I had a friend and business associate join us for a few days of skiing at Brundage. Mike lives in the Central Valley in California and has traveled the world. We drove Highway 55 North and enjoyed the beautiful and diverse scenery from Horse Shoe Bend hill Vistas, the Payette River stretch including Rainbow Bridge, Long Valley, Little Donner pass and the last few miles with West, Jug and Brundage Mountains covered in snow. I mention the trip because I had been doing it for so long I had just started taking it for granted. Enjoying and discussing the landmarks and history with Mike put it back in perspective. Seems like we are always at risk to become complacent and take for granted our environment, friends, and family.
We had a drink in the new Shore Lodge bar, the frozen lake with a storm coming down from the North was striking. A great dinner at Rupert’s where we met a few locals who are always welcoming and we were ready to ski the next day. If you have not experienced the Brundage Mountain hospitality and down home atmosphere, you are missing out. It did not hurt that we had new snow and exceptional grooming on the hill. Mike purchased his two day lift ticket on line for $67. Second night, dinner in New Meadows at the Intersection, the number one rated restaurant in New Meadows. With any luck you get Janice as your server, great Texas accent and a penchant for calling the diners honey and sweety. It does not get any better than this!
Ok, enough of the travel log. I asked Mike what would he say was top of mind about his few days in Idaho. “You are lucky to live here”. Our conversation covered lots of topics and after a political climate review he did add that he thought we were also a bit “crazy”. I thought it said a lot when a person from California thought our political climate was wacky. I have to agree at least this week. Idaho still has not found a way to provide insurance for those in the income gap. Idaho can do better.
Take a fresh look around and enjoy each blessing. Mike