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.



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.



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





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







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.



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.





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.



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.



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



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.



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.



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



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



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



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



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







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]

Originally Posted by 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.

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!



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.





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





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





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





Spud

[FastDoc]

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

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

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.







I see an occasional elk.



I frequently encounter deer.



In the spring, I see the migrating bald eagles.





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

Spud

[FastDoc]

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

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

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 You have some sights to see Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by AZ200cc

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

Thank you, AZ.

Spud