2007/06/23
Land of Potatoes
Time to head west to the land of potatoes --- yup we're heading to Idaho today. Our destination is the small town of Arco which is the nearest town to the Craters of the Moon National Monument. The drive to Arco was interesting --- first we drove through the mountainous area around Jackson and Jackson Hole and then we drove on a high plane following the Snake River. This area is known for its "dry farming". There is little precipitation in the area but farms thrive by using irrigation.
A view from a mountain pass.
Arco's claim to fame is that on July 17, 1955 it became the first city to be powered by nuclear energy. The interesting thing is Arco was only powered by nuclear energy for a few hours and there are no commercial nuclear power plants in Idaho though the area still has several test reactors.
The hill overlooking the town is covered in numbers --- we haven't asked anyone but are assuming graduating high school classes are responsible.
The fellow who owns the RV park is retired army helicopter pilot, so the park has an "aviation" feel to it. Ed thinks it's great. VNE mean velocity not to exceed.
A view from a mountain pass.
Arco's claim to fame is that on July 17, 1955 it became the first city to be powered by nuclear energy. The interesting thing is Arco was only powered by nuclear energy for a few hours and there are no commercial nuclear power plants in Idaho though the area still has several test reactors.
The hill overlooking the town is covered in numbers --- we haven't asked anyone but are assuming graduating high school classes are responsible.
The fellow who owns the RV park is retired army helicopter pilot, so the park has an "aviation" feel to it. Ed thinks it's great. VNE mean velocity not to exceed.
