Pendleton, OR to American Fork, UT

GET-YUR-MOTOR-RUNNIN'  ROAD TRIP
Astoria - Santa Fe - Death Valley - Astoria

October 16 -19, 2013  (Days 2-5 of 44)
Pendleton, OR to American Fork, UT
Miles Today: 656 / Trip Miles: 950

Click on Map For Larger Map

West of the Columbia Gorge, the skies were ugly-hazy. Daytime temperatures were 50-60 degrees, and nighttime temperatures were 20-30 degrees. Idaho’s divided highway speed limit is much more sensible than Oregon’s. Once crossing into Idaho, the 65 mph limit changes to 75 mph – same highway construction & terrain. I wasn’t feeling well, so I spent a few days resting in Boise, Idaho.

Bliss, Idaho:

Bliss population = 300 / elevation = 3,000 feet. By-passed by Interstate Highway 84, there isn’t much to Bliss. However, there are some interesting old and abandoned buildings. 

From the Columbia Gorge until I-84 heads south at the I-86 junction, the scenic rating is “C” and the air quality was poor. As I-84 heads southward, the terrain gets prettier, with some mountains, and the air got clearer. Utah’s speed limit on I-84 is a reasonable 80 mph. Partially snow-covered mountains are visible to the south. 

Favorite Highway Sign:

“Occasional Blinding Dust Storms / Do Not Stop On The Road"

(Located south of the junction of I-84 & I-86)

2nd Favorite Highway Sign :

“Severe Storm Area Next 26 Miles”

(Located along I-84)

Side Trip to Promontory Summit, Utah:

From I-84, I took a side trip to the Golden Spike National Historic Site. On May 10, 1869, the Union and Central Pacific Railroads joined their rails at Promontory Summit in the Utah Territory. The Golden Spike National Historic Site commemorates the completion of the first Transcontinental Railroad. The visitor center and the “last spike “site are located at the highest point (4,900 feet) of Promontory Pass. This 54-mile round trip is a great road to "blow out the carbs", and has lots of nice curves. Highway 83 passes by the ATK-Thiokol Corporation outdoor display of space and military ballistics  -- worth a quick visit.

Continuing south, the land use becomes agricultural, with beautiful green fields and many small Butler silos. Descending into the Great Basin, the Salt Lake City skyline (elevation 4,200 feet) and background mountain peaks (up to 11,300 feet) make a beautiful setting.

Unusual Sight:

Old MG Midget sports car being transported on a flat-bed truck. There was a 4-inch diameter tree branch that had grown through a wire wheel.

Next Stop: Farmington, New Mexico

Photos
(Click on Photo For Larger Image)

Garage
Location: "Main Street" in Bliss, Idaho. [flickr.com]

Final Remains

This sign is all that remains of a motel on "Main Street" in Bliss, Idaho. [flickr.com]

Last Spike

Looking west from the site where the last spike was driven for the first transcontinental railroad. Location: Promontory Pass, Utah (elevation 4,900 feet). Promontory Mountains are in the background. [flickr.com]