Dry land.

The mountainsides were colorful. The greens trees and golden color of the dry grasses. As we were coming down off the summit, and looking down into the canyon it almost seemed as if we had landed on a different planet, other than Earth. The country is so rugged that it is hard to imagine that anyone would want to settle in this area.

We stopped at a rest area for the night and I could smell smoke. The attendant was there and she informed me that there had been a fire there the day before. It had started along the road and the wind blew the embers to the back of the rest area buildings and then it spread from there down a canyon and on to some wheat fields and came within three miles of a town. Fire doesn't care who or what you are if you are in it's path..too bad.

There was a farm house down in the valley. This family had to be rugged. The summer would be just fine, but the winters could be brutal. Farmers and ranchers are a special breed. They have to like the outdoors, harsh weather, mud and all the rest that goes with ranching and farming.

As we continued on with our journey, we were driving along the Snake River. The area where the rafters, hunters, fishermen go to is called Hells Canyon. The little town of Riggins is mainly for the tourist.

There is so much to do in the area that if you couldn't find something to do, just sitting along the river would be relaxing.

But the signs outside of the various establishments was interesting. If you were in the mood for Elk, I assume this the place to be. But, as I look at the sign, are they hiring a server that is elk, buffalo, or a gyros? Interesting.

Needless to say the road here is a little challenging for the trucking industry. We had to go down this grade with 44,000 pounds in the trailer.

Many of the business were multi-purpose. They don't let an opportunity pass by that is for sure.

At one of the restaurants you could purchase the lunch special for $7.00. This would buy you a 1/3 pound burger, fries and a drink. They didn't say what the meat for the burger would be, so I guess you would be on your own there.

In the evenings you can go to the steak house and have a good dinner along the river. I noticed that some of the places had patios on the back so you could relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the river.

Some establishments have an interesting way of getting customers to come in. One is the sign below for the Cattlemen's. It says that Bert & Kates-- The Girls are back in town. Is this a warning or a statement of fact?

The motel rates weren't that bad. $39.00 for a single. Why don't they just charge for the room? What difference does it make if there is one or two in a room. The extra towel? Makes no sense to me, but if there is a way to make a dollar, I am sure there will be a way to do it no matter what.

Soon we will be in Salt Lake City, Utah. It will be good to be out of the twisty, curvy roads and back on the interstate for a change.

And saying goodbye to the States of Oregon and Idaho. Maybe we will be able to head home for a few days and just be able to relax and put our feet up.

I hope you have enjoyed our journey so far. Until the next time I'll see you on the Otherside.