Rose Cottage, Idaho
December 29, 2019
Greetings Fellow Adventurers!
Our skis are waxed
and rucksacks packed. Day after tomorrow we will cross the barren
snow fields of Idaho to a steam train station. From there we will
begin our annual migration South to the warm sands of the Coachella
Valley in California.
Once again our anthropological field studies
require that the next three months be spent among the windblown hills
of that ancient land.
I will be reunited
with my camel, Pete, and be reminded that the revolver and Winchester
rifle are daily tools of the trade in this dangerous, primitive
region. At this very moment, crews of local villagers are being
organized at our archaeological dig site and wooden crates of
supplies have been sent ahead of us via steam locomotive.
Scout is excited for
another season in our rustic desert cabin and the opportunity to make
new culinary discoveries in the local eateries. As usual, her
interest lies primarily in exploring the botanic offerings of the
region, particularity orchids and lilies.
I, on the other
hand, will continue exploring the ancient history of the local tribes
and their strange cultural rituals that include using sticks to
strike small white balls that roll into holes in the earth. This
ritual seems to mean a great deal to the tribe members and thus far
science has not discovered why. It all appears so pointless.
In three months, we
will return to good old Idaho and enjoy a new spring and all that it
promises--gardening, flyfishing, dutch oven cooking and regular
baths. What luxury! Until then, think of us under a blistering sun
with little besides our camels and native camp helpers to keep us
company.
Over and out for
now. We hope you are all well, warm and snug in your caves for the
winter.
Images of Old Trout from last season. Compliments of Harvard Field Studies.
