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Published: July 20th 2009
No humidity
emergency stop for moisturizing products in the desert dry heat!Our week stopover at Israel and Beth's home in Meridian, Idaho allowed us to take a break from the road. But not a break from activity!
McCall On Friday we drove north to McCall where Beth's sister graciously hosted us at their timeshare lakeside condo. The temperature was about 15 degrees cooler than in the city and the breeze from the lake was much better than hot asphalt breeze from the road! Beth's brother-in-law and her nephews helped me learn to wakeboard. As I was floating along thinking that it wasn't so bad a deer sauntered over to the lakeside and began to drink- it all became a flash as the boat zoomed through the water and I was yanked up in a most unnatural manner. It probably lasted a second and half before I smacked the water again. I think I gave it 4 attempts before my limbs begged me to stop. On shore we ate and napped on the beach and patio before heading back to Meridian.
Snake River Stampede Saturday we hustled over to the national level rodeo, Snake River Stampede, and had great seats and an even better tutor, Beth. She explained the events to
us and told us all the ins and outs of rodeo culture. The bull riding was frightening, only a few contestants withstood the 8 second time minimum to even score any points. Some chose to forgo the helmet and protective gear, making their heads an even juicier melon to be potentially squashed by the angry bull. A true American experience. Afterwards we went in search of a cowboy hat for Vincenzo.
American Toys Saturday evening Vincenzo got a real treat when we visited the Espinoza's great friends, Steve and Debbie. Vincenzo got to drool over a Harley, corvette, giant tv, and some other all-American toys while eating a hearty American barbecue meal.
Horseback Riding Sunday after a successful mission to replace Vincenzo's breakfast barley drink stash (at Winco, an item called "Pero" imported from Switzerland), we ate some elk and then went horseback riding on Beth's other sister's horses. I was matched with the lazy and bored Junior, Vincenzo with the ever-famished but smooth--, and Beth rode Junior's archnemesis, Duly. We had to stay away from eachother because Junior wanted to kick and bite Beth's horse. Junior and I formed a bond and stopped every now and then
Meridian!
Beth's aunt made this sculpture! to let him indulge his laziness. We tried doing the rodeo tricks like lacing in and out of barrels and I gained even more respect for the 10 year old cowgirls who bounced around the barrels in less than 16 seconds. Vincenzo and I finished the riding lesson with completely sore derrieres and sunburned arms- but it was well worth it. Sunday evening Israel and Beth took us into Boise for a Johnny Lang concert at the intimate "Knitting Factory". It was a great concert and we took a nice passeggiata around downtown Boise afterwards.
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catarina
non-member comment
ciao sara and vincenzo!!!
ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...you should have taken me with you on this trip of a lifetime!!! i am soooooooooooooo happy for both of you!!!! vincenzo is cetainly 'seeing' the usa!! and so wonderful that your families and friends can 'experience' it with you...xoxo happy beeeeeeeeeeeelated birthday on the 25th...XO ciao and bacci, catarina eh roberto