Discovering New Places as We Continue the Journey Westward

After a busy week last week (click here for the blog if you missed it), we left the Omaha area to continue our journey west this week. It’s been about 1,200 miles and a lot of long days! While there, we got our new RV Leveling System from Beech Lane Installed (check out BJ’s blog HERE to find out why we love it and how to get your own)

When we left Omaha, we planned to just drive I-80 across the state and make time, so we planned a 400-mile drive day! We had heard so many RVers tell us there is nothing to see in Nebraska, and we crazily took their opinion at face value. But I reached out to one of my Air Force buddies to let her know we were driving through her home state and I suddenly had 2 things: a list of awesome stops and regret that we didn’t have time to see them all! But, true to our travel style, we love to have a reason to come back, so all the history has been added to our list for next time.

We were planning on overnighting at the Cabela’s Campground in Sidney so we had full hookups in the crazy summer heat. She told us we needed to at least have dinner at Runza for their famous sandwiches since they are only in Nebraska, and there was one just down the road. Worth the trip–such great food and so fresh! We also met another family that was just starting out on their full time journey, so it was exciting to chat about this lifestyle and share some tips! (Hello to David and Maryann, if you are reading this!)

The next day we continued our journey into Wyoming, another 300+ mile day, but at higher elevations it meant cool nights and we could finally boondock. BJ used The Dyrt app to find us a dispersed camping spot just outside of Rock Springs and it was a great spot with only one other camper. There were a lot of mountain roads and elevation, so we took our time and were excited to find that our rest stop for lunch was also home to the Lincoln Memorial Monument for the Lincoln Highway–the first highway connecting New York to San Francisco for automobiles.

The town of Rock Springs also had some stores so we could resupply on food and get our truck’s oil change done. While doing the oil change, BJ found our turbo hose had a crack in it–that explained the noise we heard climbing the mountains yesterday! Luckily they had the part we needed in stock, so he was able to get that swapped right away, as well. It meant a later start getting on the road, but driving during the heat of the day was okay since we had a cool morning of productivity and a cool night for another boondocking spot.

A kind stranger that BJ chatted with while working on the truck traversed the area often and told us that I-30 would be shorter and much better scenery instead of I-80, so we happily headed his advice and were treated with great mountain views.

Our 200 mile travel day took us to Lava Hot Springs, Idaho and another boondocking spot found on The Dyrt. It had several sites that were first come, first serve, right along a fishing spot with waterfalls, and only a couple miles from downtown where RV campgrounds wanted $100+ a night. With 50 degree nights, we didn’t need hook ups so free camping won. We spent $25 to visit the Lava Hot Springs pools in town to relax after so many driving days, and to make use of their showers.

The springs were amazing and it had a botanical garden next to it, though it seemed forgotten, the hillside and caves were a treat to walk through. I only happened to find it since BJ was grabbing the geocache right next to the entrance–he missed being the first to find it by hours, boo!

The campsite was a great spot, but it was about 30 yards from train tracks, so we heard several trains passing through overnight, to include an alarming midnight wake up to two trains competing horns so much, we thought for sure they were on the same track and things were going to go south fast–so glad to be wrong! The next morning, while it was still cool, we went for coffee and a stroll in the adorable mountain town, watching tubers wander the streets and float the river.

When it started warming up, we hitched up for our 120 mile travel day to our planned stop for a few days–Arco, Idaho. We found Mountain View RV Park and Restaurant in town and for reasonable rates, so we booked it for a long weekend. Along the I-26 drive, we enjoyed the views and, when I saw the sign for Idaho’s Potato Museum, I did a quick peak to make sure they were open, had parking to fit our rig and were pet friendly, so we dropped in for a pit stop.

True to their advertising, as “out of staters, we got free taters” and were given a bag of dehydrated potatoes when we arrived. For the small fee, we were treated to a fascinating history of potatoes origin in South America, their introduction to Europe via Spain, and that they eventually came to the U.S. via Ireland. Idaho’s soil is ideal for growing and we learned a lot about how to cultivate the many varieties and the tools used to complete the back-breaking work. Of course, Mr. Potatohead is on display and there are many interactive exhibits and a scavenger hunt for kids. The cafe at the end was a treat and we enjoyed sausage gravy covered waffle fries and cheesy tater bites before loading up and continuing on our way.

Arriving to our campground just before dinner, the smells of the delicious BBQ at the restaurant had our mouth watering. That will definitely be on the list before we leave!

Here’s some links to the spots mentioned in this week’s blog:

Camping:
Cabela’s Campground in Sidney, Nebraska
The Dyrt – free camping locator
Mountain View RV Park and Restaurant, Arco, Idaho

Exploring:
Runza Restaurant – Nebraska
Lava Hot Springs, Idaho Hot Pools
Idaho Potato Museum & Cafe, Blackfoot, Idaho

It’s so great to find all these places to continue learning about our country and the people in it. Luther’s not even taking classes right now and the learning just continues in this lifestyle!

Come back next week to find out more about this desert area of Idaho, and more about our journey to California for a job! Also check out YouTube for bi-weekly videos of our travels, as well as Facebook and Instagram for videos and photos from these stops and others!

Check out our RESOURCES
Our Travel Planner an easy to carry resource for all your RV needs
Free Printables Page helpful tools and resources for travel and organization
Our Savings Page referral links to savings with brands we love (our links get us referral credit)
Our Travel Map links to blogs for places to see and stay
The Essential Guide to RV Life to prepare, live and transition through RV life (digital and print options)
About Us Our Story, our WHY, and where to find us

Thanks for being here, we’ll see you out there!