Today we awoke to bright sunshine and were on the road by 9 a.m. This is good because we lose 1 hour when we cross into the Mountain Time Zone. It is at least 7 hours driving time to Idaho Falls, and because of our chosen route there are not many lodging options between Boise and Idaho Falls. In Ontario, near the OR/ID border, US 20 disappeared and then magically connected with interstate 84 so we were condemned to driving on the interstate for about 90 miles. I guess our conciliation prize was the 80 mph speed limit so we would be back on US 20 sooner.

US 20 is known by several names at different points including Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway and the Oregon Medal of Honor Highway. When we first started out in Oregon this morning, the road seemed to stretch into oblivion, but then it opened up to green fir trees, interesting rock formations, gently rolling hills, and mountains, some snow capped, in the distance.

As we drove east the landscape seemed to gradually switch back and forth from green fields and hills to an almost desert like landscape. However, near the intersection of US 20 and ID 55, it was it was like an invisible curtain came down and the landscape suddenly became lush and green. About 1 1/2 hours east of Boise beginning around Fairfield, we drove near multiple ski areas including Sun Valley. It was interesting to see the tall poles along the side of the road to mark the shoulder edge during heavy snows. We also noticed 2 separate, large storage areas for road salt and sand along US 20. This is not an area to drive the toy car in the winter!

The highlight of the day was driving through Craters of Moon National Monument and Preserve. What we had read about  this monument did not prepare us for the  unbelievable landscape. The lush green mountains in the distance made quite a contrast. Unfortunately, we arrived to late to look at the exhibits in the Visitor Center.

Interesting signs:
Butte City pop 84

Road signs:
Stinkingwater Creek, Drinkwater Pass,