Wilson Price Hunt Trail (‘Astorians’) 1811 — 1812

Day 20: September 1st, 2006 Jackson — Idaho Falls

Because I was not able to reach the mechanic yesterday, I try to call them today around half past eight. Now I must learn that they were not able to find a transfer case and that they will do a rebuild on their own. However, they are not able to start before Tuesday! They could have told me this already yesterday! I will definitely not stay for another three days in this town!

So I pick up my car and arrive at “The Bunnery” around 10am for breakfast. But the waiting line is extremely long and looks like one hour at least. That is way too much for me. Therefore I drive again to the most hated Village Inn. The service today is a little bit better. But there are again small pieces of eggshell in the meal.

Pretty late I start my today’s trip and drive in direction of Teton Pass like last year. First, I take Highway 26 and 22 out of Jackson and cross the Snake River.

Highway 22, WY

Then I drive on Highway 22 through Wilson.

Highway 22, WY

Finally I arrive at Teton Pass.

Highway 22, State Line WY and ID

Around a quarter to noon I cross the state line to Idaho and turn onto FR239. But there is no chance to proceed on my original planned route. So I drive back to the main highway and cross Moose Creek and Trail Creek.

Then I take again some backroads, which I can follow without any issues.

S 5000 W/Cedron Rd, ID

Alternately, I drive on pavement and gravel.

Highway 33, ID

I follow Highway 33 for a short distance, before I turn again onto some backroads.

Fun Farm Rd, Snake River, ID

On Farm Road I cross the Snake River on one of these adventurous steel bridges.

The big Highway 20 takes me pretty fast to Ashton. There I take Highway 47.

Lower Mesa Falls, Henrys Fork, ID

This one brings me to Mesa Falls. First I visit the Lower Falls. Then I continue to the Upper Falls. But there you must pay an entrance fee. Because I am already short in time I skip it and continue to Hatchery Ford Road.

Hatchery Ford Rd/FR351, ID

Henrys Fork, ID

88 S10 Blazer, Henrys Fork, ID

Hatchery Ford Rd/FR351, ID

This road takes me directly down to Henrys Fork. However, the road is really sandy and in some areas pretty steep. Despite all my concerns I put in 4HI, because this should usually not affect the chain. Without any issues I arrive at the river banks, where I have lunch. The scenery is absolutely picturesque.

Then I drive back to Highway 47 and take the exit to Warm River Road.

Warm River Springs, ID

Warm River, ID

On this one I reach the Warm Springs. Also there the landscape offers real great views. Around a quarter past four I continue, now already one hour ahead of my schedule. But because I must drive today for two days I am still really late.

I drive back to Highway 47.

Highway 47, ID

Finally I am back again in Ashton where I take Highway 20 in direction of Idaho Falls.

BUS20, Henrys Fork, ID

On backroads I reach St. Anthony.

Red Rd, St. Anthony Sand Dunes, ID

I still make a brief side trip to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, where I originally planned two hours for tomorrow.

Henrys Fork, ID

After some movie and pictures, I continue on backroads in direction of Menan Buttes.

Backroad, ID

But unfortunately I am blocked once again by private property and must drive back to the main road.

I circle around the blockage. But the day is already coming to an end. Therefore I skip the visit of Menan Buttes. On the bigger Highways 33 and 20 I drive through Rexburg.

Around half past seven I arrive in Idaho Falls and at my destination of today, the Motel 6. Unfortunately they really only have the smoking room left, which was the only one I could reserve. All the non–smoking rooms are already occupied. Then I drive over to Outback Steakhouse, which I find without any searching around. Next to it is also a Denny’s, where I will have most likely breakfast tomorrow.

Despite Labor Day Weekend, I immediately receive a table. When I pay, I surprisingly receive a check in Euro. But back in Germany I must learn, that the exchange rate is way worse than paying via the credit card exchange rate. Seems like I will have to be more careful here next year.

Around nine I am back in my motel. Then I check my video taping of today until half past eleven. My new plan is now, to let the transfer case repair in Boise, Idaho. To achieve this, I must gain some time. Therefore I skip the planned stay in Heyburn for next night. The next destinations will be Pocatello and Twin Falls.