Craters of the Moon Adventures: Scenic Views and the Realities of Off-Grid Living

Good morning, friends and adventurers!

Today, we are detailing our latest escapades from our journey up to northern Idaho. Our trip has been nothing short of spectacular, and I wanted to give you a glimpse into this leg of our recent adventure: the beautiful places we’ve visited and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

Driving Through Northern Nevada and Twin Falls, Idaho

Our site was right on the River!

After Great Basin (listen here or read about it here), our travel day began with a scenic drive through northern Nevada. The landscape was mesmerizing, with snow-capped mountains surrounding us, creating a picturesque backdrop. As we crossed into Idaho, we made a pit stop at a Walmart in Twin Falls to gather groceries. Although we encountered some traffic due to downed stoplights, we patiently navigated through it.

Discovering Silver Creek Campground

Can you believe this was free!?

After leaving Twin Falls, we headed towards our first campsite at Silver Creek. We found this gem on Campendium, and it did not disappoint. The site was right along the Silver Creek River, offering serene views and a perfect spot for our dogs to run around and swim. The campsite was equipped with a vault toilet, a picnic table under a gazebo, a fire pit with a grate, and a prep table – all for free!

Enjoying Nature and Wildlife

Our days at Silver Creek were filled with relaxation and nature exploration. We hiked around

She can't help herself!

the camp, let the dogs play and swim, and soaked in the tranquil environment. Bird-watching was a highlight, with sightings of black-billed magpies, red-winged blackbirds, blue herons, and Canadian geese. The river provided a perfect setting for our pups, especially Jewels, who couldn’t stay out of the water!

Exploring Craters of the Moon

Craters looks like an alien planet!

On Saturday, we ventured to Craters of the Moon, a fascinating volcanic landscape. Although the lava tubes were closed due to snow and ice, we enjoyed the visitor center and the scenic loop. The volcanic rocks, although not pet-friendly due to their sharpness and heat in the summer, were intriguing to explore. The contrast of the harsh landscape with the resilient plant life was remarkable.

A Windy Sunday Drive to Lima, Montana

Sunday brought strong winds, prompting us to pack up camp a day earlier than planned. We hit the road, aiming for a spot in Lima, Montana, forecasting calm and sunny weather. The drive was peaceful, with minimal traffic, allowing us to cruise comfortably and enjoy the journey.

Reflections on Off-Grid Living

Our cute little home!

As we drove, we answered a listener question from our dear friend Caroline, reflecting on our off-grid lifestyle. The pros, such as no neighbors, fresh air, no utility bills, and the freedom to let our dogs roam, far outweigh the cons, like long drives for groceries and limited electrical appliances. Living off-grid has prepared us for this nomadic adventure, teaching us to be resourceful and conscious of our water and electricity usage.

Embracing a Simple Life

Living off-grid has also taught us to embrace simplicity. We’ve learned to make do without modern conveniences like microwaves and hairdryers, which has shifted our focus from material possessions to meaningful experiences. Though initially challenging, this lifestyle change has been incredibly rewarding and set the stage for our current travels.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue our journey through the beautiful landscapes en route to northern Idaho and beyond.

Happy travels!

Thank you for reading!

<3Cara