Lost River Valley, 2/28/2015

 Mount McCaleb on Right

Lost River Valley

Leatherman Pass, Lost River Range, Idaho

White Cap Peak on the left of the pass while Leatherman Peak is on the right. Pass Lake is at the base of White Cap on the other side of the pass.

White Cap Peak, Leatherman Peak, Bad Rock Peak, Mount Church

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

My last three climbs have been in the Lost River Range from the Lost River Valley. Each time I tried to arrive in time to roll the dice with the evening light. Here are some images of the Lost River Mountain, the Super Gully, the Stadium of the Gods, and Pete Creek drainage. The peak is seen from a few different locations and in varying light.

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

Lost River Mountain, Lost River Range, Idaho

Climbing Mount Idaho, Lost River Valley Road Trip Day Three

September 29, 2014

First to Make Tracks in the Snow on Mount Idaho

Woke up to no rain. The rising sun was even trying to poke through under the clouds. I could see the peak of Mount McCaleb towering over Mackay. Today, I would climb. I drove back to Elkhorn Creek and got prepared to go.

Mount McCaleb and Chevron Station, Mackay, Idaho

The clouds hung a bit higher and were not as thick as the days before. A good omen. Unfortunately the peak of Mount Idaho was still hidden in the fog as I began the hike up Elkhorn Creek. I hoped the now present sun would burn off more of the cloud layer as the day went on.

Reaching the End of Elkhorn Creek Canyon

There was more of a trail then I had expected. The hike along the creek and forest was pleasant. In fact, this hike would make for a great outing itself and yield great views of Mount Idaho at the end. After a few hours of hiking, I came to the massive cirque at the foot of Mount Idaho. The boulder hopping began. A bit later, I veered left up a ridge leading northeast to reach the main crest to Mount Idaho. Traversing more east then north, I saw the saddle Tom Lopez writes about and headed for the southern end. The blocky light colored rock was easy to climb, but as I traversed southeast, I came to a slide of that tan small volcanic rock, so ever present in the Lemhis and Lost River Ranges. There was a big difference between climbing the two kinds of rock. I quickly returned to the light colored rock and stayed the course to the top of the saddle.

Saddle on the Crest

Southeast of the Saddle

Looking Northeast on the Saddle

The clouds opened up different vistas during the hike. Yet the peak remained shrouded. I photographed when I could and climbed upwards. Not long after leaving the saddle, the cloud layer began to thicken as I navigated the complex ridge to the summit. I missed the tremendous views I knew the climb held, but hiking the ridge in the fog and alone gave a unique experience that was just as satisfying. I was loving the challenge and the misty, ruggedness of the ridge. 

The Westside of the Ridge

The Eastside of the Ridge, Mount Idaho in the Clouds

A Wider View of the Eastside

On the Ridge

On the Ridge

Relaxing

Interesting Rock View 1

Interesting Rock View 2

The Ridge

Often times I could just see only the ridge itself. I brought along Lopez’s description of the climb to reference along the way. I read that after coming off the ridge, I needed to look for an obvious gulley leading to the summit. By now the clouds were so thick I could only see about 50 feet in every direction and the wind began pelting my face with small hard balls of snow. I put on a shell, picked the most obvious gulley, and went up. There was just enough snow to make the rocks slick, not enough to kick in for steps. I was glad I had worn my Trekstas. Not to sound too commercial like, but these boot have the best grip on rocks I have ever felt.

The Ridge

The Ridge

The Ridge

Looking Down Elkhorn Creek

The Ridge 

I came to an obvious high point and wondered if I had summited. I knew the Mountain was listed as 12, 065 feet. Yet, I could see another ridge leading west, but it dropped a bit and headed to what looked like a lower point in the fog. I checked the altitude on my watch, 12,061 feet. I was pretty sure I was standing on the top of Mount Idaho. The wind, snow, and fog had picked up and I was motivated to drop down as fast as possible.

On the Summit

After scree skiing madly down the gulley, it soon became apparent that I had no idea where I was and which way to go. I was completely disorientated. I looked at the GPS reading on my watch and was surprised to find my instincts were in complete disagreement with my current course. I reluctantly gave into what my logical mind was telling me…follow the readings. Soon I began to see my footprints in the snow. They were quickly filling in with the blowing snow but they were there. I recognized parts of the ridge as I descended. The watch was right.

After a drop in a couple thousand feet, the wind and snow were gone and the hike turned pleasant again. I stopped a few times to photograph, but really wanted to be down in time for the evening light on the mountains in case it was any good. I pushed on. Reaching the car, I quickly threw everything in, grabbed a cold Coke from the cooler, and bounced quickly down the rocky road to the highway below. I was racing the light again. Looking back at Mount Idaho, I saw the summit for the first time that day. The clouds were almost gone! I stopped and made some images in the evening light.

Elkhorn Creek Canyon, Lost River Range, Idaho

Mount Idaho in the Clouds, Lost River Range, Idaho

Mount Idaho and the Ridge Leading to the Summit

Drove to Mackay while finishing off the Coke. At Sammy’s I finished off two pizzas and drank some ice water while watching part of The Big Bang Theory on the big screen. I decided I could be home by 10:15. The though of sleeping in the Subaru a fourth night was taking it’s toll on me. I hit the road with tunes blasting. Stopped in Arco at Pickles to get a chocolate milkshake. My body was craving carbs and protein. Drove till I was home.

Four images of Mount Idaho made in July, click here.

Other Resources:

Tom Lopez Website:
Mount Idaho


For more trip reports of other mountains visit idahoclimbing.weebly.com

Lost River Valley Road Trip, Day Two

September 28, 2014

Sink, Arco, Idaho

It rained all night. In the morning, it was still raining. The sky was dark and the clouds low in the valley. I wasn’t climbing today. I planned on waiting out the rain at least one more day. Today I thought I would revisit a photo project that I started a few years ago. For a couple of years, I shot interior space of abandoned buildings, mostly early to mid 20^th Century homes. Decided to drive south to Arco looking for interesting buildings to photograph.

I scanned the landscape for promising structures. At Darlington, I found several buildings and homes that looked like they might contain interesting space. All but one were boarded up and locked. I knocked on several nearby neighbor’s doors to see if I could locate the owners of the locked homes. Not a single person was home. I returned to the open house and knocked on the inhabited home next door to see if I could get permission to photograph the empty building. Again, no one was home. It’s always best to get permission. Yet, if there are no signs posted saying keep out, I throw the dice and enter. I have encountered all kinds of responses to entering homes without permission. Most people confronting my boldness have been pretty friendly. A couple times have been tense. And, one time I had to talk a sheriff out of a trespassing ticket. Today, I had a couple of factors in my favor. The weather was keeping people indoors and the day being Sunday, lots of people were in church. Apparently, everyone was in church today. The odds were I wouldn’t be bothered.

I walked thought the various rooms looking for compelling subject matter. Almost always, the light bouncing around in the room or rooms draws my attention. Then I look for an interesting way to frame the space. Angles and objects become the next priority in making the image. For example, in this house, I found only one room with a good combination of light, angles, and objects. In the image below, after the light, I was drawn the vibrant blue rug on the floor and the angles of the frame and board on the rug. I spent about 30 minutes playing with framing the light coming in the window. I would flag the light and photograph. I tried hanging some stuff in the window. In the end, a straight, shot of the interior worked the best. When I was fairly confident I had one shot that might work, I hit the road again.

Darlington, Idaho

In Moore, I found one possibility. It was locked. Tried two neighbors. No one was home. Next stop, Arco.

I was feeling kind of grungy after two nights in the back of the Subaru with no shower, so I pulled into a Shell station to clean up. Asked the clerk if I could use the restroom to clean up. He said lots of people do. I washed my face and arms, shaved, washed my hair, and a pair of underwear. Put on a clean shirt. When I came out, I had a whole new perspective on life! I was feeling good and refreshed. Told the guy at the register what I was doing, and asked if he knew where any old abandoned homes were. He thought for a long while before he told me of a really cool old place in Copper Basin about 40 miles away. I drove down the road a half-mile and found a great place to shoot.

Shell Station, Arco, Idaho

This place held several possibilities and I spent well over an hour thinking and framing. I think I came away with several good images.

Arco, Idaho

Arco Idaho

Arco, Idaho

I drove back to Mackay to buy my lunch/dinner. There are only two places to eat in Mackay this time of year. The third, a seasonal burger joint, was closed. There are Mary Lou’s and Sammy’s. Ben and I tried Mary Lou’s several weeks ago after climbing Borah. It was a Saturday and the first day of Elk hunting. The place was packed, the prices a bit high, and then there was Mary Lou. She was running the whole show, waitressing, busing, and cooking. When I asked her about an omelet on the menu, she looked at me like I was stupid. I don’t think she likes questions. She seemed like an ornery old lady; perhaps it was just this crazy day. Anyway after waiting 30 minutes for her to return and take our order, I left her a few dollars for the water and we left. I snapped a photo of the back on the menu before leaving. It features a portrait of Amy Lou in the restaurant. She is peering over a swinging door hold a big knife. I swear it looks like something right out The Shining.

Amy Lou, Mackay, Idaho

At Sammy’s you can buy your grub and gas at the same stop, but it is clean, bright, and has fairly good pizza. And, they don’t mind if you lounge around in the eatery section to kill time. I bought a personal size Hawaiian and really enjoyed it. Spent the next several hours writing these anecdotes while Sunday football flickered on the big screen TV.

Later, tried finding some places in Mackay to shoot and struck out. Found a good place to park for the night and went to bed.

Lost River Valley Road Trip, Day One

September 27, 2014

Sun Valley
Jessie McCaleb Was Killed Here by Indians
Cedar Creek
Lost River Cowboy Church

Jessie McCaleb Was Killed Here by Indians

Awoke a few times during the night to light rain pelting the car. I knew the forecast was not great but remained naively optimistic. Put in ear plugs and dozed off. Morning came with heavy fog down to about 7,000 feet. Climbing the 12,000 plus foot Mount Idaho would have to wait another day.

During the evening, I had noticed several cars traveling west on a beeline road cutting through the valley below. Got out the map to see where all the traffic was heading. Learned that Trail Creek Road connected the Lost River Valley to Sun Valley. I had taken this road out of Sun Valley a few years ago, but had turned off through Copper Basin and over Antelope Pass. The stretch of the road to the Copper Basin junction would be new territory to explore. I was up for some window-shopping in Ketchum anyway.

Clouds hung low over the small foothills on each side of the road. Infrequent window wipers kept the light drizzle off the windshield. Soon the paved road turned to hard-packed, well-maintained dirt. The smooth drive through the mist and landscape was relaxing. About half way to the summit, I came upon a heavy-duty construction crew working on the road. A flagman waved me over and told me I would have to wait for the pilot car to take me through the construction. As he was standing by my open window, the sudden blast of the snare drum intro to Johnny Horton’s Bismarck blared from my speakers. The guy jumped a bit and gave me a “what in the heck was that look.” I told him it was Johnny Horton. He smiled and said, “North to Alaska.” We had an instant surreal connection in the middle of nowhere on a rainy day. We chatted a bit till the truck came to lead me through the torn up stretch of the road. Should have got a photo of him.

Coming over the pass, the rain intensified. The driving rain and narrow slick road made every vehicle more cautious and connected. Cars and trucks courteously pulled over if they had extra space on their side to let cars hugging the edge pass by. Waves were exchanged. One woman, perhaps overjoyed at the courtesy, smiled and waved ecstatically as she passed. I descended into Sun Valley.

Trail Creek Pass

In Ketchum, I walked the streets, checked out some sales, bought Jessica and Ben a shirt, and ate a taco at Mama Inez. Bought a $3.00 cap and a $3.00 book from a thrift store, and looked for daguerreotypes or tintypes at a couple of antique stores, struck out. I did find a small early 20^th Century Mexican painting of Christ floating above a circle of sheep that I liked. The shop owner assured me it was a steal at $375. The previous purchase of the two 50% off shirts, the $6.00 purchase at the thrift store, and the $4.00 taco already put me over my spending comfort level for about three weeks. I passed on the painting. Finally, bought some gas and headed back over the pass.

Driving south on 93, I pulled over to check out Battle Ground Cemetery on a bluff over looking the north end of Mackay Reservoir. A sign read, Jessie McCaleb was killed here by Indians in 1878. McCaleb and several pioneers were buried here in a small fenced plot on the hilltop. From here, I photographed the landscape to the west from the place McCaleb was killed and buried.

Jessie McCaleb Was Killed Here by Indians, Mackay Reservoir North 

Mackay Reservoir North

Mackay Reservoir North

Back on the highway, heading south, I found another intriguing side road heading towards the Lost River Range. The road was so good that I just kept driving to see what I could find. Soon I came to a small creek lined with saturated green foliage...a verdant corridor through the desert. I think the stream was Cedar Creek or a branch of it. I stopped and made images till dusk. Three Dog Night’s Never Been to Spain played on iTunes.

Cedar Creek, Lost River Valley, Idaho

Cedar Creek, Lost River Valley, Idaho

Cedar Creek, Lost River Valley, Idaho

I planned on driving back into Mackay, getting cell service, and calling home to check in that night. I wondered how I would pass the time till bed. Mackay is never a bustling place, even at the peak of summer, now it’s almost a ghost town. Driving into town, I passed the Lost River Cowboy Church. The brightly lite interior made the Saturday service a fish bowl. I saw a preacher and 7 or 8 members in the congregation.

I had never been to a “Cowboy Church” and decided to check it out. I am always interested in how people see the world and how they think. I walked in and was greeted by the members. Several invited me to get some coffee and treats in the back of the room. Next, I choose one of the most comfortable looking chairs in all the assortment. Five minutes later, I remembered I still had my $3.00 cap on. This being church and all, albeit a cowboy church, I sheepishly took it off. The lanky guy behind the pulpit made of welded horseshoes looked the part. He wore a burgundy patterned western shirt and cowboy boots. At the foot of the podium stood a pair of boots, one on each side. Each boot was bursting with brightly colored silk flowers. Behind the man, a six or seven-foot-cross made of barn wood hung on the wall.

I gathered the guy was in charge of leading the praising and praying. His name was Adam. Members praised Jesus for the good things in their lives and asked for prayers to help them through the challenges of life. Later Adam, and his wife, Karen led the singing. Karen strummed chords on a guitar and the congregation sang good ole Baptist flavored hymns. Afterwards the preacher delivered a sermon on the mercy of Jesus, not judging, and keeping thoughts single and pure.

Lost River Cowboy Church, Mackay, Idaho

At one point, he said something about not judging those who live an alternative lifestyle. The Lord would be the judge. I think there might be a judgment alluded to between those two points of view. He added the story of David and Bathsheba. In this version, poor Bathsheba got half or more of the blame. He said she knew who her neighbor was and she invited trouble by being naked on her rooftop. Try telling that to a feminist. From my little knowledge of ancient Jewish life, I thought rooftops were common places to bathe and sleep as they provided a degree of privacy. According to this sermon, Bathsheba knew David would be troubled that night and walking the terraces above her roof. She planned the whole seduction thing by bathing naked during the king’s insomnia.

I also was interested to hear the extremely wet fall was a sign of the second coming.

The meeting ended with a closing prayer by Adam. It was a fairly vanilla Christian prayer. The only note of interest was the concern voiced for “the LDS” during the benediction. He asked the Lord to bless the LDS that they might depart from their misguided notions of Jesus, accept him as their Savior, and be saved. I’ve been around “the LDS” long enough to know that they profess a sincere belief in Jesus Christ and consider Him their Savior. But, hey, who am I to judge?

After the prayer it was time to socialize around the food table in the back. I talked a bit with Karen and learned that she and Adam have a B and B north of Mackay. Ben and I may end up there someday. I was encouraged to have a salad, so I did. Then I got to know a Border Collie who had come to church with its owner. The dog reminded me so much of Lacey with a sweet temperament and beautiful collie features. I thanked the group for letting me spend some time with them and left.

Found a place to pull off the road and sleep.