Thanks to our hosts, James and Marianne, Deanna and Joe and Sue and Tom we were able to further explore our beloved Idaho for the second time this season.
Our destination was Lava Hot Springs in Southern Idaho. We had always wanted to visit friends David and Colleen Day from the area who had visited Wagonhammer RV Park & Campground in the Spring of 2010. The whole trip came together while we were having our Wagonhammer social hour and discovered that guests Jody and Londa were the owners of The Alpaca Inn, Lava hot Springs.  We made reservations at their lodge for a 2 night stay.

We followed The Salmon River Scenic Byway, Highway 93 South to Arco then highway 26 to Blackfoot. Our usual route is the quickest way so we were able to experience new country on our way to Blackfoot. We then connected to I 15 South to The Lava hot Springs Exit. We were graciously greeted by our hosts Jody and Londa at the Alpaca Inn. They have very tastefully renovated what was once an apartment building to a charming inn. The rooms have every amenity wanted including very comfortable beds. We discovered that Jody had constructed the rustic pine furniture and Londa has used her green thumb to make a very attractive yard. Enjoyable photos of their very own alpaca from their Willow River Farm nearby are found throughout the rooms. I also enjoyed Londa’s gift items which included her very own jewelry and alpaca yarns, sweaters and scarves.

We so enjoyed our two days as we had our personal tour guides to show us the area. David and Colleen shared their farming area and we also toured the Museum and Visitor’s Indo Center. The history of the area was well displayed with the Hot Springs being the main attraction to town. The highlight of our visit was the pleasure of both Colleen and David sharing their talents with Abner and I. Colleen’s  of a magnificent elk was just awarded the best of show at the local fair and she also came in second place at the state fair. Congratulations Colleen!

David is also quite an accomplished woodworker and has acquired and extensive collection of antique tools.

We all got together for an evening meal at The Wagonwheel Restaurant.

The next morning we visited the Lava Hot Springs. Long before white settlers discovered the natural, odor-free mineral waters in this quiet valley, the Bannock and Shoshone Indian gathered here to bathe, rest and worship. In 1911 The State of Idaho began to develop the hot springs and today it is an incredible relaxing experience surrounded by beautifully manicured gardens.

We decided that rather than return to Wagonhammer via the freeway we would explore Soda Springs and follow The Pioneer historic Byway. We lunched at Alpine and enjoyed the Majestic Teton Mountain Range and the Star Valley area. The Palisades Dam Area and Swan Valley were also very picturesque. We headed on home via Rigby and highway 28 by the Lemhi range and river.
We now have a further appreciation of Idaho and would recommend The Alpaca Inn as a destination for your Lava Hot Springs visit.

It is always good to get back to Wagonhammer and are now looking forward to our fishing and hunting season and the return of our many guests who have become our friends.