When you are as fortunate as I am to have an active, vibrant 88-year-old father who has spent a lifetime outdoors, experiencing once-in-a-lifetime adventures with him is a privilege and honor. It’s the stuff that memories are made of.
An Unforgettable Birthday Celebration
My dad was turning 84 in May, and we decided to celebrate his birthday in the summer by going all out. My fiancé, dad, and I decided to go quad riding on Idaho’s peaks. Idaho is renowned for its rugged terrain and stunning mountain landscapes, which many off-road lovers enjoy, from beginners to experienced riders.
We spent the night in Salmon, Idaho, located at the base of the Continental Divide in the Northern Rocky Mountains, to get ready for the quad ride the next day. My dad and I rode one quad, and my fiancé rode another. Our incredible journey took more than 12 hours and was over 11,000 feet, with unforgettable panoramic views and breathtaking scenery along the way.
At the summit, you could see three different states: Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The altitude was so high that the drinks in our cooler exploded.
Awe-Inspiring Views
From the observation tower, the three of us could see the jagged ridgelines and deep valleys of the Bitterroot Range, which is located between western Montana and central Idaho. The alpine meadows and forests in Montana, as well as the vast, high-elevation expanses that extend into Wyoming, came into view as well. We even caught a glimpse of the Teton Range far in the distance. We were entranced by deer, elk, and other wildlife.
When you are up that high, you feel like you’re standing on top of the world. It was truly awe-inspiring and a very special day for all of us, and only the second time my fiancé was on a quad. He loved it. My dear dad loved it, too. What a great way to celebrate his birthday.
Thank you to my dad who has given me the gift of adventure!
