The more remote side of Owyhee Country

 Last week Bobbe and I traveled to Anderson's Crossing on the West Fork of the Owyhee River. It is about 9 miles north of Nevada and 15 miles west of Idaho.  

Like so many  of our trips this one had several adventures along the way.  It is about 36 miles from hwy 78 on a great BLM road to the campsite.  About 20 or 25 miles in one of the tires on my NEW Power Wagon blew out.  In the 55 years I have been driving roads like this this is the first time I have had a blow out.  The Goodyear tires that came on the truck had only 670 miles. 

One dead tire

The next day we left early to drive to Burns, Oregon to replace the damaged tire.  It was about a 300 mile round trip.   When we reached the tire shop the technician found that the spare tire we have been using had a bulge in the sidewall and was unsafe to use.  The end result was two replacement tires on a new truck with less than 800 miles. I contacted Lithia in Bend and I was told that there is NO warranty on new tires.  I have no confidence in Goodyear tires and will be replacing the complete set of 5 in the near future.  

When we first arrived in our campsite it was empty.  Upon our return from Burns there was one more group in the camp.  I did not realize that the next Saturday was the first day of Pronghorn season.  I was told that it took them 18 years to get tags for this unit.  

We spent two days exploring the surrounding area.  We saw very little wildlife.  On the first day we saw a total of 4 pronghorn  and four doe deer on the drive in and on the third day I saw a single doe deer on the road.  We did see quite a few raptors flying in the area.  Most of the watering holes were dry but in one area there was a water tower and many stock watering troughs.  I never could find the source of the water but the tower was full and over flowing,  

The Owyhee River was not flowing but numerous beaver ponds still held water.  The canyons were spectacular and nearly impenetrable due to steep walls and heavy brush along the river.  

The Owyhee county is vast and so much to see.  Most people only visit Leslie Gulch and the state park.  So much more to see.  With the new Power Wagon and Imperial Outdoors X 195 travel trailer I hope to make many more trips to this area in the future.