28 June 2017

When planning one of our driving trips, we always look for All American Highways and/or Scenic Byways – they become “bucket list” items for us. In the case of the St. Joe River and Scenic Byway, it not only delivered the expected result of beauty, it is also remote and virtually unpopulated. In fact, Meriam used her new word “Jam” to describe it. So what does “jam” mean? Seems her university professor cousin Alishia has picked up the word from her students. Apparently it means something like “icing on the cake” or “the cream in your coffee” or…in fact we are still trying to understand its full meaning. In any case, finding places like the St. Joe River in Idaho is our JAM.

Having heard how great the fishing is on the St. Joe, we were determined to fish it. Unfortunately the heavy snows the region experienced this past winter resulted in high waters on the river. Not only does high water make the fishing more difficult, it becomes more dangerous to wade.

None the less, we spent three peaceful days Jamming (as Meriam would now say) there. You can bet this place is high on our list for return visits!

HB rigs up for our month in Idaho.

The St. Joe River

Fishing but no catching!

Headed over a mountain pass from the St. Joe River to Missoula, MT we encountered this incredible stand of Bear grass. We are not sure how long their blooms last, but couldn’t believe our fortune at being there in their prime.

Whole mountain sides covered in Bear grass. As you will note, there has been a fire in the recent past. We speculate the proliferation of the Bear grass is a result of new growth after the fire.