Last Sunday we took off for the next destination on our 'bucket-list' for this area, the Mesa Falls along the (surprise, surprise) Mesa Falls Scenic Byway.
A lot closer by than usual, only about 25 miles away, so we took it easy and left around 9.30 after walking Sadie whom we left at home this time. It's getting much warmer and since she's very often not allowed anywhere she has to sit in the much too warm car most of the time.
Fortunately she sleeps most of the day so she'll be OK for a while.
At 114 Feet high and 200 feet wide, The Henrys Fork of the Snake River cascades over Mesa Falls Tuff, which is the rock over which Upper Mesa Falls falls and which was formed 1.3 million years ago.
The beautifully restored Big Falls Inn at the edge of the falls was built around 1915 by the Snake River Electric Light and Power Company and used as an office, dance hall, Boy Scout lodge, and a retreat/meeting hall. After it was destroyed by a fire and acquired in 1986 by the Forest Service through a land exchange it opened as an interpretive center in the year 2001 .
A small rainbow created by sunlight passing through the mist accents the falls from approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the day. We were lucky enough to be there at around 11 am.
What a gorgeous view!
I think these falls are amongst the most beautiful I've ever seen, partly because of the rainbow, but the whole canyon is incredibly beautiful and untouched. I thought it was just a magical place. I expected fairies to pop up any minute!
The canyon is covered with vibrant green moss and colorful lichens because of the constant spray of the falls.
A little farther down the road Lower Mesa Falls crashes about 65 ft. down the Henrys Fork of the Snake River.
The viewpoint is a distant one, from across the valley, and not very impressive, unless you take your binoculars or zoom lens.
I have heard that it may be possible to hike down close up to Lower Mesa Falls, on a hiking trail from the Upper Mesa Falls parking lot.
Arriving in Ashton at the other end of the Byway we were back among Idaho's famous potato fields. Actually the district is noted for seed potato production and bills itself as the world's largest seed potato growing area.
Gently rolling farmland with the Tetons in the background. Quite pretty!
We were aiming to play some golf at the Aspen Acres Golf and RV Resort about 6 miles out of Ashton but overshot it and were driving around the wide open countryside for a while until we finally found it!
I'd hardly call this a resort and the golf course is very 'country' (rather rough around the edges) but we just loved the super friendly atmosphere and the 'come as you are' attitude! Such a breath of fresh air from the snobby country club (although very, very, beautiful) we once belonged to!
We had a great afternoon. We actually played fairly decent, the weather was beautiful (again, I know, it's getting boring), we had some good exercise and beautiful views!
James has been working on another project for the RV again. This time he's designed some braces for the back levelers to take some of the 'bounce' out of the rig when we're stationary.
Originally the RV came with these things, electric even, but before it came on auction they had taken them off (the buggers)Since they're rather expensive James has been thinking about designing and making them himself for a while now and finally gave it a try.
See the sparks off the welder?
And this is the result. The pipes actually telescope in (or out) and they swivel at midpoint and at the ends so when not in use they come up and out of the (road)way.
Such a handy guy, isn't he?
He wants to make some for the midway area, over the tires, too.
The meadows around the park are constantly changing colors because of the different wildflowers that are blooming.
Here's some in a little more detail (from L to R):
Sticky Geranium (or Cranesbill) and Slender or Five-finger Cinquefoil (bottom), American Bistort (a buckwheat), Douglas's Triteilia, ? and Subalpine Buckwheat (bottom).
Fortunately there's a lot of them because here's someone who loves to eat (at least some of) the roots!
 |
| huh.....? (It's a Northern Pocket Gopher) (I think...) |
No comments:
Post a Comment