Some Life Lessons at 5840

 

1.)    Middle aged people are not the only ones who feel the altitude. Dogs, too, have to get acclimated and are great to bring along on mountain hikes as they provide ample opportunity to stop and “make sure THEY’re ok?!”

2.)    Your famous banana bread becomes an embarrassing introverted log of mush at 5,840 feet. Do a practice run before taking to a party as “Dessert for 12.”  Counter-intuitively, lessen the leavening (take away 1/8 for every teaspoon of baking soda,) increase the liquids (butter) and cook at a slightly higher temperature. This is the wisdom; have yet to successfully apply…

3.)   We are not worthy of fishing at Silver Creek. Chances are better stepping on one of the many 20” trout staring us down than hooking one. Even with the best guide in the Valley (that’s a plug, Nick Price!) I can’t seem to catch anything more than frost bite in those waters. Learning to accept the things I can’t seem to change. Realizing I have neither the skill the fortitude nor the skill to deal with that kind of mockery.

 

 

 

4.) Everyone’s a hero at altitude. Golf ball goes A LOT farther!!! (No help on the putting though!)

Restores confidence after fishing shutout.

 

 

5.) Baseball players used to running  bases at sea level are humbled running cross country at 6,000 feet. Peter ran his first mile and, shortly thereafter, partook in a very large county-wide meet. Masses of middle schoolers scrambling up and down the truly breathtaking Sage Willow course in Sun Valley. And wherever you are, 13 year-olds are motivated by middle school females cheering them on and mortified when their middle aged mothers do….

 

6.)   Big men and little men are all the same. Whether it’s after a long day at the office or the better part of a week in the wilderness: First priority is a little quality time with some reading material behind a closed door. In a scene from “GroundHog Day,”, both boys returned from their incredible trips with one thing on their mind: the bathroom. Ross picked Peter up Friday at 2:45. He’d had five incredible days of kayaking, rafting, camping and new exposures (excuse the play on words for those aware of the incident with the couple in the van at the hot springs who, clearly overheated, neglected to close the trunk of their vehicle, not expecting 30 wide eyed 7^th graders to walk up.) After a week of ALL kinds of experiential learning, Peter’s first thoughts: “Let’s go dad. I GOTTA  GO!” Now! (Of course that only inspired Ross to drive extra slowly, sending Peter into full panic mode.) They arrived home, Peter burst through the front door. Slam. Burst through the bathroom door. Slam. Home at last. Fast forward another 30 minutes to 3:45. Same scenario. Same parking lot. “How was the City of Rocks,  Luke?” “Fine. Can you drive a little faster dad? ” Same deal: slowed driving, Ross laughing, 11 year old boy panicking and then the mad dash, doors slamming. In the end, it all came out fine. Boys had a wonderful time; learned their capacities on a variety of fronts. Lesson learned-every male has a favorite seat in the house….And we are still laughing about Peter’s description of having to go the bathroom into the most “disgusting basement” you could ever imagine. Fatherly wisdom: “It’s not a basement, and NEVER look down.” –No Pictures Here, Don’t Worry–

7.)  The Chevy Suburban (largest car EVER) is a good fit for a cross-country roadtrip, not such a good fit for the drive through carwash. Nice job, Rossie. Lease to own?!

8.) Idaho potatoes come in all colors and make for great potato chips in the microwave!

In all a great week with lots of eye opening experiences for all…..