Ketching-Up in Ketchum.

It wasn’t just any small mountain town with old money and $2500 season lift ticket prices.  It was the small mountain town where Ernest Hemingway wrote his famous “For Whom The Bell Tolls.”  In fact, I may just be sitting in the very motel where he first started writing it.  This motel due to its relative history to Hemingway has since been spared tearing down, in lieu of a larger and more income producing multiplex of apartments.  Thank gawd some folks still have sentimental appreciation for American and significant histories.  Hemingway evidently wrote a slew of stories here in this little town, which has spawned its modern day Hemingway Festival, which draws writers and literature enthusiasts from all around the globe to participate in its “writer things,”  (yes that’s the technical term.)  But yes Ketchum, Idaho, the home to Sun Valley: a very historic ski resort town.  Boasting top of the line lift boxes, a gorgeous historic lodge at the very top built between 1936-1939, and sky high lift prices, and year round entertainment, this place can draw the cream de la crem.  It’s also a great way to maintain the warm rich charm that its history, and its old money have grown to preserve.  

I’m here by the graces of the good road, visiting my long time best bud, Mike.  He is the head lift Mechanic at Sun Valley, here in Ketchum, Idaho.  Yesterday evening I rolled into town after spending the day exploring caves at “Crater on the Moon” National Park.  I pulled up to his motel complex and promptly off-roaded up and down all the banks until he popped out of one of the dwellings.  I unloaded my bike, and we went to a quaint little Irish pub.  I ordered a Guinness, he ordered a Sprite and the dinner was quite the delight.  Can I just say, I haven’t drinken Guinness since 2002.  After dinner Mike drove us up to the Ski lift and we got to ride the awesome enclosed chair-lift up the mountain, getting a gorgeous view of the night lights in the Valley towns, all the way out as far as little towns were illuminated.   I got to meet and visit with some of Mikes co-workers, who were operating the mountain for an evening gala.  I got a tour of the historic lodge and we were given free range of the deserts that were left over from the catered event.   It was so rad! I'd say my introduction to Ketchum is off to a great start.  Thanks Mike!   

Anyway, It’s neat getting to live and breath in an historic place.  It helps you appreciate, as well as enlighten you to things that you otherwise were unaware.  For myself, I never studied literature, so I didn’t get a good exposure to a lot of ancient poets or writers like Ernest Hemingway.  I’ve heard the title “For Whom The Bell Tolls” but never read it.  I guess you now know whats on my “to read” list. 

Ketchum, Idaho: This little valley is steeped in outdoor activities which I can’t wait to delve into over the course of the next few days here.  Hot springs, that are actually hot, unlike the luke warm ones in Hot Springs, South Dakota, where everyone kept saying “Hey these are kinda cold.”  Fly fishing is on the agenda, since I’ve been drooling all over the picturesque streams, riding all these northern states.  

I’m gonna also do some bike maintenance that I’ve been meaning to get to.  Primary adjustment/change, and oil and filter change.  My tires are showing their age on this trip.  I started with a bit more tread than I have now.  But I think I’ve got another 2000 miles left in em.  Low and Slow, that’s how I go. 

It’s just great to hang out with Mike.  And it was great just getting to be our old selves.  Here’s to reunions, and feeling at home in the company of old friends. 

If anyone wants to find me this afternoon, I'll be Paragliding from the top of the mountain.  Otherwise, I'll see you on the road.

~J.W Dirty and Free.