The forty-third state

As we crossed the border into Idaho, I told the boys, "You are now in the best state in the Union."

"Hmph," said Sharpshooter.

The best state is the place you were a kid, especially if you had a happy childhood there.  I was a very proud ten-year-old Idahoan, proud enough to wear my "Idaho Is What America Was" T-shirt on purpose, to represent, when traveling beyond state lines:

After Drew & Elaine's wedding we took a scenic route (I used an indefinite article here, since there are many scenic routes through Idaho) home, but traveled quickly because the Total Package had a business meeting to attend the third day post-wedding.

The first night, we camped at Josephine's Pizza and RV Park.  If you pass through North Fork, Idaho, don't miss this place.  Josephine's pizza is delicious, and her RV Park (to be fair, she shares ownership with her friendly husband) nestles beside the Salmon River.

Usually, camping doesn't top my list o'fun, but it's become more pleasant thanks to my in-laws, who bought us a nice tent, and thanks to the Spouse, who brings me coffee in my sleeping bag each morning.

The next day, in Darby, Montana, we visited the General Store to End all General Stores. That's not the real name, but this photo represents only a fraction of the candy they sell...

...so it deserves a superlative name.  The boys still talk about it.  My favorite products were the hot sauces, though:

We ate a picnic lunch at the top of Lolo Pass, and had a walk in the woods.

That night we met the Lambs at a hotel in Lewiston, ID.  Here's the view from our room, and the pool scene:

Some people don't want to get out of the pool.  The next morning we were back in Washington, then on I-84 driving straight toward Mt. Hood.  We were home by lunchtime.