The weather was beautiful today so we decided to make a trip to Challis, Idaho. The drive up was nice. Our mountains in The Lost River Valley are still covered with snow. The snow on the ridges is starting to leave. It could be from the wind, elk scrapping away the snow, or maybe just the sunshine melting it. Hopefully the snow will start to melt a little bit slowly.
Our valley’s beautiful mountain range
We had to drive over a mountain pass and then dropped into the valley where Challis is located. Challis is 65 miles North of our valley. It is the county seat of Custer County. Challis is a small town with a population a little over 1000 people. My favorite place to eat when we go to Challis is the Tea Cup. They have great food and a nice atmosphere. There are other shops, stores and a school in Challis.
Ice jam on the Salmon River.
Challis, Idaho
Mountain range in Challis, Idaho
The Salmon River runs through Challis. I took a few pictures of the river. It has some really big ice jams pushing up in the river. The farmers/ranchers and people of Challis are having the same issues with the elk, deer and even big horn sheep coming down from the mountains. They also have a lot of snow and the winter has been hard on all of the animals. The animals are coming down to find food. Year round as you drive through the city of Challis and Mackay there is deer in the yards and parks. This is fun to see especially if you are visiting the city.
Big Horn Sheep, Challis, Idaho
Big Horn Sheep pawing for food in the snow
On our way home.
I enjoyed the drive to Challis today. Time to go home. As we drove over the pass and into our valley you can see it is white wonderland.
Ice fishing on the reservoir
As we dropped into our valley we drove past the Mackay, Reservoir. Mackay is well-known for fishing year round on the reservoir and in the river. The ice huts dot the reservoir and on the weekend there are many people enjoying the fresh air.
When I was growing up I remember my dad and uncles at a yearly family reunion. We would camp on my Grandpa’s ranch above the reservoir on Labor Day Weekend. They had a great time competing to see who could catch the biggest fish. What a great memory!
Soon spring will be here and our valley will make a complete change. Right now I enjoy the wildlife and the changing of the mountains. They never look the same.
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