According to Wikipedia, "The Idaho Centennial Trail (ICT) route is along existing trails and primitive roads. Hikers typically start at the southern trailhead near Murphy Hot Springs on the Idaho-Nevada border in early June when snow levels are starting to recede and travel northward through high desert with the goal of entering higher country before the heat of summer sets in. As thru-hikers approach the Sawtooth Mountains the snows have receded enough by mid-July to allow for easier and safer travel. The end of the trail at the Idaho-British Columbia border must then be reached before the snows of late September/early October."
We drove to Bruneau, ID, and then continued south and parked the truck at the East Fork Crossing, unloaded our bikes, set off on the road to Bruneau Canyon, and then found the Centennial. We rode about 70 miles to get to Jarbidge. Lisea drove the truck on the main (dirt) road.
It was NOT a sunny day. Ominous clouds threatened our path with thunder and lightening, and eventually we encountered rain. The black sky and green mountains with lingering snow caps along with the numerous lightening strikes provided a bold contrast.
The trail became very muddy. It was no problem for our 4-wheeler or Dan's dirt bike (other than being wet, cold, and muddy.) But Kurt's dual-purpose was struggling. At the very end with ~300 ft. to go before good road, he had to stop and dig the mud out because his wheel was locked up.
But it was a true adventure.We found Elisea and Banty 2 miles south of Murphy Hot Springs at the Jarbidge Forks with beer and snacks - a welcomed company and feast. This is one of the most remote places in the lower 48.
The remaining 13 miles were spectacular. The road wound along side the Jarbidge River, remarkable rock formations on the hillsides above. I was in awe.
Around 4:30 we reached our "hotel" in Jarbidge - a barn with small rooms and a community bathroom. It was so good to take a hot shower and change into dry clothes. We filled up at the Sinclair and headed to The Outdoor Inn bar/restaurant for dinner - prime rib - and a live band afterward. The place was packed with locals and tourists, most of them filling the dance floor at every song.
According to Wikipedia, "Gold was discovered near Jarbidge in 1909, making it one of the last gold rush towns in the American West. The town's population swelled to around 1,200 in 1911, but afterwards began a slow decline. Mining operations ceased in the area in 1932. Recent estimates put the town's full-time population at less than 20. Today much of the Jarbidge's economy derives from its reputation as a rustic tourist destination. The name "Jarbidge" originates from the Nez Perce word "Jahabich," which means "devil." This was the Nez Perce name for the nearby mountains." A local lodge claims Jarbidge comes from the the Nez Perce word "Tsawhabitts" - a fearsome giant "they believed he stalked them with the same cunning they used to hunt their own game!"
The next morning we headed out after breakfast back at the Outdoor Inn (our only choice, but a good one.) Sunday was sunny, and I took the opportunity to photograph the rock formations. We took the main road back, and were at the truck in about 2 hours.
We said goodbye to Kurt, Ellisea, and Dan, and headed for part 2 of our adventure - the Bruneau Canyon. This is where Rick and I got engaged on September 16, 2006. It would be our first trip back. Ellisea outfitted us with a wine-picnic care package complete with opener, glasses, smoked salmon, cheese, crackers, and napkins! It was such a thoughtful gift, and it made for a delightful time in the tent when the thunderstorm came in late afternoon.
After the rain cleared, we spent the evening scouting for new places to camp. The Bruneau Canyon is a popular place, despite its remoteness, since it makes a good launch site for rafters. It also gets very hot and shade is scarce. Rick and I found a new place we'll camp next time. It's right near some cedars and has easy access to the river. Here we are on the bank. The next photo shows Rick surrounded by poison ivy. The third is the confluence of the Jarbidge and Bruneau rivers.
We headed out Monday morning and were home by mid-afternoon. Our gear was dustier than it has ever been. The dust penetrated the zippers on our bags and coated everything.But it was a true adventure.
On Saturday we drove to Leslie Gulch in search of the wild flowers that weren't there in April. Well they weren't there in May either. But the rock formations were still spectacular, and we enjoyed showing the area to my parents.
We spent a lot of time on the deck. It was the best place for smoking cigars, drinking gin, and for keeping Susie entertained. She loved watching the people and dogs passing by on the bike path behind our house.
I know it seems like the weekend was all about the beagle, and let's be honest - it was. But seriously, I absolutely love spending time with my parents, and I am so glad they are willing to drive all the way from Kansas to Idaho to see me.
Of course the main event was the wedding. The chapel was decorated so nicely, the ceremony was short and very sweet, and the dinner/reception was fantastic.
Candi's dress was beautiful. Here is the happy couple at the end of a long wedding day.
The best part about camping here is the Sheep Cr. canyon. Here are views in both directions.
We're getting pretty good at making moon pies. Ham and cheddar for dinner; apple pie for dessert.
Our friend Brent joined us Saturday morning.
We hiked up onto one of the canyon rims for a spectacular view of the country below. If you look closely you can see our bikes to the top right of Dale's binoculars.
Of course when we were home...we did puzzles.
Mike and Alice got a puppy too - at the same time my parents got Susie! Plato is an adorable long-haired miniature 