This was, arguably our first time through Idaho. The argument was that our first time was about eight miles of back-roads through the corner in the fog on our way into Canada but according to Kathy that didn't count. Anyway we agree this was our first time west to east in southern Idaho. I'd heard good things about the amazing views and moderate climate and hoped to see it personally.
The views began as Washington/Oregon had ended, winding roads following meandering rivers. I envisioned trout fisherman and lonely truckers but there was so much more to come.
As we pulled into a parking lot near the mall, I reached out to a former supervisor from Fort Bend ISD and inquired about a local pizza company. She'd long ago given up on Facebook and didn't respond until a week later so Kathy hiked what looked was right across the street to pick up some pie. It ended up being nearly a two mile hike. The pizza was still warm when she got back though.
But city life wasn't for us so we pulled out of town before the morning rush hour and crossed the plains.
We enjoyed watching the wildlife, prong-horns, grasshoppers, migrating cranes, and watched a wild cat stalk a herd of deer.
Eastward bound the grasses give way to a rockier landscape. A place more foreign. Volcanic peaks dot the horizon and basalt and pumice form alien landscapes and the Craters of the Moon appear.
This fascinating park has been a backdrop for
250,000 visitor creating their own alien landscape stories.
Fossil Butte National Monument, aka America's aquarium in Stone was an oasis in the scrub. 
