[Rockhounds] Idaho metamorphics trip

[DonH]

Lanny R wrote:

> If DonH is able to make the trip, he might  have a few 
> ideas too. 

I think you've got them all covered, but I'm familiar with the area in 
its current state, so I can help out if I'm still here.

> are garnets in the area of White Rock Spring, 

Not sure if I know where those are!

> The roads are suitable for pickups and I have  
> seen cars with high clearance

Um, yeah, about that.  Parts of the road have not been graded in the 
three years I've been here, and others (the roads to Goat Mtn/Moses 
Butte) have been substantially re-dug.  I've made most of that route in 
a road sedan with moderately high clearance, and also did about $500 
worth of minor damage (air filter housing, radiator air dam).  Taking a 
car also requires doing things like stopping, getting out, moving big 
rocks or sometimes filling in potholes with them, and moving on.  Some 
of the side roads are just not passable by sedan; and this is coming 
from someone who does things like put two wheels up on the embankment to 
get past a bad spot or build little bridges out of fallen trees, or 
floor it to get through a pool-sized mud puddle.  I have a lot of 
experience taking a car where a car shouldn't go, and I'm not 
exaggerating one bit--someone might want to consider very, very 
carefully before trying it.  Better off renting a pickup, or doubling up 
with someone who has appropriate transportation.  Just my alternate 
observations on the matter.

 > so no racing.

I can't imagine anyone with any sanity trying that!  Good thing is, you 
get good mileage--my avg. speed up there is between 10-15 MPH, with 
occasional short bursts to 25.

> of the locations are along the road with no shoulders to park on, so  we 
> might be in someone's way sometimes (usually I don't see any  traffic, 
> but others do use the roads).

There are some pretty wide areas and pull-outs where one can park 
though.  I usually never had a problem leaving enough room for someone 
to get by; or else I was working close enough to the car that I could 
hear someone coming (or see the dust trail) and go move it.

Despite my warnings about the road surface, the driving is not bad as 
far as the width of the roads or the drop-offs, etc.  My first time up 
there alone, I was quite nervous, but quickly grew accustomed to it. 
Despite the remoteness of the area, Road 301 is the "main highway" of 
St. Joe, and I have always seen other people driving around, and most 
everyone is very cooperative as "the code of the forest" dictates.  The 
view is magnificent, and I will miss the area very much.


> and the Fossil Bowl  
> site for leaf fossils, both near Clarkia.

Oh yeah, you can't not find fossils there.  Bring a butter knife to 
split the claystone!


Best,
Don