Our final days found us in Ketchum, Idaho, home to Sun Valley Ski Resort. In October, a "shoulder season", it was quiet. Social distancing and masking made it comfortable to peruse a few shops and go out for dinner. But first, we were intrigued by the Sawtooth Mountains, and set out to hike to Alice Lake and Twin Lakes. As we drove to the trailhead, we couldn't stop "oohing" and "aahing" over the dramatic mountains before us. I am afraid the pictures do not do them justice.
It was 36 degrees and raining lightly as we left our vehicle. The clouds were low, obscuring some of the peaks from view. The trail wound through a valley between two peaks, and as the valley narrowed, we were rewarded with closer views of jagged cliffs and the mountains beyond. It was easy to see why they had been named the Sawtooth Mountains.
As we gained elevation, we encountered more snow. Although we saw a few footprints ahead of us, they were soon lost amid this gigantic scree field. With little to go on for the direction of the trail, we had to abandon the hike and re-trace our steps.
On the return, the sun emerged, granting us improved views.
In the sun, Pettit Lake sparkled, and the mountains beyond were visible. What a transformation from the morning mists that had shrouded the landscape!
On the drive back to Ketchum, we stopped briefly at a pull-out so I could take more pictures of mountains. As we like to ask each other - "Did I tell you I like snow-capped mountains?" I marveled at the contrast between the plains and the mountain ranges - such a classic vista.
While my fly-fishing fiend visited two of the fly-fishing establishments in town, I made a bee-line for the only advertised embroidery shop. I could easily have bought a number of projects, but the sticker shock put me off. So I entertained myself taking pictures of a couple of murals on electrical boxes.
On the recommendation of the friendly staff at our hotel, we ventured to the Cellar Pub. As you might guess from the food and drinks below, the joint earned a "10" from us!
The drive from Stanley to Challis and on to Salmon, as it meanders along the Salmon River, was a photographer's paradise. We resolved to return here when we have time to stop frequently.
As we began to navigate the switchbacks to the summit of Lost Trail Pass (also the location of Lost Trail Ski Resort), the road became more snow-covered.
And the temperature continued to drop.
We crested the summit, entered Montana and the roads became even icier - the shade on the northeastern aspect of the road, combined with the frigid temperatures, made for less than ideal conditions. Yes, this was October 25!!!
The roads were not much better when we reached the valley; the heavy snowfall and low temperatures meant that the snow was frozen into ruts and driving was slow. We were ever so relieved to arrive home safely at 5.30 pm. Five hundred miles in 9.5 hours - yikes! I am so grateful that Spousal Unit prefers driving - he certainly did the heavy lifting that day! (If you look closely, you can see that #1 Son is opening the front door to welcome us, 12 days after our departure.) Home Sweet Home.
Welcome to Mosaic Monday, a weekly meme
where we get together to share our photo mosaics and collages.
Please include at least one photo mosaic/collage in your post.
The link will be open from 1 p.m. Sunday until 11 p.m. Tuesday (U.S. Mountain
time).
Remember to add the link to your Mosaic Monday post and not the one to your
blog.
Please link back to this post so that your readers will be able to visit and
enjoy more wonderful mosaics; taking the MM blog button from my sidebar is an
easy way to link back.
As host I will visit every participant and leave a comment so that you know I
stopped by.
Please try and visit as many other blogs as you can, especially those that join
in later, so that everyone's creativity can be appreciated fully.
Thank you for joining in today and sharing your mosaics with us.
