It was close to 1:00 am when we laid down. At 6:30 am it was time to get vertical.
The weather outside is beautiful, PTL!
Location: Nampa, ID
Departing Miliage: 26,927
Departure Time: 8:30 am
Before leaving I checked the oil, it was down a pint so I topped it off. The crankcase breather hose was routed over the brake rod so any drops ended up on the muffler and rear wheel. We actually had someone pass us and flag us down because of the smoke coming off the exhaust, they though the bike was on fire! I pushed it forward and pulled it down so it dropped vertically in front of the engine bolt. That done I reset the carburetor air screws and adjusted the idle.
We worked our way out of town. The day was bright and the air crisp, it helped clear my head.
Not too far out Lee was cold so we pulled into the end of a driveway. An added layer was in order so I put my flannel shirt on.
GOT HAY? A VERY COMMON SIGHT OUT HERE
We dropped down RT 45. At its’ intersection with RT 78 Bubba was aimed east.
Shortly after joining RT 78 E we began descending to a valley floor. The view was beautiful, I wish I’d gotten a picture. At the bottom we crossed the Snake River for the first of several times today.
The road then threaded between hills as it gradually climbed back out of the valley.
In Grand View we turned left onto RT 167 and motored towards Mountain Home. Once there we pulled over to figure out how to find RT 20 E. A man came out of a store and approached us. “Boy, that’s an oldie”, he exclaimed. “Is it a 750 or 850.” “850”, I replied. “Oh, so it’s an Eldorado.” “You seem to know Guzzis”, I replied.
Otis Grey went on to explain that he’d owned three loops and currently owns a Stone. We chatted for a bit and he explained to us the correct route to 20 E. When the Eldo fired up he shook his head wistfully.
Shortly after the Boise National Forest exit sign the elevation was posted as 5527 feet. I questioned the forest part. A more apt name would be Boise National Shrub Patch.
It was now hot, my nostrils were dry and the sun’s brightness made me wish for welding goggles.
Eventually we entered the Craters of The Moon National Monument. It was quite the sight.
THE ROCKS ARE SO BLACK THEY LOOK MAN MADE – THE PICTURES DON’T DO JUSTICE
ON OUR WAY TO CAREY
At a gas station in Carey Lee ordered two salads while I took care of the fuel. We sat under the large overhang in front of the store and had lunch. The salads were very good. It was 2:00 pm, we’d covered 219 miles, half way there.
Idaho Falls was a cooker. Traffic light after traffic light impeded our forward momentum. I was getting worried about the bike’s engine. It smelled hot. Eventually we broke free of the mess and were once again at speed.
THE SNAKE RIVER
We approached the Palisades Recreational Area and began to climb above the reservoir. The road weaved and bobbed along the edge of the mountain.
We rounded a left hand curve and began a relatively steep decent. Suddenly a small antelope appeared on the opposite side of the road. The truck coming uphill stopped. It was coming right at us. I braked hard while simultaneously hitting the horn button. The sound caused the dog food candidate to make an abrupt 180. Disaster averted. That made all the wiring headaches worth it.
As we continued downhill I realized that the bike was dead. After waving some traffic by I found a false neutral and coasted down the hill and into the mouth of a road intersecting from the right.
Turning the key to on did not produce the friendly glow of the dash lights.
The tools came out and within minutes Lee was holding the fairing while I opened up the headlight. Just as I’d hoped, a blown fuse. The entire stop was less than 15 minutes.
GOT FUSES?
The sign for Wyoming took me by surprise so stopping for a picture wasn’t in the cards.
TAKEN ON THE WAY OUT
THE SNAKE RIVER AGAIN
The sun was sitting on the western hills as we rolled into Jackson. It was around 7 pm.
We dumped our gear and the trailer at the motel just outside Jackson and headed back into town. Settling on a burger place, bison burgers were dinner.
Another great day – thank you Lord.
Location: Jackson, WY
Ending Mileage: 29,424
Adventures With Bubba 