Nomad Life - Day 131

After so much excitement yesterday, it seemed like nothing could make today very entertaining.  However, I decided that it would be a good idea to try to finish my drive to Salt Lake City if I could.  Waking up at (the new) 0555 without an alarm, I spent part of the morning reading, doing puzzles and completing Duolingo exercises.  I also had time for airline mile surveys and blogging.  Since the Motel 6 (Ontario) didn't have a breakfast buffet, I ate snacks in my room before departing (0900).  By that point, the temps were in the high 30s and it was overcast.  I drove east on I-84, crossing the Snake River into Idaho (I reached the towns of Fruitland by 0910, Caldwell at 0925 and Nampa at 0945).  During this time, the speed limit increased to 80 mph and the behavior of the other drivers changed tremendously for the worse.  For my part, I set my cruise control on 75 mph and hunkered down in the right lane, hoping to remain invisible.  Wanting to catch my first glimpse of the Idaho State Capitol, I got off on I-184 and headed towards Boise.  Before arriving at my planned destination, however, I got off the Interstate to visit a major shopping district.  Mostly, I hoped to use a bunch of my gift cards and made stops at Staples (ink recycling, done at 1000) at Target (shopping for groceries and household items, done at 1025) and Chick-fil-A (ordered lunch at 1040).  At the restaurant, the staff were so nice and even gave me a free appetizer ("minis") "because breakfast just ended."  I ate at the Chick-fil-A and finally departed at 1105.  Next, I got back on I-184 and drove to the end (downtown Boise) so I could get a photo of the Capitol (1120).  By then, it was over 50 degrees and the sun had also come out - more great weather!  Sadly, I had to return to I-84 and deal with the very aggressive and fast Idaho/Boise drivers (local folks later told me the crazy driving was because of all the new California residents).  Worse than that, though, I had to contend with very heavy wind as I continued east and noticed that my gas mileage was rapidly dropping.  Along the way across the wide open, high desert prairie, I passed lots more signs and landmarks for the Oregon Trail.  Like yesterday, there were plenty of glimpses of snow capped mountains in the distance (mostly to the south).  Like I had earlier, I stayed under the speed limit (80 mph) to try to make it to the town of Mountain Home, where I hoped to use my Pilot Travel Center gift card.  Happily, I was successful in this mission and was done fueling by 1210.  After that, I repositioned to a Park & Ride lot I'd noticed on the south side of I-84, hoping to take a walk on a paved walking path there.  Before departing the car, however, I talked with Kerith for 90 minutes (starting at 1215) - it was great to catch up with her after the Holidays!  Once finished with the conversation (1345), I walked five miles on the Mountain Home Walking/Bike Path.  I'd hoped it was actually following the Oregon Trail (there was a replica covered wagon memorial at the mid-point) but it was really only a local trail.  Conditions were very windy and I had to struggle to make headway at times.  I passed lots of nice homes but they seemed very close to I-84 - note sure I'd like to live there.  Through the whole walk, I remained dry and warm and met some friendly people (including one who was practicing their skate skiing on rollers).  Back in my car again after more than five miles of walking (1525), I mase a reservation for a hotel in Twin Falls after deciding I wouldn't make it to Salt Lake City.  Leaving Mountain Home behind, I drove east on I-84.  During this time, I became increasingly aware that the mileage on my car was becoming an issue in terms of decisions about stops and detours - I really need my 90K Maintenance Service and want to arrive in SLC before passing that mark.  This meant that I skipped a few stops for scenery.  However, I couldn't pass up an open winery, especially after missing so many near Walla Walla on January 1.  At 1610, I arrived in the town of Glenns Ferry, which was located at the site of a difficult crossing of the Snake River on the Oregon Trail, and stopped to sample a flight of wines (5) at the Y Knot Winery.  I really liked the establishment - it opened in 1985 and had a golf course, pub and restaurant.  In addition, the grapes for several drinks were actually grown there, while other grapes were from farms near Caldwell (the rest were from Washington).  I passed the time watching football and talking with the server ladies.  They were all very nice to me, with one giving me an extra pour of another kind of wine.  I also learned a lot about life in this part of Idaho.  After noticing a lot of advertisement for their food, I ordered a Apple Crisp ala mode ("dinner") and tried a local beer.  By the time I was finished (1730), I was surprised to find that it was still light outside.  After heading through town and returning to I-84, I continued east.  Near Twin Falls, I got off the Interstate on to US-93 and found my lodging for the night, Motel 6 (Twin Falls).  I checked into my room by 1830 and was feeling really tired.  Fortunately, I'd already met my step goal so I passed the rest of the evening watching movies.  Bed time was at 2210.  The room was very hot and I couldn't control the thermostat (is that a Motel 6 thing?) - this should be an interesting night...