Under Scrutiny

Yesterday morning we ate breakfast at The Kneadery in Ketchum, Idaho where we enjoyed “wholesome fresh food” in a “rustic Idaho atmosphere.”  The egg of my half-order “Kneadery Benedict” had been laid by “cage free hens” said the menu and, though it was delicious,   I couldn’t help but wonder exactly what that meant.  I also tried to ignore the slightly uncomfortable feeling that I was being watched from above – all those deer, elk and moose heads of the touted ‘rustic atmosphere’ no doubt.

My mind wandered a bit to the Interpretive Signs I had read the day before about the  animals that roam the millions of acres of wilderness in the nearby Salmon River Country – deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, antelope, bears, wolves, and mountain lions the sign had said.

The River of No Return Wilderness Area

That was at a highway pullout overlooking the Salmon River far, far below us, winding its way through the River of No Return Wilderness Area.  No doubt these glassy-eyed specimens watching us enjoy our meal had once been part of that idyllic-sounding wilderness.  It’s not that I have anything against hunting, or even against taxidermy.  It just seemed an odd juxtaposition, somehow!

Nyel-the Shopper

Even odder was the long wait to get into the ladies’ room.  Although the restaurant was quite large (perhaps seating for 50 or 60 people), the facility, for which there was quite a line-up, turned out to be a one-holer.  Not literally, of course.  The amenities couldn’t have been more modern or more lovely.  But just one stall for the entire female portion of the restaurant?  Strange, indeed.  On the other hand, would I return to The Kneadery another day?  You betcha!  Maybe for a “Mama bear stack of Famous Kneadery pancakes,”

Later we visited several wonderful ski lodges, busy with summer recreational activities – bikers and hikers going up on the gondolas and young Olympic hopefuls practicing their moves on an ice rink shaded by a gigantic awning.  We bypassed a gazillion tempting boutiques in favor of checking out a few thrift shops and junk stores which put Nyel in seventh heaven.

He must have spent at least ten whole dollars on treasures – a Sierra cup, a pair of ancient calipers, (“don’t you already have several of those?” “Yes, but these are outside ones.”  Say what???) a bootjack, and an intriguing something-of-other that none of us could identify!  Even I found a cowgirl shirt (for the Long Beach Rodeo!) with real pearl snap buttons. And Lex bought a wide brown Italian belt, lightly used!  Dennis was stalwart and came home with the contents of his wallet intact.

Thrift Shop Treasures

We finished off our day (and our stay) by accompanying our hosts to a wonderful dinner party.  Not rustic.  No glassy-eyed stares. Not a clue whether anything was organic, caged, shackled, or free range. A catered party for a hundred or so.  It was all good – right down to the milk nickels – but that’s yet another Idaho story…