Quick trip to the end of the road, St Joe River

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WU7X

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Enthusiast III

676
Spokane, WA
First Name
Dale
Last Name
Avery
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12405

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WU7X
During the last week of September, Nanc and I and another couple decided we needed to get out at least once more this year. It would only be for three days and two nights. But being in the mountains beats sitting in town worrying about Covid any day! I haven't been up on the St Joe river for a long time, so convinced everyone we should give it a try. Much of the drive in was along two lane asphalt, with only the last 12 miles on single lane roads. But it was close by and the weather was perfect!

Misty Road St Joe 9-20.jpg

Our Boykin Spanel, Tucker, is now 15 years old and has a tumor in his lung. He loves camping more than we do. So we knew with his time getting short, we wanted him to have the joys of running around, sniffing, lifting a leg, and just being a dog out of doors one more time.

Nanc & Tuck St Joe 9-20.jpg

The days were sunny and cool, and the nights, well, they were COLD. Being so close to the river itself we had issues with condensation over the night. But still we slept like babies under the covers. There wasn't a fire ban, so we brought enough wood to keep everyone warm deep into the night, playing cards, swapping stories, and enjoying each others company.

Campfire St Joe 9-20.jpg

We took a different route on the way home. This area has miles of state and government roads switch backing through the mountains. Although we were a bit too early to see the beauty of the tamaraks turning brilliant yellow, the deciduous underbrush and cottonwoods along the river put on a fine show.

Narrow Bridge St Joe 9-20.jpg

Dusty & Beastie 9-20.jpg

Heading north instead of west, we reached St Regis, MT, around noon. Cheese burgers and a chocolate malt reminded us how nice civilization can be. It was only a couple more hours after that and we were back home.
 

janders

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473
Seattle, WA, USA
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Jason
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Redacted
Beautiful area! We were just up there a week ago. Followed the IDBDR over Moon Pass, broke off the IDBDR and ended up down on the St. Joe. Then wound our way back to St. Regis. Heard elk bugling the whole time.
 
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Tango Tiger

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DFW, TX, USA
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Jeff
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Taylor
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That looks like a great weekend escape. Being in Texas, I’m quite jealous of those cooler temperatures.
 
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WU7X

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

676
Spokane, WA
First Name
Dale
Last Name
Avery
Member #

12405

Ham/GMRS Callsign
WU7X
Beautiful area! We were just up there a week ago. Followed the IDBDR over Moon Pass, broke off the IDBDR and ended up down on the St. Joe. Then wound our way back to St. Regis. Heard elk bugling the whole time.
We just missed the rut, dangit! I was thinking of doing the IDBDR next summer, but got talked into doing the ORBDR instead. That will be the end of June, beginning of July. The beginning of Sept. will see us meeting up with some friends from around the country to do the Heart of the West loop through the central Rockies. It is 2,800 miles +/- of primarily BLM and USFS gravel and two track and winds through MT, ID, WY, CO, UT, and parts of NV. I have my fingers crossed that this Covid thing will have passed by then.
 

WU7X

Rank III
Launch Member

Enthusiast III

676
Spokane, WA
First Name
Dale
Last Name
Avery
Member #

12405

Ham/GMRS Callsign
WU7X
Here is a side shot of my Mission Overland trailer. We've had it for two summers now and it has around 12,000 on the tires. We really love it. The propane heater is great on the chilly mornings we experienced along the St Joe.Beastie on the St Joe 1 9-20.jpg