Deadwaters, Salmon River

Traveling north, as far north as I can possibly get at this point in time. Not because I need to blow through gorgeous Idaho. But because I want cool air. Of course, by the time I get cool air, I am going to want warm air, so that I can go swimming in the river. I stopped in various towns to get internet connection, just to stay in the loop. The forest of my previous campsite suddenly turned very arid, and rocky, and instead of pine trees it returned to poplar, willow, and sagebrush along the Salmon River, along with some pine.


After getting a well needed rv wash, and yet again more gasoline, I stopped just short of North Fork, Idaho.

I found a semi shaded location and a spot right next to a very mild flow of the Salmon River, and super easy in and out access at the shore. I spent some time drawing, swimming, and enjoying watching people raft and float by. I moved my RV several times to get it into some shade, as the sun moved. It's at least 94 degrees. I'm definitely working on a tan, and finished a sketch in my sketch book. I bought this sketch book in Yosemite, in 2001. It's 19 years old, and I have dozens of sketches from all over the USA, and Mexico. I actually counted six more pages left, before the sketch book is complete. Maybe I will finish it on this trip, or save it for the 20th Anniversary. I have always used ballpoint pen, which is a challenge to get light, and dark, and grays.

After dinner, I took yet another swim and this time watched a couple with their two dogs float down the river. One of their dogs got out of the water, and started to make a beeline to where we were sitting. There never seems to be enough time to react, so I held Jo Jo tight to me, and stuck out my leg hopefully to divert his pounce. Worst case scenario, I have my hiking sticks near me. The dog was harmless, and went on his way. Within a few moments the owner got out of the river, and started walking along the shore towards me. I wasn't sure what was about to transpire, and I was concerned, though once he got close, he offered an apology about his dog coming out to charge us. I thanked him for his apology, and making good on the situation. I told him, like I tell others, that my dog is now 12 years old, only 5 lbs, with no teeth, and is 100% defenseless. It's just the nature of small dog ownership, to be vigilant, and I appreciate larger dog owners who take the responsibility when these things happen.

Fortunately, the sun has gone over the mountain, and I can feel cool breezes setting in. I hope to be in Montana tomorrow, and in higher elevation, and then I'll have to complain about how chilly it is.










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