Traveling Across America Day 1: Discovering Snake River and Eating Chick-fil-a

Let the epic adventures begin

After checking the house about 97 different times to ensure 1) cabinets were left open (so pipes don’t freeze), 2) everything was unplugged, and 3) all windows were shut and locked (because we literally live with them open) we finally set off on our second adventure across the country this year.

We drove straight east from Bend and quickly discovered why they call many parts of Oregon a “high desert.” There was literally nothing for hundreds of miles along State Road 20, which meant catching up on some podcasts while my wife slept.

Crossing into Idaho

As we crossed into Idaho we completed our tradition of trying to learn a few things about that state. There were only 2 facts that stuck with me:

1. Idaho produces more potatoes than any other state in the U.S.
2. Of the 1.5 million people that live in the state, over 600,000 live in Boise

We were originally planning to eat somewhere nice in Twin Falls, but as we were approaching Boise my wife looks up from her iPhone, turns to me, and says, “They have a Chick-fil-a in Boise.” So, we did what any sane person that hasn’t had Chick-fil-a in almost 8 months. We took a quick detour near Boise State University and ordered Chick-fil-a sandwiches (with no pickles), waffle fries, and chocolate chip cookies from the undisputed best fast food chain in the world. It was amazing.

Sunset at Snake River

For the most part Idaho was a continuation of Oregon, with hills and ravines flanking the interstate. However, there was one noticeable difference: farmland started popping up everywhere.

Interstate 84 was only the second road I’ve been on in the U.S. where the speed limit was 80 mph (the other being Interstate 80). It is a strange feeling to be driving 80 mph and get passed like you’re not even moving.

The more we drove, the more farms we encountered until we finally crossed over the Perrine Bridge and into Twin Falls.

Neither one of us were prepared for the breathtaking view of the Snake River at sunset.

We spent the next half hour walking by the river and enjoying the unbelievable view, until finally our ears couldn’t take any more of the suddenly freezing wind.

Wake up on the bright side

We checked into La Quinta (because we’re super cool rewards members!) and watched Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC all give drastically different takes on Hillary Clinton and Benghazi. Not exactly the storybook ending to day 1 of our road trip, but I’ll take it!

On the agenda for tomorrow is Shoshone Falls, Crater of the Moon, and Jackson Hole. So be sure to check back!

Other posts in the Traveling America series:

• Day 0: I’m Traveling Across America (And One Day You Should Too!)
• Day 1: Discovering Snake River and Eating Chick-fil-a
• Day 2: Someone Turned Down the Shoshone Falls
• Day 3: Face to Face With a Grizzly Bear
• Day 4: Rediscovering the True Wild and the Old West
• Day 5: Bad Weather and Beautiful Colors
• Day 6: Every City Needs Waterfalls
• Days 7 and 8: The Windy City is…Really Windy
• Day 10: The Most Beautiful Scenery and the Most Disgusting Hotel
• Days 11 and 12: New York Countryside and Massachusetts Coast
• Day 13: New Haven and Old Friends
• Day 14: The Land of the Free and Chocolatey
• Day 15: Science, God, and Disappointment
• Days 16, 17, and 18: The Blue Ridge Parkway (Still Amazing)