Goodbye, Idaho. Thanks for the memories.

Hello Everyone, 

Tonight I'm camping by the shores of a small lake, a reservoir of some kind, in rural southern Idaho. Google maps knows where I am, but I can't really say that I do. That's not often been the case on this trip, so it's a fun experience. 

Last night, Arthur and I stayed outside of the town of Stanley, but we did not stay long. This morning, we were up and about, getting ready for some riding. We made our way to a network called Galena Lodge. It was nice enough, but the weather was a factor in a way that it hadn't in a while. It rained. 

Normally, that would be good news, and I welcomed it at first. We were still on the hill, and I figured it would help keep things cool. Then I heard the thunder, and figured getting off the hill would be a good idea. It was a shorter run than those we've done recently, but Arthur wasn't complaining. 

The last recommendation I got for things to see and do in this part of the world were the Goldbug Hot Springs. I'm a big fan of natural hot springs, so I was keen to check them out. 

Thing is, I'm also keen to get to my next destination. We'd already been on the road for a couple of hours by the time I got to the intersection that would either take me to the springs or closer to our stop for the night. Going to the springs would add almost two hours of driving, as it was in the wrong direction, and would involve a two mile hike, uphill. And we'd biked for a couple of hours already today. 

But choosing the safe and convenient option is not in the spirit of adventure. I'm not out here for comfort. We headed north for the springs and didn't look back. 

It was a pretty remote stretch, no phone service and few houses. Beautiful, in a stark way. The springs were amazing though. You hike up an increasingly steep path, but are rewarded by being able to soak in pools overlooking the valley.

That is, if you don't have a dog barking at you. My companion doesn't share my fondness for hot water. He was either barking at me out of concern that I was in danger, or from separation anxiety at not being right next to me for a few minutes. He settled down a bit, but we didn't stay long. We did, in the end, have to keep moving. 

Wes

Photos 

The first is a selfie of Arthur and I on the trails today. Clearly the work of a social media star.

The second is the entrance to a canyon we drove through. Was pretty cool. 

Lastly, the view from the hot springs.