Into the Canyon Heat

I got up at 5am, sipped my coffee in the quiet of the early morning, and gently woke up the crew. We packed up, drove back to Rupert, and by a few minutes past 6am, I was off and running again—back into the rhythm, back into the vastness of Idaho.

Just a couple of miles in, I crossed the interstate via an underpass. From that point on, the road ran mostly parallel to the interstate, a long stretch of steady movement with the occasional appearance of my crew—sometimes handing me water and snacks, sometimes off exploring nearby sights. I love when they can take in the places we're passing through too.

The day started with a light chill, but I was already running in my shirt. It quickly turned warm and by noon, it was downright hot. The sun beat down on me, my throat constantly dry, but I found a rhythm and just kept moving forward. There weren’t many stops for photos—just steady forward motion.

That is… until I crossed the Snake River again.

This crossing was stunning. A massive, deep canyon opened beneath me, with the turquoise water of the Snake River pooling far below. There wasn’t a lot of water, but the view was breathtaking. I paused. Took it in. Took photos. Let the moment sink in. Then it was back to the heat, the sweat, the final miles.

By the time I reached Twin Falls, I was hot and ready to rest. Luckily, my sister and mother had already set us up at the RV park—plugged in, settled, and shaded. I gulped down cold water, devoured watermelon and mango, then started in on my daily social updates before a much-needed shower. A short rest. Deep breaths.

Just after 5pm, we went to visit the Falls. We walked to the viewing platform and stood watching the powerful cascade of water tumbling into the canyon below. Nature putting on a show again. Afterwards, we headed for dinner—Mexican food this time. We had a massive burrito and fajitas, and just as we were about to pack up, a lovely surprise…

Anita, a Mennonite woman, approached our table. She’s the sister and friend of some of the Mennonites I stayed with earlier on this journey. She brought me flowers and we had a short, sweet chat. It’s these unexpected encounters that fill my heart.

Now we’re back in the RV. The air inside is hot and heavy, and I’m hoping for cooler temperatures tonight. I’m tired. My body feels the miles. But I’m grateful—deeply. This journey continues to shape me in ways I never imagined.

Let’s see what tomorrow brings. For now, rest. Hydrate. Appreciate. Dream big too.

With love from the road, Andrea