SATURDAY 10/14
Susan agreed to another ride today under her parameters: we must leave at 9:00 so that we would not miss the ‘horse races’ scheduled for 2:00 at camp. We arranged for Pam (never say no to a ride Pam) to meet at our campsite for 9:00 departure. We woke to some light mist and 45 degrees which was not making me feel too very much like I wanted to ride! Pam arrived promptly at 9:00 and the three of us were soon on our way, agreeing that if the now actual rain did not let up, we could turn around and come home.
This end of the trail follows Plummer canyon for about six miles, and through a remote forest to the end of the town of Plummer. We passed through the forest of many fire blackened trees.
It made me ponder what happens to these damaged trees? Do they die and drop over at some point? Do they grow inner strength and form new outer coats and new limbs and leaves. Seems the second choice must be the correct one as we see many forests repair themselves.
We stopped on a bridge for a photo or two before continuing on to the trailhead, winding under the highway via a low tunnel. The trail head is known as Ha’ya’)pqi’nn (Gathering Place). And though I have been here several times, I cannot resist yet another photo or two. It is impressive and a great piece of art.
It had been a steady climb all the way from the Ranger Station to the Gathering Place, so it was an effortless ride on the return. Effortless but cold! Rain went away at some point, and sun came out for our return, but the air was damp and a bit chilled.
Not long after getting back to our rigs, getting warmed up and clothes changed, the horse races started. In this case, trailer races…
All lined up and ready to leave the gate.
Croupier ready to roll the dice. Money taken by the money taker after bets were placed.
And they were off!
Number 1 wins the first race, putting $$$ in the pockets of those who bet on her.
Big gamblers that we are, I lost $3; Susan lost $2. There were several more races that entertained a crowd of bigger bettors than we are.
On the the next thing: tour of rigs for those interested.
Then final potluck for this event. Tomorrow we leave. And I — as in I — will be driving the van for the 6-7 hour trip to Boise!!! Me! Me, who has driven a total of maybe 3 hours over several trips. Jayne, the friend that we will be visiting in Boise, and who is here at this outing, fell over some tree roots yesterday. In addition to a very black and blue bruised eye, she also re-injured a shoulder that renders her arm in great pain. Therefore, Jayne will not be able to drive her trailer to her house. Susan will drive that while I follow along (nervously) with the van!! We will be at Jayne’s by the time I can post this, so you will know how I did!
Late on Sunday — we made it. And I did just fine driving the RV van for 7+ hours!! Piece of cake. Late now, time for bed. Will say a few more words about it in tomorrow’s post.
Adventures with Nancy 
Great challenges you took on! One getting out in the morning in spite of uninviting weather. Once you’re out you know it’s worth it, right? And I love it that you drove the RV van all that way! In my case I leave all the driving to Janos, and it’s just a very small car. I haven’t driven for about five years because it makes me “nervous”. But recently I have been thinking I should screw up my courage and start driving again, it would make so much sense to be able to support Janos when he needs it. I think it would make me feel good, too, to be a little braver.
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You are so right, once out on your bike, whatever weather you start in, is worth it! I almost always leave the driving to Susan when we are together. I drive the Honda Fit whenever I need to go somewhere but the van has had me intimidated and nervous to drive. But truly it is, after all, a van! A heavier van with more to it, but drives like any other van so now I will be able to help with driving to give Susan a break now and then. You can do it Suzanne, if you want to. But if you have no need, heck let Janos do the driving ;’-).
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