Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Across the Great Divide

Learned a valuable lesson today: Don't cross the Continental Divide on a steep, gravely, single lane road with no pull outs or places to turn around, in the Rialta.  The Astro? ok, no problem. The Rialta, NO!

It started out ok, but 10 miles later we were grinding slowly up the last long incline in the lowest gear with the accelerator floored.  We were both sitting on the edges of our seats, willing the rig up the last 100 yards.  I was poised to jump out and push.  As we limped up to the summit all 3 of us heaved sighs of relief.  You gotta love the Idaho DOT, there at the top was a sign that read "No RVs or trailers."  Brother.  As is usual with me I took no pictures of this part of the day.  When the going gets tough I don't take pictures.

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Going down was not a problem and we cruised to Clark Canyon Reservoir where we were treated to a nice free campsite above the lake and a beautiful sunset. It was a lovely finish to a somewhat stressful day.

The next morning as we were gassing up in Dillion, a guy approached Thayer and asked him if we were the RV seen going over Lemhi Pass the previous day.  Our daring reputations preceded us! 

 

Sunset over the Clark Canyon Reservoir, and our new dining room-the great out-of-doors!

 

 

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1 comment:

  1. We know that pass! YIKES! We came down that pass from Montana a few years ago. At the top there were 2 choices for going down - the one you came up, or the "RV" alternate - long, fairly mild-grade switchbacks. Guess they didn't get that signage up at the bottom on the Idaho side. Glad you made it!

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