement in the middle of nowhere – basically a bunch of truck stops in the real heat. We had booked ahead last night – a Best Western for £47. We were not expecting much but we are very pleasantly surprised – for the money it is great – and breakfast too. Currently sitting in their patio area drinking beer and gently sweating!
Tomorrow we are going further into offbeat America - internet access may be limited. But do not fear, I shall continue to write the blog and take photos so when we are back online there may be a few days to catch up. Here's hoping the incident quotient rises.
Comments
We are enjoying the warmth here, a moderate 95F. Matt says we are a period cool weather, long may it last as hotter is not an option for us LoL