Emmett,Idaho

We put Emmett on our itinery so Seven could meet in person her long-time on-line bridge buddy, Boring Millie. We were resigned to dry camp somewhere in Emmett, probably in Boring Millie's driveway, and were looking for a place to dump our tanks using the RV Idaho brochure. We decided to stop at the dump station at the Gem County fairgrounds to dump. We were surprised to find that there were 10 nice sites with 50 amp service and water. They were pretty much right next to Idaho Route 16 but the traffice didn't seem all that heavy. That assessment changed the next morning at about 6:30 am when half of Emmett gets up and goes to work in Boise 30 miles away via that little highway next to the campground.

We visited with Boring Millie and her husband for 12 hours, having lunch and dinner with them. A great time. Boring Millie is leaving soon for San Antonio to play bridge with other members of the on-line group. Seven has met 3 of the members now.

Emmett is a town without any industry or any significant attractions. It is a nice little town but in reality it has just become a bedroom community for Boise. Emmett used to be a large fruit growing center but federal regulations acted to shut the industry down and all the fruit trees are now gone and packing plants are boarded up. All the fruit comes from Chile and Mexico now where regulations are not so onerous.

The lumber industry in Emmett have been shut down too. A plant where Boring Millie's husband worked was closed and over 800 employees lost their jobs.

We left town via Idaho Route 52. The drive east over to Idaho Route 55 was beautiful. Route 52 is a somewhat narrow road that follows the Payette River. We turned north on Idaho Route 55 at Horseshoe Bend. Route 55 followed the Payette River up into the mountains. It is a scenic drive first class. We picniced along the roaring river surrounded by towering pines.