IDAHO FALLS — Warm up your car extra early this week because eastern Idaho is in for quite the chill.

Cold temperatures on Monday morning prevented cars from starting, froze the roads, and encouraged Idahoans to wear all of their extra layers.

The coldest temperature in Idaho Falls was around 6:55 a.m. at -18 degrees, according to the National Weather Service, and felt like -32 degrees with the wind chill.

Rexburg was even colder, with its lowest temperature around 8 a.m. at -18 degrees, but with a windchill of -37 degrees.

Pocatello was a bit warmer, but not exactly sun-tanning weather. At 7:50 a.m., the Gate City saw temperatures of -11 degrees. With wind chill, it was -23 degrees.

Driggs recorded the coldest weather in the area with a whopping -33 degrees without windchill at 8 a.m. With windchill, radars recorded their temperatures at -46 degrees around 7:40 a.m.

These temperatures are much colder than Antarctica, whose lowest temperature was a crisp 14 degrees on Monday morning. It should be noted, it is currently summer there.

When will it get warmer?

According to Audra Moore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Pocatello, the light at the end of this chilly tunnel is pretty far.

“(Monday morning) is definitely the coldest morning that we’re expecting,” says Moore. “(Tuesday) will be a couple degrees ‘warmer’ but not by much.”

The National Weather Service expects to see temperatures around and above 10 degrees by Friday but another cold front is expected over the weekend.

“Our morning lows are going to just kind of very gradually warm up through the rest of this week. Now that said, a lot of us are probably going to be a couple degrees on either side of zero basically through Thursday morning,” says Moore. “Friday morning looks like about the soonest we get close to the Idaho Falls area finally getting back up to about 10 degrees in the morning.”

The National Weather Service has also extended the Extreme Cold Weather Warning through Tuesday morning.

RELATED | Monday and Tuesday will be extremely cold in eastern Idaho

How to keep you and your pets safe

Moore says it’s important to limit outdoor exposure only to when absolutely necessary, and if it is, make sure to dress for the weather.

“If you don’t have to be outside for any length of time, don’t. For those who can’t get inside, try to check out some public areas like libraries, or malls, or someplace where you can be inside for a little while,” says Moore. “If you do have to go out and about, you have to make sure to wear multiple layers…and of course remembering to bring in your pets. Limit their time spent outside, that’s a big thing.”

If you have to drive, Moore recommends wearing snow pants in case you have to get out of your car for an extended period of time and making sure to bring extra layers and plenty of food and water.

“If you’re going to be driving, cars don’t like the cold either. So always make sure you’ve got an extra blanket in your car, some extra water, and some snacks,” says Moore. “Just incase your car would stall somewhere and you have to wait for someone to come pick you up, or get towed somewhere.”

Idaho might be famous for potatoes, but the state is also home to stunning mountains, relaxing hot springs, and tons of opportunities for outdoor recreation. This makes the state the perfect place for nature lovers to enjoy a wellness retreat. There are numerous spas throughout Idaho for those looking for a luxurious wellness vacation. Places such as Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Resort offer a comfortable stay where guests can be pampered at a high-quality spa. These can be enjoyed at a resort such as Shore Lodge or in nature, such as the hot springs at Kirkham. Here we will explore the nine best wellness retreats in Idaho.

Shore Lodge

Set in the Salmon River Mountains, Shore Lodge in McCall, Idaho, is a sanctuary for those seeking rest. This is a place surrounded by natural beauty, making it so guests won’t want to spend much time indoors. Just outside the lodge there is 5,330 acres of beauty, including stunning mountains, thickets of forest, and the Payette National Forest. Shore Lodge provides luxury in this setting. Enjoy the stunning views from the lodge’s heated pool. Or go for a swim on Payette Lake and sunbathe with mountain views. Near the lake there are firepits and S’mores available for roasting. Afterwards, soak in one of the outdoor hot tubs and enjoy the seasonal poolside bar. The spa at Shore Lodge offers everything from facials to massages and has a private hot spring. Unwind at the end of the day in one of the lodge’s luxurious suites. They have different suites to suit everyone’s needs. From a romantic fireside suite to a private lake-view suite.

Schweitzer Mountain

Looking for a winter vacation full of outdoor recreation and skiing? Look no further than Schweitzer Mountain. The ski resort near Sandpoint, Idaho, has 2,900 acres of skiable terrain. They offer rentals for gear and a variety of ski lift passes and lessons. The resort is also home to the Cambium Spa and wellness center. This is a great place to unwind in after a long day of skiing. They offer massages and facials to feel rejuvenated. There are also a range of wellness classes offered throughout the week, including yoga and Pilates. Schweitzer has a variety of accommodation options available to suit everyone’s needs. Their boutique hotel offers a more luxurious experience and is called Humbird. Meanwhile, White Pine is the accommodation closest to the slopes.

Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs

Anyone looking to getaway and enjoy a cozy, natural soak will love Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs. In any time of year, this is a natural oasis and a great spot to rest in the forest. Located right next to the road on Warm Springs Creek, these hot springs are easy to find. There are three pools at Frenchman’s Bend. Before getting into any of them always make sure to test the water with the tip of your finger. The water at these hot springs is said to be sodium and potassium rich. The hot springs close for the evening but there is still lots of time to enjoy a soak into the sunset. Conveniently located near Ketchum, Idaho, there are many nearby hotels and campgrounds for those looking to stay the night after a relaxing day soaking up the hot springs.

Stanley River Retreat And Cabins

Located in the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains on the Salmon River, Stanley River Retreat and Cabins offer an escape from the noise of everyday life. Here one can enjoy peace in a rustic cabin, that offer a blend of old-world charm and modern-day comfort. There are several options for cabin accommodations to suit different needs. The retreat center is a tranquil but convenient getaway. Being so close to the Sawtooth Mountains there is lots of outdoor recreation options near the retreat center, such as fishing, hiking, and biking. This is a great place, and the owners take booking requests for those looking to host a retreat throughout the year.

Rocky Canyon Hot Springs

Those looking for an adventurous wellness getaway will enjoy the challenge of going to the serene Rocky Canyon Hot Springs. Located in the lush Boise National Forest, the Rocky Canyon Hot Springs are a series of geothermal soaking pools that offer a tranquil spot to relax. Located in the middle fork of the Payette River, this spot is the safest to reach in the late summer or early fall. This is because to reach the hot springs, visitors have to ford the river. The river current is strong, making this challenging. Once visitors reach the hot springs, there are three, volunteer-built cascading rock-and-sand pools to enjoy. Besides enjoying the hot springs, rock bounding is a popular activity on the river. Quartz and agates are popular to find in the area. Boise National Forest itself also has several hiking trails for those looking for a more strenuous adventure. Just 1.5 miles from the hot springs is Hardscrabble Campground. This is a great place to have a quiet, peaceful night while remaining close to the relaxing wellness opportunities of Rocky Canyon Hot Springs.

Maple Grove Hot Springs And Retreat Center

Anchored in the healing powers of the hot springs and on the shoreline of the Oneida Narrows Reservoir sits Maple Grove Hot Springs and Retreat Center in Thatcher; this is a healing space for personal growth and rejuvenation. The retreat center offers stone, wood, and yurt shelters. There is also a camping and van option in the summertime. All the accommodation types include full access to the 45-acre retreat center property. Enjoy the properties six hot spring pools, riverfront beach, hiking trails, canoes and paddle boards. Spend some time relaxing on the River House patio and enjoy the bathhouse. Throughout the year, the center hosts different experiences, such as sauna afternoons in January, and open song circles. One of the biggest draws to the retreat center is the 14 mineral natural hot springs. These hot springs require reservations for soaks and private a quiet oasis away from everyday hustle and bustle.

The Coeur d’Alene Resort

One of Idaho’s most famous wellness spas is the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The cozy-yet-luxurious resort overlooks Lake Coeur d’Alene. The resort offers cruises on the lake to enjoy the local sites. The resort has a full-service salon and spa, offering guests any treatment they might want on their getaway. At the spa enjoy a relaxing massage and facial. Afterward, enjoy some refreshments and check out the dining options. Those looking to spend the night in one of the resort’s luxurious rooms can ask for a margarita kit or hummus plate to be delivered to their room. The resort offers many different room types to suit everyone’s needs. Enjoy a view of the lake from the Lake View Suite or take in the view of the city and mountains at the Park Tower.

Kirkham Hot Springs

Arguably Idaho’s most famous hot spring, Kirkham Hot Springs is a hot spring along the Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway. Here, visitors can enjoy the geothermal pools and waterfalls in the beautiful South Fork of the Payette River. This dreamy landscape feels like something out of a fantasy novel. Visitors walk down a wooden staircase to the geothermal springs. As visitors unwind in the hot springs, they can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty of the mighty Payette River. There is a campground nearby with a small fee for parking. Camping makes enjoying the hot springs easier. Visitors can relax in a hot spring all day and enjoy gazing up at the stars at night, before heading to their tents for a good night’s rest.

Mountain Village Lodge

Mountain Village Lodge is a great place to enjoy Idaho’s healing outdoors. Near Stanley, Idaho, Mountain Village Lodge offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation. In the summertime, enjoy rafting, fishing, hiking, and biking. In the winter enjoy skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and the Stanley Winterfest held in town near the Lodge. Since Stanley is part of Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, it is also the perfect place to enjoy a night of stargazing. A quarter mile from the lodge is a relaxing hot spring, near an old barn. The hot springs offer a stunning view of the Sawtooth Mountains. This is a great place to have a sunrise soak and enjoy the stunning surroundings. The Mountain Lodge also has private hot spring options booked by reservation. Guests can enjoy the night in one of the lodge’s 61 rooms or camp in the summertime at the campground.

Why Visit These Wellness Retreats?

While you can visit a spa anywhere, Idaho offers unique wellness retreats set amongst tranquil nature scenery. The state is home to countless hot springs that are perfect for a day of relaxation. At the Kirkham Hot Springs, guests can enjoy a day in nature, while stress rolls off their back. More adventurous travelers can check out the Rocky Canyon Hot Springs for an adventure with a relaxing reward. Idaho is also home to some uniquely relaxing spas, such as the Shore Lodge. This spa has its own private hot spring for guests looking to soak in privacy. Outdoor recreation lovers will enjoy a winter wellness trip to Schweitzer for some skiing and spa time. Whatever type of wellness getaway you are looking for, these nine wellness retreats in Idaho have something for everyone.

I saw a lot of empty shelves at stores when I looked into the coolers. A sign at WinCo explains that the avian flu virus is to blame. The illness has been spreading through large operations nationwide.

Restaurants are struggling too. A friend in Idaho Falls wrote me with details:

The restaurant my son cooks for wasn’t able to do Saturday brunch yesterday because eggs were too expensive. $68 a case to $160? They are a small restaurant/catering service and can’t bear the cost. There would be no profit.

The thing is, the guy who gets blamed is usually the one in charge of the government. The guy at the top. Donald Trump is taking over much the way he left, being dogged by a viral pandemic.

Are you a conspiracy theorist?

News media spent the last four years telling us that a president had little control over fuel prices, and very few tools for dealing with inflation. Which the media blamed on supply chain issues and not the copious printing of currency. Will Trump be given the same pass that Joe Biden received? Don’t hold your breath.

I don’t dislike eggs, but I’m always eating on the fly. I rarely have time for them on weekends, and even if I wanted them on a Saturday morning at a restaurant, there’s now a challenge finding any.

This will pass, but flocks are going to be greatly reduced.  When they do recover, we’ll probably have birds with hardier immune systems.  Bouncing back could take a very long time.