Road 159 follows a creek drainage through still green forest before climbing up and over a saddle exposing the remnants of yet another past fire. John takes the lead on a series of forest road switchbacks that drop elevation quickly before depositing us at the Prairie airstrip.
I recall this spot when it was still vibrant forest … now burned and the trees cleared it will be a hot and arid landscape until the forest regrows and decides to reclaim its place.
We pass through the tiny community of Prairie following Blacks Creek Road as our final egress for the day.
Passing by the impressive South Fork Boise River Canyon. This geographic feature alone is worth the short drive out of town to view. It appears as if the landscape just breaks into two with a river running hundreds of feet below.
A few miles down the road with the sun now in our visors … we look back to find our final view of the day … the sun illuminating the river and surrounding landscape.
A bit over 200 miles for the day and still spared of any pending rainfall. This was a great ride to end the season knowing that Winter is close to setting in with its frigid grip.
Until next season!