MESA FALLS,IDAHO FALLS AND POTATOES FOR MILES!

April 23, 2009

So we set out to find these mesa falls-heading toward Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons Mountain Range,it is hard to figure out just where these falls could be-it is pretty flat,except for the mountains in the distance. We just trusted that they would be there, and drove about 45 minutes thru quite a few tiny towns on the way. We went thru a town named RIGBY-a sign erected touts that the town was the birthplace of the television-hard to believe, but hey the sign says it, so it must be true! On we went,soon we see field after field of potatoes-we are in the potato state, so this makes sense. The wonderful thing is the view of the Grand Tetons in the distance. The range is absolutely majestic-still covered in snow-really something to see. The day is rather cloudy and windy and cold-but it is a perfect day to see these mountains. These farmers have quite a backdrop to enjoy as they are out harvesting and planting each day. We keep traveling,finally asking for directions to the falls.(yes, real men DO ask for directions sometimes!) We are told just go down main street and keep going. It is still quite flat,still mainly potato fields and a very small town-but soon we are headed up a mountain,there is a bit of snow-and pine trees and aspens that are still very bare. Soon, more snow-it is getting colder, and so very pretty. A few more miles, we stop to see a scenic overlook-there are those beautiful Tetons-way off in the distance,way down below is the river and it is really swift and noisy! We head up a bit further-finally-the sign that says "mesa falls" the road has been plowed-but to get to view the falls, we have to walk thru pretty deep snow-I sank a few times up to my knees-Mike thought that was funny-good thing I had my boots on! We are glad we left Ginger in the truck til we had investigated a bit more! Wow! the drive and the walk in snow was so worth it-the falls are amazing! The view is gorgeous-the wind is really whipping-it is cold as can be-but the sight is fabulous. We are very glad we came here! Just when we thought it was spring-it was winter again! We went back to the car-Ginger was wanting to take a peak outside. She was not so thrilled with this snow-like her Mom-her legs were too short to walk well in the stuff!
Back down the hill we went-and again were amazed how much the scenery could change in a few short miles-from Snow and pines to potatoes. We stopped and had a nice lunch and back to camp we went. we decided we had seen the best falls here-so would not hunt for the "Idaho Falls Falls"-but on the way home,decided to stop at a grocery-ended up going thru the town of Idaho Falls-and at a corner downtown-there they were-the falls! Really quite wonderful to have falls in the middle of town. There are walking paths here-would make for a great morning walk! We were glad to have seen ALL of the falls here-this is a great place to visit!
All day long we waited for rain, or snow-or both-got neither! Tomorrow is a "down day"-rain is again in the forecast-we will hope for some! The pics are of the mesa falls, and the view of the Grand Tetons from the mesa falls recreation area overlook.