Disconnected Replenishing

After going through Yellowstone, with so many geothermal features, then staying before the Tetons, we were contemplating where to go from here. In our search, we found Granite Creek was around 60 miles away. Not only is there a waterfall, it also has a couple natural hot springs. The larger of them had been contained, encompassed into pools within a facility that charges admission, the other being much smaller, flowing down from a crevice into a small rock-lined pool alongside the much larger Granite Falls. We said our goodbyes, headed to Jackson to replenish our tanks, then continued our way South on good old US-191 to Granite Springs Rd.

As it would take me longer to get there, I sent Al ahead to search for a site, lessening the distance I would need to take the motorhome. While I thought Toppings Lake was a rough road, it was smooth as butter in comparison. There are large rounded stones embedded into the road, protruding, I swear, up to six inches above the surface, maybe more. There are areas where water pools up after a rain in which vehicles leave ruts that harden like rock. There were a few bumpy areas that the rig listed seemingly a foot, not the most settling feeling. The road to the top is around 9 miles long, and I rattled & shook for almost five of them before catching Al on his way down. We set up at one site, then moved to another as it was farther from the road and closer to the stream. It wasn’t hard getting level at either spot.

Many of the sites here have circles of rocks for a fire ring, but those we checked out also had unburnable bottles, cans, trash in them, which we cleaned up rather than just leaving for the next to deal with. As per usual with dispersed camping, no water, dump station or trash facility, pack-it-in pack-it-out. I believe this area is popular for horse riding. The downside is that it also seems like many horse trailers have been cleaned of their poop and straw in many of the sites as well.

This is a place that I wished we had Starlink as there is no phone or internet service available, but we knew that going in. I can say it was refreshing not having any ties to the outside world, but having the internet would be convenient for seeing what else may be near us, or planning the next stop. Lucky for us, we prepared for that ahead of time, but failed to get the GPS coordinates. It took me a while, but I scanned the map on the Garmin and got us to where we needed to go. Having satellite radio on the motorhome also helped that we could listen to music instead of enduring hours of silence.

That afternoon, we drove to the top of the road, peering off on some of the side roads as well. There is a hosted campground around seven miles up, but aside from trash collection, there are no amenities that we didn’t already have. I don’t see the point in paying to be surrounded by other campers when you could be more secluded for free. Granite Falls is less than a mile from the campground, with the pools around a mile farther than that. We stopped at the falls and thought about using the hot spring, but it was occupied by several others.

Clouds started rolling in, so we headed back to the motorhome, just in time as it started raining rather heavily shortly after arriving. We were entertained buy watching around a dozen or so vehicles making their way down, completely splattered with mud to the point you could only make out the color by the hood & fenders. It cleared up enough that we caught a colorful sunset.

The next morning, we arose early, hopped in the truck and splashed through way too many puddles, making our way up to the hot spring. We nearly got stuck, but managed to get parked good enough that we could make our way to the waterfall, then walk through the frigidly cold creek across to the hot spring. At first, the water seemed a bit on the hot side, but overall I thought it was just about right. Al usually likes it cooler, but he seemed okay being right at the top of the flow. It’s a weird sensation as the sandy substrate at the bottom is so much cooler due to the nearby waterfall, and stays that way even though the warmer water flows through. I think we soaked for 45 minutes before drying off, trodding back over the cold creek, then heading back to our abode on wheels where the dogs were impatiently awaiting our return. Suki did alright, but wasn’t happy about the abandonment.

My take on the hot springs... it’s best to take a shower afterward, not consider it bathing, as the sulpher smell lingers on the skin. We opted to shower the next day, and my experience was that skin felt soft, but the odor was unnerving, and I didn’t feel clean. It didn’t relax my muscles, or make me feel soothed, and for that I probably won’t be going out of my way to do it again. If Al wants to, he’s more than welcome, but I’ll stay back and catch up on my own stuff.

So now that we were back, it was time to pack up and head out as we only intended to stay the one night. Holy crap-on-my-corndog, that five mile earthshaker drive down was not what I had in mind to start out the trip! I found that driving 15 is worse than 18, but not as bad as 20 or 25. Yes, there is a sweet spot for the suspension to absorb bumps and 18 mph might be ours. Since then, I’ve driven on even worse roads, and aside from the constant banging & clanging, the only casualties were a loaf of bread that dove to the floor trying to escape the pantry, and a jar of marinara that tried the same (without even splattering).

Would I stay here again? Sure. I would even endure the drive up & down. It was very peaceful, the stream flows below most of the sites, and the stars were brighter than I’d ever seen. We saw an eagle soar through in the morning, and Al found some vividly blue flowers growing near the creek. There appears to be scarring from a wildfire, I couldn’t tell you from when, but trees are regrowing on the hillsides. If I wanted to disconnect, take a break from so many people... who am I kidding with the “IF”? Of course I do. We should have stayed longer for the extra calming I needed from Yellowstone.

Now our daily update... A sunny morning has turned gloomy with random sprinkles of rain. We both picked up some of the broken glass, nails, staples, candy wrappers and various other trash around the grounds, improving things slightly, but there’s a lot more area to cover. Getting ready to make dinner soon... we’re having pasta with mushrooms and spicy hot sausage tonight, then maybe a short drive before sunset.

From this point to the end, I’m turning it over to Al.

Last night, Tom again tried discussing our relationship problems. I have difficulty contributing to the conversation, likely worsening matters, which gets him more irritated, which makes him try harder to get his point across, continuing the circle. This morning started out similarly. Tom says that I resist trying to better things, and that I don’t use the advice or criticism that I’ve been given, even that from a therapist. He suggested music, having me sing, saying to give it 100%, trying to get me to let my emotions out instead of being so “meh” about everything. He stopped me shortly after, saying that the barely audible tones from my mouth were not giving it hardly any effort at all. He persisted until my volume was satifactory. He said it doesn’t matter if I’m off key or sound like a goat in heat, that I should sing like I mean it as nobody but him was listening. I followed the lyrics as he asked, and he said it doesn’t matter if I get them wrong, I can always try again. I think it continued for a couple hours. He had me try different things, saying the old practice makes perfect (or at least better) adage. He related it to everyday things, that you can always ask for a do-over if you screwed something up. He even noted when I made improvements. It was a change of pace from normal, but I think it helped, and I’m starting to understand, such as the same phrase can be in two areas of a song, and the way it’s emphasized can have a different intent. I shouldn’t hold back on everything like I do as the intent I deliver is often lost or mistaken. Luckily there were no other people within earshot, but the cows didn’t seem put off by my entertainment. Tom says we aren’t booking any gigs yet.

He also showed me a card I mailed him in 2005 when he first moved away, and asked whatever happened to that person. I couldn’t believe he kept it, let alone still has it, and it saddened me, but more so, I’m hopeful that person is still within. Tom wants me to continue writing daily updates, sharing successes and failures, being real. I will try my best to do just that. The day has progressively gotten better. Let’s hope tomorrow continues the upward pattern.

Share your comments on Facebook or email us at roadfronts@gmail.com