My walk to work

My husband and I are living in a rural part of Idaho while he works on his dissertation for school. Rural meaning less than 100 people. Rural meaning one gas pump for 30 miles both directions. Rural meaning no Starbucks for one hour and forty five minutes from here. I have been here for about 7 weeks. Although I spend time with him in the field I decided to apply for a job at a lodge up the road. As luck would have it they needed someone for all of November and some of December. (Perfect)

I am a waitress. I attempted that profession while going to college...it was not my calling. But, here I am note pad in hand taking orders. The real reason I wanted to work was for the opportunity to talk with folks from around here. As a result, I have met some of the most interesting people with so many stories to tell. They are also excepting of my dismal waitressing skills.

For the last couple of days I have been walking to work so I thought I would have you experience it with me. It is less than a mile, no sidewalks and very few cars.


On one side of me is the Payette River...the other side is just a big hill/mountain.





Here are few things unique to my walk, wolf poo (above) and elk poo... How do I know it is wolf scat, look close (sorry that is the only way) and you can see bones as well as hair within.


For that reason I carry the three essentials: bear spray, a knife and my MP3.
First of all, I have no question if I saw a bear I would shat my pants. Perhaps that will be my best defense. I obtain no Davy Crockett skills so my knife is all show. I would most likely hurt myself before an animal. But, not to long ago I read about a 65 year old woman who killed a mountain lion with a pen so who knows what sort of reactions take place when faced with these situations...I am hoping for some super powers. The only reason for the MP3 is to keep me company and lessen the "what was that" jerk of the body at every noise. To be smart I only have it piping through one ear.


I walk past one of two "convenience stores. Hummm....

As I continue my walk I pass a historical sign about the area and my favorite sign that is a constant reminder of where I am at and who I'm hang'en with.


The lodge...


The dining room of the lodge...

And finally, the view from inside the dining room of the lodge....


My new cowboy,logging friend Lee was kind enough to take a picture with me. Oh the stories he can tell. So cool!


Thanks for taking the walk with me today. Same time, same place tomorrow....