LOBAA50 - Bruneau State Campground - Bruneau, ID

7/5/08 Sat MDT
LOBAA50 - Bruneau State Campground - Bruneau, ID
Sally bike mileage/time 79.47 / 5:14:56
Sally Total 3631.19
Bill bike mileage/time 15 / odo broken
Bill Total 1131.2
Jim mileage 90.5
Jim total 8164.9
Bill:
First a continuation of last night. Sometime in the early evening we
noticed fire and smoke coming from the brush several hundred yards
away and some folks running around anxiously. Apparently some sparks
from a campfire had gotten into some of the 'cotton' from all the
cottonwood trees in the area and quickly started multiple small fires
nearby. After a half hour or so we were all able to get it under
control but by that time someone had called the local volunteer fire
dept so a half dozen cars and pumpers converged on our previously
quiet camping location. They thoroughly doused everything and preceded
back to town after an hour. We thought that was the end of it. But,
later that evening around 1 a.m. or so, out they come again, lights
ablaze (and just had to sound their sirens!) and go to the same spot
and douse it again. They must have been there over an hour this time.
We weren't sure why as we were unaware of any more smoke or fire but
the result was another interruption to sleep. Maybe we should have
camped in town at the park after-all ... we had more action in the
remote forest on the fourth of July than they probably did in town at
their fireworks show in the park! I dropped Sally off in town this
morning and she headed out for another day of pedaling. I got to our
next camp early as we weren't sure how crowded it would be but there
was no problem getting a spot. I then did a short ride back to meet
her as she was about 8 miles from camp when we met.
Sally:
Today was another windy one. Mostly head and side winds, some tailwind
too though. I'm definitely riding to get home now. Glad we'll have new
riders/enthusiasm joining us in a couple days!!! I do look forward to
Oregon as I know most of the route and it'll just be nice to ride in
good old Oregon once again. We are certainly into the desert now, camp
is nice though with lots of good shade trees. The wind keeps the
temperature comfortable. Tomorrow will be my last full day riding in
Idaho, riding adjacent to the Birds of Prey Natural Area. Oh, today I
saw lots of the tiniest chipmunks, so cute. Out in the desert north of
Mt. Home, living in sagebrush without many/any trees.