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

Day 24: September 5th, 2006 Mountain Home — Boise

I have breakfast at AJ’s next door. Indeed I have a buffet voucher, but I still prefer the menu. And my server Jessica is really taking good care of me. Around a quarter past ten I load up my truck and check out. Then I drive to Wal–Mart first. Because I almost run out of tapes I buy again some more. And here I am even able to get my Panasonic tapes. Therefore I will keep the Sony tapes just as a reserve. Then I drive over to the next gas station and around a quarter to eleven I am back on the road.

I-84, ID

First I take the Interstate back to Glenn’s Ferry.

Highway 78/Marsing Murphy Rd, ID

Highway 78/Marsing Murphy Rd, Snake River, ID

Then I follow the river on Highway 78.

Highway 78/Marsing Murphy Rd, ID

My try to exit on some nice backroads was not successful. Once again Private Property forces me to turn around.

Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Bruneau Dunes State Park, ID

Therefore I continue on Highway 78 to the Bruneau Sand Dunes. First I take a look at the Visitor Center. Then I drive to the end of the park road and start my hike along the lake and up the dunes. But it is extremely hot. When reaching half way I decide to turn around.

Highway 51, Snake River, ID

Back at my car I have a lunch break first. Around a quarter past two I continue my journey.

Gravel Pit Rd/Neilsen Rd, Snake River, ID

Gravel Pit Rd/Neilsen Rd, ID

Backroad, ID

Unfortunately I cannot drive a lot of my planned backroads which forces me to drive many detours to follow the river. Additionally it is extremely hot with temperatures between 100 and 120 degrees. There it is even me who turns on the air condition a couple of times.

Strike Dam Cut–Off Rd, Snake River, ID

Strike Dam Cut–Off Rd, Snake River, ID

Finally I have a picturesque drive along the Snake River. But according to my map, this a dead end road and I should drive all the way back.

Trueblood Ln, Snake River, ID

Trueblood Ln, Snake River, ID

My originally planned exit route to the north is once again not allowed to drive.

Big Foot Bar Rd, ID

Big Foot Bar Rd, ID

Big Foot Bar Rd, ID

Big Foot Bar Rd, Snake River, ID

Big Foot Bar Rd, Snake River, ID

So I have to take another big detour to reach my way to the north.

But also this road is not allowed to continue and I am forced to drive once again all the way back.

Highway 167, Grand View Rd, ID

Eventually I am again back on a real highway.

Simco Rd, ID

Because it is pretty late in the meantime, I stay on the highway. Also I feel some kind of pressure and I get the impression to have diarrhea soon.

Sunset Boise, ID

After my arrival in Boise I find the Motel 6 after a brief search near the airport. Around 7pm I try to check in. But there is already a huge waiting line in front of me. And all this with my threatening diarrhea! Eventually it is my turn, I am lucky and they still have a room left. It is on second floor but at the moment I would take everything. I hurry up to get my stuff up into my room. Then I just make it to the restroom. I am really wondering what was the reason…

Sunset Boise, ID

Pretty relieved I take a look at the phone book and I figure out two very promising companies for my transfer case. Then I am getting ready for my Outback Steakhouse. In the meantime there is no waiting at the reception anymore and I can ask them for directions.

This time the way descriptions are correct and I find it without any searching around. As usual I have my beloved Outback Special to compensate for the “loss” just before. Around half past nine I pay and drive back to my motel. After arriving there, I check part of my video taping, before I fall dog tired into my bed. Slowly you can tell the lack of sleep…