Idaho is nicknamed the Gem State. A quick online search will tell you that it got this illustrious name from the snow capped peaks, crystalline lakes and countless wildflowers that decorate the hillsides in springtime. The words tell a story, but to truly appreciate the breathtaking beauty of this state, you simply must travel there!

I checked this state off the soul-obtraveler’s bucket list as #38. It is by far the one I had the hardest time leaving. 

Perhaps it was in fact the snow capped peaks that captured my heart:

Or perhaps it was the beautiful wild flowers springing up on the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Bi-way:

Or perhaps it was the most beautiful demonstration of how nature simply overcomes. Idaho had the worst winter on record this year – with the most snowfall since they started tracking it – and yet there were signs of resilience everywhere.