Hot Lava

We had intended to stop and camp for the night somewhere between Jackson, WY and Idaho. There were several free campsites along the way, but the weather was cold and rainy and all the Forest Service gates were locked. We figured we’d be stuck in the bus, so we decided to keep rolling while it was daylight.

We thought we’d try to pick up a quick meal in Soda Springs and continue on. Soda Springs looked bigger on the map. We got about 2 blocks into town before we were pulled over for speeding. I know what you’re thinking, but it was 35 in a 25 mph zone. The policeman was young, and asking a lot of questions like “what were you doing in the Tetons?”.

After taking Jason’s documents and going back to his car, he returned and asked Jason to step to the back of the car. According to his computer system, Jason’s license was expired. Well, actually, it wasn’t and it said as much on the actual license. This conversation went around for a bit when he threw out another suggestion. How about he place some drugs in our bus and see if their K-9 could detect them?

Jason took a look at the second cop that had pulled up that had a drug dog with him. His nametag had been taped over and he was wearing a belt of bullets across his chest. Jason told them he would prefer they did not plant drugs in our car, and luckily they admitted that it was voluntary. Hmm, I wonder who volunteers to let a guy put drugs in their car?

In the end, they decided not to give him a citation for going 35 mph. We decided to get the hell out of Soda Springs just in time to see some other poor sucker getting pulled over. Great town.

After scouring Lava Hot Springs for our camping options, we ended up at our first KOA. Ever.

Luckily, we can camp in a tent space and save money. And also luckily, they had a great bath house and laundry room space with plenty of electricity. It was still rainy, so we spent a lot time in there. When the rain stopped, I schooled Bode in tether ball.

Lava Hot Springs is a quirky 1950 style town. The motels even have color TV. The main attraction here is the town’s hot springs. But we found the “vintage” arcade pretty entertaining.as well.