WWR Day 18 Salmon,ID to Challis, ID

WWR Day 18 Salmon,ID to Challis, ID
Tues Aug  13, 2019

Distance 60.8
Start elevation 3944
End elevation 5177
High point  5177
Low point 3944
Climbing ~ 1600'
Ride time 6:16
Total time about 7:10
Days bike camping: 12
Contiguous days riding : 2

Another nice blue sky day, with highs in the mid 80's.
I follow the Salmon on Hwy 93 all day today.

I get some heavier morning traffic as I start out of town. There is no shoulder but I have bright yellow jersey and my blinky on me today.
The hills get taller and drier as I progress.
The river twists and turns it's ribbon of green as I micro monitor the miles. There are no gas services til Challis, so I don't expect to see much commercial development. The river is broad and sometimes braided. Where old meanders open up the valley, ranches have cow, horses and irrigated hay fields. It gets cliffy and narrow at times and be widen's out to sage flats at others. The traffic is noteably lighter after an hour and 10 miles and stays that way.












I pass through Elk Bend and lo! There is a clean looking RV park and also Bar/restaurant across the way. Too early to take a lunch break.This is a mile from the Goldbug Hotsprings turn off and make note.

There are numerous boat launch sites, many with rudimentary camping setup s too

20 miles further there is the Royal gorge RV park and I stop to inquire about water
Nope, it isn't tested. Owner hasn't had good experiences, damn environmental ists. But he would sell me some bottled water.
This is not the first time I have heard such anti green sentiments. Plenty of talk about the wolves ruining the hunting,  and logging comments too.


A few miles later I find a fine BLM campground Cottonwoods Flats with water and irrigated grass. I fill up both body and bottle and continue on me merry way

I eventually see Challis towns  trees off in the distance and usually this leads to a burst but I am running down today and roll slowly into town.
Setup camp in another RV park, shower and off to the restaurant next door for calories!!!!!


Comments

  1. wOwAugust 13, 2019 at 11:09 PM

    No shame in bypassing a few climbs here and there, it's the big picture you know, enjoying the little things along the way. I will be in Utah Sept 11ish, looking for you. Darby beer ok, hmmmm, I should make a note of that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OuttaDoorsDanAugust 14, 2019 at 8:01 AM

      Thanks Dennis.
      The scenery is better following the river, and the cars have been good to me so far.

      Delete
    2. OuttaDoorsDanAugust 14, 2019 at 8:01 AM

      Looking forward to meeting you, hope I can finish Idaho by then......

      Delete
    3. wOwAugust 14, 2019 at 9:28 AM

      If need be, I can veer north.

      Delete

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