Field of Heroes & 4 Mountain Trails

[SpudRider]

On the Sunday before Memorial Day, I took one of the nicest rides ever on my Zong. :) As I headed south from my home, I encountered Idaho’s Field of Heroes.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails025.jpg

Ever year, on the dates surrounding Memorial Day, local veterans of the Armed Forces of the United States honor America’s fallen heroes. Visiting the Field of Heroes is a sobering experience. ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails019.jpg

On a high school football field, a cross is placed for every United States casualty suffered in Afghanistan, and Iraq.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails006.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails010.jpg

A special memorial is also placed for the POW/MIAs in these conflicts.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails003.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails007.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails008.jpg

After visiting the memorial, I headed back to my Zong. I was headed for a 200-mile ride into the mountains of the Malad and Arbon valleys.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails026.jpg

When I returned, it was dark, but the Field of Heroes is lighted all night long. I visited once again, and walked among the crosses, where I noticed two tributes to men awarded the United States Congressional Medal of Honor.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails290.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails292.jpg

May God bless the families of all these brave men.

Spud :)

[AZ200cc]

I agree Spud, A very nice tribute to those who do what most would not.

[FastDoc]

A nice tribute indeed. Thanks for sharing the sobering photos.

[SpudRider]

Thank you, AZ. Thank you, Doc. :)

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

Silently, and respectfully, I left the Field of Heroes, and headed south to the Malad, and Arbon Valleys. The fishermen were enjoying the beautiful day on Hawkins Reservoir; I stopped to take a photo. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails030.jpg

Proceeding over gravel roads, I followed Hudspeth’s Cutoff from the Oregon Trail, and I entered the Malad Valley from the north. I stopped to stretch my legs, and took a photo of a mountain to the east.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails040.jpg

Looking farther south, I noticed the fields were becoming green with the spring rains.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails045.jpg

I stopped for another photograph in front of a favorite mountain, and was pleased to see the snow receding to higher elevations. The receding snow indicated I might reach the summit of a favorite trail, the first of four trails I would ride this beautiful day. :D

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails056.jpg

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

I headed south to the farthest trail, hoping the snow had receded high enough to let me reach the summit. After a beautiful ride through the canyon to the east, I climbed the rocky trail to the top of the ridge, and was rewarded with a beautiful view of the Arbon Valley. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails077.jpg

Looking down the trail to the west, I could see the Malad Valley, and the snow covered peaks far to the east. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails089.jpg

The trail descended, and rose again, to offer closer viewpoints of both valleys.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails155.jpg

The fields in both valleys were getting green from the spring rains.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails145.jpg

Nevertheless, the highest peaks were still well covered with snow.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails135.jpg

Resting a while to enjoy the view, I took a few photographs of the farmland, and the mountains to the southeast. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails101.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails116.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails106.jpg

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

These are your most amazing photos so far Spud.

In all the shots you've shared with us, I've yet to see a potato.

[SpudRider]

These are your most amazing photos so far Spud.

In all the shots you've shared with us, I've yet to see a potato.
Thank you, W&G. :)

Actually, I have posted a photograph of my stock Zong in front of the World's Largest Potato, which is located in front of the Idaho Potato Museum! ;)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Spring%202009/SpringRides029.jpg

The Idaho Potato Museum also houses the World's Largest Potato Chip! Travelers who visit Blackfoot, Idaho, should certainly stop and visit this wonderful little museum. :)

http://www.potatoexpo.com/

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

The trail dropped a little, and I ascended once again. Looking southeast, I could view the farmland south of Malad, leading toward Utah. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails161.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails164.jpg

Looking to the south, I could see the farmland east of Holbrook. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails182.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails170.jpg

Looking to the southwest, I could view the beautiful Arbon Valley, and the mountains beyond. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails174.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails177.jpg

I stopped to enjoy the beautiful vista, before descending into the Arbon Valley, and heading north for my next trail. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails196.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails222.jpg

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

Such great pics, Spud. Do you ever see other people up there?

[SpudRider]

Such great pics, Spud. Do you ever see other people up there?
Thank you, Doc. :) Occasionally I see other motorcyclists, or ATV riders. However, a great deal of the time I have the mountain trails to enjoy for myself. :)

I do see a lot of wildlife, but they are difficult to photograph with my inexpensive, point-and-shoot camera. I have encountered Moose.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/KinportPeakLoop10-21-09073.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Andy1007.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/KinportPeakLoop10-21-09080.jpg

I see an occasional elk.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Another200miletriptoMalad142.jpg

I frequently encounter deer.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/25000Milemark093.jpg

In the spring, I see the migrating bald eagles.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/MuddyBlackfootRez031.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/BaldEagleCloseup.jpg

Have I mentioned I love riding my Zong in Idaho’s mountains? :lol:

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

Spud you are a lucky man. You pics would make a good coffee table picture book!

[SpudRider]

Spud you are a lucky man. You pics would make a good coffee table picture book!
Thank you, Doc. I realize I have been blessed, and I am grateful. :)

Spud :)

[AZ200cc]

I sure wish I could spend that much time riding :D You have some sights to see Spud :)

[SpudRider]

I sure wish I could spend that much time riding :D You have some sights to see Spud :)
Thank you, AZ. :)

Spud :)

[Alaskan-Dad]

Spud I can't wait to get faster internet so I can see all your fine pictures in this thread, to many pics is killing my dial up. Faster internet should be happening the first of next week.. ;)
I like what I've seen so far. :D

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Dad. :) I'm sure you are going to enjoy your faster internet connection; I don't know what I would do without mine. ;)

Spud :)

[davidsonsgccc]

awsome pictures makes me want to turn in some vacation time. :D

[SpudRider]

awsome pictures makes me want to turn in some vacation time. :D
Thank you for the kind words. :)

Spud :)

[alkamp]

some very nice pics. keep them coming

[Alaskan-Dad]

Spud pictures are awesome, thumbs up!

[SpudRider]

some very nice pics. keep them coming
Spud pictures are awesome, thumbs up!
Thank you, gentlemen. :) After descending into the Arbon Valley, I rode the pavement northward, back toward home. After traveling a short distance, I once again ascended eastward, back into the mountains. I took a favorite trail leading to a peak overlooking the Arbon Valley to the north. The upper elevations were still covered with a lot of snow.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails238.jpg

However, many of the fields in the valley were growing green with the spring rain, and the warmer temperatures.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails235.jpg

I descended eastward into the Malad Valley, and traveled a short distance north. I then ascended westward, back into the mountains. I was once again rewarded with a beautiful view of the Arbon Valley, and the mountains far to the west.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails279.jpg

The Arbon Valley also extends a great distance to the south. Once again, I descended to the west, using the trail visible over my mirrors in the photograph below.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/Field%20of%20Heroes%20and%204%20Mountain%20Trails/Heros4MaladTrails272.jpg

I rode northward on the pavement, and took another familiar trail across the mountains to the east; it was my fourth trail of the day. :) I then traveled the gravel roads and pavement northward. Once again I visited the Field of Heroes, which was illuminated with spotlights. After riding for 200 miles, and 9 hours, I returned home, a very happy man. :)

Spud :)