We’re on the road again and heading for Independence Rock, which sits about an hour outside of Casper, Wyoming. And although the rock’s name would have you believe that it got its moniker due to its isolated location, it was actually called that because travelers arrived there on what is now known as Independence Day in the USA – July 4th.
Because of its smooth surface, pioneers were easily able to carve their names into the rock; we loved reading all of the names of real pioneers. It is a very unique thing to see on the road from Wyoming to Idaho, and it’s a quick stop, so you don’t lose much time on the drive.
Watching the landscape change on our way to Idaho, kept us intrigued and alert. Mountainous and vast – as far as the eye can see – it was also varied, in color and contrast. The conversations among our group never stopped either, making the six-hour drive feel much shorter.
Reaching our destination, The National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho, we were able to stretch our legs and explore something new. During a 30-minute tour with Executive Director Becky Smith, we learned a lot about this interactive museum. Dressed in full 1850s costume, she led us through the site in character, explaining how the structure had been built on an original campsite from Oregon Trail pioneers.
Thirty miles away, the Soda Springs Geyser was our next stop. As we were coming upon the spring, we were admiring the surrounding terrain when the geyser proceeded to blow. The geyser’s managers say that the spring “Roars like a mad dragon” – an accurate description after witnessing this extraordinary geyser soar more than 20 meters into the air!
Then we turned up the heat and pointed our car toward the Lava Hot Springs Foundation Hot Pools. These hot springs are filled with natural water from the surrounding underground springs, yet there is no sulfur in them and therefore no bad odor.
These therapeutic pools range from 102˚F to112˚F (38˚C to 44˚C) and you can choose between ones with bubbles or ones without. Even the sidewalks and dressing room floors are heated! We started out in the cooler pools, progressively going hotter and hotter until we felt completely relaxed. After a long day of driving, this was the perfect way to relax and revitalize our bodies, getting them ready for a great night’s sleep at the hotel.
And what a hotel it was! The Riverside Hot Springs Inn was built 100 years ago, and even played host to former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. It was full of quaint charm and was filled with big sash windows, oil lamps and wall-mounted animals.
From the very beginning, the Inn went above and beyond to ensure we had an enjoyable stay. We called to let them know that we would be arriving a bit later than anticipated and asked when the hotel kitchen closed. They informed us that the on-staff chef would be returning to cook us a special meal.
Not only did he return to work after leaving for the night, he surprised us by creating a number of dishes for us to pick and choose from, without any of us looking at the menu. This kind gesture really wowed us all and we felt very welcome in Idaho. We couldn’t have asked for a more relaxing ending to an already incredible day. We definitely felt rested for our adventures the next day!
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