2010 Small Town Tour Part 1

Historical EBR-I operation photo

Road trips are my favorite. Last September I made my annual visit to Texas and Oklahoma to visit family. A chance for a real road trip, an opportunity to meander each fork in the road and let intuition make the turns and see what unfolds.

The first fork in the road led me to Arco Idaho. I had to stop at the world famous Pickles for lunch. I am not a fan of fried pickles but their Atomic Burger loaded with jalapenos is great. They also cut their own fries, that puts them a cut above other greasy spoons in my opinion. After a big lunch and pouring a fresh cup of coffee from my thermos I headed east again.

A sign on the right read EBR-I tourist center. I had no choice but take the turn and what a great visit that is.

I learned about uranium-235 and atomic chain reactions. I learned how they started and stopped them and created electricity from the heat generated.

EBR-I is a national monument and the site of the first functional nuclear reactor electrical generator. It is also the site of the first nuclear accident.

The best tourist attraction in the state, but then, that's my view. The place is decorated in period 50s and 60s furniture and décor. At their own pace, visitors can wander around the entire facility. Some of the old pictures are awesome.

The quietness of the place is what I found amazing. With all of the shielding still there it feels like a bank vault inside. Very, very quiet.