As you can imagine, being a New Yorker means you're deprived of "nature". Yes, we have trees, and are occasionally permitted to lay on the grass in Madison Square Park, but raw, real nature is not something we get to experience in Manhattan. Sun Valley is basically the opposite of New York, in every wonderful way possible. The sirens, honking horns, and noise of the city is replaced with silent nights where the loudest sound is the breeze in the Aspen Trees. Flashing lights and blinding street lamps are absent from the pitch black darkness of the valley. The hustle and bustle of the fast-paced city life is replaced by a need to slow down and appreciate each moment and every beautiful sight. Subways, buses and taxis are exchanged for mountain bikes, hiking boots and big ol' 4 wheel American trucks. Tiny, compact spaces are reserved only for closets and store rooms in Sun Valley rather than living spaces and apartments. There are no stinky piles of trash on the side of the road, only patches of wild flowers and occasional wildlife (perhaps a deer or two!). Mini pocket pooches wearing patent leather rain boots are traded for big beefy mountain dogs that long for the outdoors. And "happy hour" is in a cozy sweater over looking the breath-taking mountain views rather than $20 martinis from another angry bartender. 
I do feel a bit guilty for trying to pack so much in to only two full days (traveling takes up a FULL day both ways), but I wanted to get in as much "nature" as I could before heading back to the concrete jungle to kick of our 2011 fall season. Last time we were in Sun Valley for a summer weekend, Michael had just had surgery on his lower back for a herniated disk, so we escaped for a bit of relaxation and early bed times, rather than a jam-packed weekend of outdoor sports. So I was excited get out and enjoy the outdoors during this trip.
After arriving in Boise and driving 2 hours to my in-law's house we had a delicious meal out on the patio watching the sun set behind the mountains. We were early to bed though because the next morning, we woke up at dawn to head out to the river for my first white-water rafting excursion! I don't think I've ever been this excited to wake up before the sun came up since I got to skip school to go to Disneyland during grammar school. It was quite a drive out to the Payette River, but it was well worth it. We spent our day rafting in category 3 and category 4 rapids with some of the best professional guides in the state of Idaho (literally, they wrote a training program for the Navy Seals!). Not only did we have exceptional rafting, but the trip through the canyon was breathtaking. Mike and I basically got a private raft with two guides, so our raft was a bit lighter than other rafts on the trip. And because we had the more "agile" boat...we got to do a little experimenting with our guides...experimenting that led to my husband being thrown off the raft to face a "near death experience". After he was pulled to safety, and was back in our raft...I have to admit...it was probably the hardest I've ever laughed in my life. But I'm glad my husband is safe! I'd like to give a shout out to the Payette River Company for the amazing experience they gave us and the memories I'll cherish forever.
Needless to say, we slept for 11 hours after our exhausting river excursion and woke up refreshed and sore for day 3 of our trip. We were so happy to spend the entire day with Mike's parents just enjoying the day and taking it easy. The day started with morning coffee from our favorite place, Java, and breakfast out on the front porch and a nice brisk hike up the mountains behind the Mobley's home. The morning was followed by lunch at a Sun Valley favorite...Grumpys!
There is nothing better than enjoying a schooner and a burger outside on a beautiful day with people you love. For our final evening in Idaho, we spent the night with family having a delicious home cooked meal outside (my husband grilled....I've never seen him cook anything besides Saturday morning bacon and maybe a sandwich). The food was delicious, the company was perfect, and the scenery for our dinner setting was picturesque. I was devastated to leave.
Being with our family and being out in Sun Valley was like turning a switch on for both Mike and me. There is no room for anxiety and work worries in Sun Valley. The fresh air and family atmosphere takes out all the stress and negativity that is inevitable during the daily lives of New Yorkers. The trip was too quick and we can't wait to go back for a white Christmas.
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