41.12 Ketchum (Sun Valley), Idaho: Bald Mountain ascent. 41.13 Challis: Fanny's Hole ... we climb them, not name them.

This blog is dedicated to Doug Morton of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa: a gentleman, a man of letters and one of our motivators. Thank you, Doug! We count our blessings that we met you, which was in Himeville, South Africa, 4 or 5 years ago.



Hiding in the bushes and then flees … almost impossible not to disturb these alert birds.



                                                                                                                                            There it goes.

Swooping away.



With a close and farewell greeting, it gives us the 'wing'.


We’ve been to Idaho once before but visited different regions from our current locations on that trip. Thus far, it’s been a knockout. Of course, one’s opinion depends to a large extent on perspective and choice of activities. We remember an exchange one year while staying outside Christchurch, New Zealand. We were chatting with the cabdriver about this subject—knowing why one chooses a particular region to investigate and enjoy. We would not visit Challis and Hailey (Idaho) for the ballet, for example. (In fact, we might not visit any city for the ballet though, unless Ellie, our granddaughter was dancing). Getting back to the cabbie, he told us he was a bit stumped when a New York couple were looking for the high nightlife in his city. What was he to answer to a couple from Gotham.

Now if high mountains, jagged edge peaks, mostly covered in snow with a myriad of alpine lakes ‘turns a person on’ then head, as our friend and superior hiker, Barry Jahn of Oregon does often, for Idaho. The region between Stanley and Bellevue, just for starters is enchanting, mesmerizing, sometimes scary on the mountains but always attractive. A person could believe the state employs gardeners to ensure the fields are pristine, pole fences are oiled, mountains are erect and properly dressed, lakes stocked adequately with fish and ensure there are enough places for people to walk and absorb it all. You might glean that we really like this state. The people are a little different from those of the big cities which of course, is understandable and dare we day, a plus. Farming and outdoor life in the summer, which may only be 3-4 months, is clearly visible. Today, on our return from a top ten hike (Mount Borah), we sat on a highway as cowboys herded cattle along the 93. As an aside, early summer is the period during which the fields and wilds (apparently roads, too) are filled with the newly-born animals romping and behaving in typical childish ways—it’s terrific. We’ve missed noticing the potato farms but Jen says rumor has it that Idaho potatoes are now grown in- and imported from- China.

There’s a strong country feel to most of the places we’ve visited. We’ll be here on 4th July and look forward to observing how these people revel in the spirit of the occasion—we have no doubt there won’t be flag-burning, thankfully, but many firecrackers will explode. While we may have given the impression of the country-feel, we’ve come across some high-end exclusive parts, Ketchum is a fine example. In Sun Valley, many tourists enjoy the beauty of the town and surrounds which includes the ski resorts. Ski lifts and slopes cover Bald Mountain extensively; we hiked 3,200 feet elevation gain on Sunday (glorious). Clearly, it’s a popular region. On another hike, we began from a trailhead in a neighborhood of large, very attractive housing with a golf course filling land not utilized typically for backyards, shopping malls, gas stations and restaurants. A neighboring suburb has the Big Wood River snaking through it, sometimes abutting the front lawns of these developments. This is luxury and upper-level living. So much so, that an incident occurred on our way back from a trail the other day

It went something like this: A police officer ordered us to pull-over. “Hello Officer,” I greeted him, “Was I doing something wrong?” I asked nervously.

“No, nothing wrong; it’s who you are that’s the problem.” I’ve heard that comment before but from an officer of the law, it seemed strange—weird may be appropriate . I mean, the guy did not even know me.

“Would you care to explain?”

“Well, it’s like this,” he began. “You’re traveling through this exclusive area, very exclusive. How old is your car?” What kind of question was that, I wondered, while glancing across at Jenni.

“We bought it in 2012, so it makes it over 7 years old,” I replied. “It’s a Kia Optima. I felt like calling our grandson, Benny, to talk with the cop. Benny, nearly 7, younger than the car, knows more about cars than we do. In fact, he has undertaken to provide his Gaga with a convertible. Apparently, he’s not that keen on the Kia either.

“Okay, that’s the issue. There’s an unwritten ordinance in the town. The residents feel they need to maintain a certain standard, if you know what I mean,” he winked. “To this end, any car older than 5 years should not use the main roads. They expect a vehicle of this vintage to either drive through after sunset or take the town bypass or frankly, stay in Challis.”

“You’re not serious?” I exclaimed.

“Sorry, sir, I am. I understand your situation but this is Ketchum, you see.”

We wondered should we decide to attend the ballet whether we should take an Uber.



Starting to gain some height; attracted to the town and Big Wood River and liking them much.



Jen is on the edge; destination beyond the high point of the towers.




We go off the formal path and head up a steep, steep section (Camera can't capture gradient). Jen at bottom of the screen, above Ketchum, not such a 'happy girl'. We met up with group of 4 below this section. A woman suggested to me 'why would you take the formal path when you can take a direct route'. Why indeed! Not being able to resist the implied challenge, we changed plan. Turned out to be one my lesser ideas.



Reached the highpoint, a gain of 3,200 feet; now where's brunch?




A ski slope view at/from the top on the other side of Bald Mountain.



An Idaho sunset in the mountains of Challis.



Reaching a peak on Fanny's Hole in Idaho.



Facing another direction after a quick and steep climb.




A little negotiation above Challis … mind that slippery slope.




Same state, same season, different altitudes.



Cheers,

Jenni and Jeffrey