Gone for a scone?

It's a big country, especially out west where two inches on a map is 100 miles and may take 3 hours due to road conditions (thinking this won't be as much of an issue when we go east-at least the distances).  Plus, there's lots of places I've never seen ...
But there are places that merit a return if you're within a state or two.  One of these is Me 'n Lou's Restaurant in Malad City, ID, if just for their scones.  Not scones like my lovely baking wife makes with orange and cranberry, but more in the line of huge fried donuts.  Dip 'em in local raspberry honey and you'd make the drive as well.  Works great for supper AND breakfast, and that's just what we did!

With the worst of the winter storm passed, we decided to make our way back into WY to get to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone NPs.  That included passing through Hell's Half Acre, a significant lava flow in southern ID and part of the Craters of the Moon NM, plus a drive along the Snake River - one of those waterways that frequently shows up in history, beginning with those two guys, Lewis & Clark.  Soph was amazed at how clear and fast it flowed, despite its size and depth.  The turquoise color is something you don't see at home!
Unfortunately, the Grand Tetons were shrouded in snowy fog, so we didn't stay long and only took a couple of pictures.  But, you already know my feelings about pretty places vs. places of historical significance ... wasn't hard to move along.
Knew there were some mountains to cross that evening, but WYDOT said the roads were good.  After a 10 mile climb and 3 miles descent on solid ice and snow, at dusk, I guessed that WYDOT doesn't figure there'll be a lot of Texans on their roads in mid-November!

Looks a bit like a ski run, huh?

It's not that I don't have confidence in the rig or the well-researched tires or myself ... what's really nerve-racking are the locals that fly by at 65mph pulling a trailer!
Told Soph we were stopping at the first motel we found below ... pulled my white knuckles off the steering wheel at the Rocky Mountain Lodge in Dubois, WY and mojo took over.  Best motel for our needs so far on the trip, including a kitchen and a spectacular view of the Wind River out the back porch ... in fact, let's give it a RAVE in case you ever find yourself in western WY!
In need of a hearty dinner and adult beverage as well, we pulled up to the Cowboy Cafe in downtown Dubois - log cabin building with max occupancy of 47, but only 10 tables, so yep, you share a table.  But they do have home made pies!  Another RAVE for the apple-blackberry!  Firm spicy apples in the filling complimented by tart blackberries, with seeds and all.  Top crust perfectly sugared and browned (painted with egg white prior to baking I think).  Outside crust was well-browned and crunchy, not soggy.  Slight hint of toasting.  All-in-all a 4-star slice!  And easily pushing for tops on the trip. 

Oh, and it does go well with Jackson Hole Brewing's Swan Valley Pale Ale... as an appetizer of course.
Can also report that Cowboy Cafe's hamburger steak was the BEST I've ever had, including my own grilled at home.  Ironically, they use a seasoning I have in my spice drawer, but have never used for HB steak!  Perfectly cooked, moist, and tasty with home made mashed taters and fresh corn niblets - not from a can.
Worth the drive - even THAT drive!