Tuesday, July 06, 2004

Signs signs signs, from Independence Day weekend

Three signs of the apocalypse from Independence Day weekend: (1) the Mets sweeping the Yanks -- was the stench from Queens caused by the Yankees' atrocious pitching (27 runs and 9 dingers in a pitchers' park against a weak-hitting team) or from Mets fans filling their pants in shock? (2) Greece beating Portugal to win Euro 2004 in a battle of the two worst economies of European countries that were not under the Communist boot for 40+ years and (3) the Monk going to Boise, Idaho of all f-ing places for his Fourth.

The Monk went to Boise to meet Monkette2B's momma. Nice town, bit small for the urban Monk. Boise has a river cutting through just south of downtown (the Boise River) and instead of erecting businesses and night spots like San Antonio's Riverwalk, Boise created an interlinked park system stretching about 7 miles on each side of the river -- The Greenbelt. Along each side of the river is a trail for bikes/skaters/walkers. Nice deal. Also the river is clean (and VERY COLD) and in nice weather folks jump in with their rafts or tubes and float downstream. The Monk did that last Saturday and is still regaining feeling in his bottom after soaking in the frigid flow for 2 hours. For college sports geeks, a walk on the south side of the Greenbelt will take you past Boise State U. and its stadium, which is famous for its cobalt blue Astroturf, aka the Smurf Turf.

Outside Boise is pretty mountain country with rolling hills, canyons and REALLY BIG SKY. Unfortunately, Idaho is getting locusts this year. We saw some driving up to Bogus Basin, the ski resort that is currently abandoned until October/November. Locusts all over the place, and the Monk trying to squish as many as possible with his rent car.

Ultimately, nice town, clean, clean air in the surrounds, quiet and very nice to visit. But a bit isolated and small for the ultra-urban Monk.

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