The Potato State: Rain, rain, go away.....

June 14,2009

McCall, Idaho

It’s time for some major catching up.
We departed Winnemucca after a nice night’s sleep in the Walmart parking lot. Of note on the way out was the town cemetery on the main drag. It is split into large sections (prominently labled) based on the fraternal affiliation of the deceased. The Masons won’t be spending time in the ground with the Elks, or the Odd Fellows. And there is also a “Catholic” and a “public” section. Bet the local politics are interesting in this town.

Next stop was Ketchum, Idaho, where we visited a high school classmate of Janice’s—Rae Hirning. Enjoyed a dinner out with her and a dinner in (her place) plus a short hike with the dogs and a quick tour of Sun Valley. Annika and Zeke, a lab-weimariner mix, became great buddies. It rained off and on most of the time—something that is wearing thin on the locals. Makes for some beautiful green mountains, which would normally be browning by now. The Sawtooth Range surrounding Ketchum was gorgeous.Technical and mechanical glitches continued to plague us.
1. The flat tire that was fixed in Elk Grove as we departed went flat again just hanging on the back of the Honda.and was repaired for the third time in a week in Ketchum. Tire monkeys scalp us for $55. Debating whether to put it back on the Honda or just leave it on the back.

2. The chronic Motosat internet satellite fiasco continued---such that we have been off-line for most of the trip so far. Finally spent nearly 2 hours on the phone with the techies and it’s finally performing well, so the first blog-posting should occur today.

3. At some point during our stay in Ketchum, the power front (driver’s) seat went on the fritz, and it was stuck in the max-forward position. There were no obvious easy fixes, so the 250 + mile drive to McCall was accomplished with my knees smashed up against the dash, legs spread wide around the steering post at the crotch in a Taliban torture configuration. If we’d have been in a rear-ender, I would have split like a wish-bone. The seat was repaired today by yours truly, exercizing electronic wizardry, so my knees and crotch can begin the healing process.

The drive up Highway 55 from Boise to McCall was exceptional, most of it curling along the Payette River, which was roaring from the recent rains. (No global warming here, Mr. Gore.) This is not a drive for a beginning RVer, but my Mexican highway experience served me well, even as my crotch was being split asunder.

A little extra spice for our traveling pleasure---a call from our real estate agent yesterday advising us that (again) another buyer had bailed on us during escrow. This was the second Asian female who had done this to us in the last month, leading us to believe that our house may have feng-shui issues. The good news is that we have a new buyer already, thanks to agent Renee. This necessitated a trip to town this morning to download the docs, sign them and fax ‘em back.

While the fax counter at Ridley’s Market, the glowering black clouds outside began to empty. Leaving the store, cats and dogs were falling from the heavens—and a whole lotta rain, too. Janice, wearing a nylon windbreaker, was selected to retrieve the car lest my sweatshirt get wet. Gotta like that woman! Wading through ankle deep waters.

With the rain subsiding, we returned to our roost at Ponderosa State Park. We circled the grounds, me holding a compass, searching for a new campsite with a hole in the trees for a clear satellite shot. We broke camp and headed to a new motorhome section of the park (having been advised a couple months ago that this was just for groups) where we located an internet-friendly space.

Things are looking up. The seat is fixed; No flat tire; solid Internet and TV; and…a tee time at 8:00 am at the McCall Muni tomorrow. Life on the road is getting better, but rain----go away!