Why would you go to Salmon, Idaho??????
Well just read on!
Not sure but I think Salmon, Idaho was probably named after the fish they harvested from the river, which just so happens to also be called “The Salmon” or “The River of No Return!” Huh? Lewis and Clark stumbled into Salmon sometime around 1805 and found a cute little guide named Sacajawea to help them negotiate their way to the Pacific Ocean. Sacajawea was a woman member of the AgaiDika Shoshone who made a living providing supplies to the settlers and adventurers along with the usual hunting, foraging and oh yeah, fishing. Probably for salmon, I’m guessing.
We stayed at the Super 8 in downtown Salmon. Nice place, clean and friendly, kinda uneventful.
Our Hotel
So it wasn’t long before word got out about the neat things to do in Lemhi valley and floods of settlers made their way. Today not much has changed. Lots of farming, shops, restaurants, rafting companies and oh yeah, fishing for salmon, pretty much covers the livelihood of this small town. Our purpose in stopping here was to visit the birthplace of Sacajawea and tour the visitor’s center. Getting exciting, isn’t it!
Well, we visited the Sacajawea Center in about 30 minutes so the rest of the day was spent strolling around town and finding (foraging) for food. Found a neat little restaurant named, Junkyard Bistro that had a lunch special of potato, cheese and bacon soup with a Tuscan sandwich. A Tuscan has ham, salami, roast beef, white cheese and a special house sauce that was unbelievable. Arguably the best sandwich I have had in many years! The highlight of our stay. And wouldn’t you know we would miss the greatest event to happen in Salmon, except for the Sacajawea thing. Saturday, 25 June was the 9th Annual Testicle Festival. Not sure we would have attended in the first place. Sounds painful.
One cool thing that apparently happens here in Salmon. Late at night when the moon is full and there has been mass consumption of alcoholic beverages, some of the local hunting experts try their hand at shooting their bow and arrow at the 12’ stationary owl in front of the bar. Must be pretty amusing!
Dinner was at Bertram’s where we dined on a cheeseburger and a pattie melt. Such gourmet cuisine!
Well, that wraps up Salmon. What a great stop! Moving right along, next stop we’re cruising to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Less than 10 days to when we get to spend a week with the entire family!!!! Whahoo! Can’t wait.