LYFE IN TOW

I passed through the northern, narrow portion of Idaho that borders Canada en route from Washington to Montana, but that was just for a few hours. I didn’t count that as really visiting Idaho. Having a few friends in Boise I wanted to see, I happily headed back west towards Boise even though it was a bit of backtracking.

My landing pad in Boise was my friend Charina’s house. Charina and I met in Boulder, CO, working for Backpacker magazine about ten years ago. I was looking forward to visiting Charina and her family and also to experience Boise. I had heard such great things about it and was anxious to see the city for myself.

I loved it. It’s funny because years ago, to me, Boise seemed so “out there” - like the cow town for which Denver was known before it became the cool place to be. They say Boise is the “next” Denver, and I believe it. The city is happy and quaint and offers so much. The weather is pleasant all year round, outdoor activities nearby are abundant, the food and culture scene is lively, and people are friendly and open-minded. Charina and her family live in a city neighborhood, and it’s walkable and safe.

We did a little adventuring at Box Canyon State Park. It was cool to see something different that I wouldn’t have done if my friends hadn’t initiatedd it.

We also met up with a mutual friend from NYC - our friend Laurence. We all know each other from our past careers in magazine publishing. We caught up over some wine and the picturesque atmosphere at Koenig Vineyards.

My next stops in Idaho were Ketchum and Sun Valley (per Charina’s recommendation). Ketchum is a little mountain town, and Sun Valley is the ski resort area. I’m a sucker for a good mountain town, and Ketchum was no different. I also got to see North America’s first chair lift.

After asking around town, I planned to explore Redfish Lake the next day, about an hour north of Ketchum. I found an incredible boondocking spot outside Ketchum and Sun Valley.

I had no expectations of Redfish Lake and wasn’t exactly sure what I would do there. I found my way, though, and took a boat across the lake and hiked back.

My next destination…Jackson, WY. I had a bit of a drive to get there but was pumped for what Jackson had in store.