Today was a ride day. A day to get closer to home and the end of our wonderful trip. However, it doesn't have to be boring and it wasn't. We choose to ride Lolo Pass. Surprisingly, I've never been on Lolo Pass. Surprising because I've been on so many roads in the West, but this one escaped me until today. Oh my, it was so worth riding!
But, first, here are a few shots of the Elkhorn Lodge in Grangeville, ID. The remodeled rooms are super nice. Very well decorated, nice finishes, fairly large, quiet and just plain nice. Microwave and fridge (no coffee maker). Very nice linens!
This is a picture of the office and some of the original rooms. We're thinking early 60's and not so very nice. Cinder block construction and very dated.
Nice lawn area with a BBQ and several tables and chairs.
Yes, this was a nice place to stay. Much better than the Super 8. At least the Elkhorn has character!
We left Grangeville and headed toward Lolo Pass. The ride to the pass was excellent, scenic and twisty. However the road sucked! It was all buckled and rutted. Once we hit Hiway 12 in Idaho, the road improved. We stopped for this obligatory photo!
Here are just some random shots of the road and river. The highway follows the river through some awesome forest.
We stopped here and wet down our LD comfort tops to help cool us down.
It is so incredibly beautiful. I'm glad I had the chance to ride it. I would do this highway again in a heartbeat! Once we reached the town of Lolo, MT, we stopped for lunch. Then on Highway 93 south back into Idaho. The landscape changed from forest to desert hills and the temperatures increased accordingly. I think the high I saw today was 98. Hot!!! (I bet it will get hotter before we get home!).
We rode in to Challis, ID and looked for a place to stop for the night. We checked out the town and then looked at a few motels. I've stayed in Challis several times and nixed two places. We finally settled on a little Mom & Pop on the north end of town. A pleasant place with everything we need, microwave, fridge, king size bed, full bath and space for all our stuff! I think we'll have a good night here.
Tomorrow we'll probably head toward Arco, ID and the Craters of the Moon National Park for a park stamp. Then hightail it to the Interstate and book on toward home. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
I'm not sure I want to end our vacation! In some ways, I'm anxious to get home to the stuff I'm familiar with. Our own bathroom and bed. Our kitchen and meals. Just our stuff. On the other hand, this has been such an adventure that I'm not sure I want it to end! Well, I am looking forward to really clean clothes :-)
Thanks for following along. I'll keep posting until we're home and then I plan to post an Epilogue. So, please keep following!
Cheers,
Cletha
Well- don't go home! Come see us and relax. You are in our hood.
ReplyDeleteBob & Sylvie, you don't know how much I would like to do that but we both have work calling us home. See you in a few weeks at How the West Was Won!!!
DeleteLolo Pass is one of my favorite roads! Also did you know that there is a dual sport route just north of the paved highway called the Lolo Motorway? It's also a cool route for for the DS genre.
ReplyDeleteLolo was lovely. Nope, didn't know about the Lolo Motorway. Maybe we can try that another time!
DeleteI can't wait to ride Lolo Pass - next year since the BMW International Rally will be in Montana! Great photos as always.
ReplyDeleteMinna
I love the winding road signs too! And riding along the river, any river!
ReplyDeleteThat area looks just gorgeous and I can't wait to see it. Sad to see your trip ending...