Sunday, July 15, 2007

Chilling in a Random Coffee Shop in Idaho

Al Bundy once said, "Lets put all the pregnant women in a state no one is using, like Idaho. We'll call it PregnaHo."
I've been to the south of PrednaHo to climb, and I felt that he was mostly right. Besides some great rocks, the place is barren. Now I sit in laughter and tears in the North and I may feel differently. Driving along 90, I was impressed by the mountains, vegetation, and massive lake. Then I stopped in Coeur d'Alene to see a movie, drink some coffee, and chill after driving many long hours alone. The little town at first seemed quaint and fun, but as I walked among the people wearing cologne and gold and the shinny BMWs, I began to feel like I was in some even more yuppy (is that possible?) version of Martha's Vineyard. Last night I sat on a bench and watched a strange variety of rich white people on vacation from nearby cities. It's on a large lake and seems to be a "summering" place for the upper class. I couldn't even find a bar I felt comfortable enough to enter to have a beer. Odd.
Al may not have known about this place, but I'm sure he'd still like to send all the pregnant women here.
On a much more jubilant note, Glacier National park is skewered by immense stark mountains. Sure I expected the glaciers (which were a little smaller than I had hoped), but I did not expect the beautiful spires of rock. I hiked a rather brutal 9 mile climb to Sperry Glacier and was blown away by the turquoise ponds that form from melting ice with snow and ice trapped underneath the water. Who claims ice always floats?


3 comments:

Blogger said...

When Meriwether and William passed through Sacajawea's homeland they were in canoes. It must be different view through the windshield of an Explorer. Where are you heading next?

tyrona said...

Yeah, ironically Glacier national park is expected to have no glaciers within the next 50 years or so. Not exactly good news.

Space Monkey said...

Seattle is next Harvey. Or rather it is now. I just rolled into town and after over a month on the road, I have sudden fears and desires to get back on the highway. Night after night curling up in my Ford, I longed to get my own place as I squeezed between boxes, skis, snowboards, and my bike, but during the first few mins in the city I hesitate, slightly daunted. I'm sure that's just my fear of commitment. I'm excited to settle, climb, dance, and maybe even date.