We’ve lived in Boise for almost 14 years and finally decided to make the 2 hour trek north for the McCall Winter Carnival. Grandma and Grandpa were sticking around after the baptism for a few days so we figured, what the heck, more cold and snow won’t kill them. We selected a Monday to pull the kids out of school and make a day trip out of it. We thought that would be a safe intro to what is, on the weekends, more aptly described as a “carnival”. We found the weekday atmosphere to be less crowded, easy-going, and, to be honest, a little underwhelming. To be sure, there were some pretty phenomenal ice sculptures. We even rode the ski lift up Brundage mountain to catch the first place winner – an intricate train sculpture which was no less impressive than the scenery at the top of the mountain. Still, I must need atmosphere for a complete experience. Trekking around town with the pressing throng, city-wide events, beckoning restaurants…it just isn’t the same without the crowds. Not that I would know. Just a hunch.
Playing hooky, however, was pretty darn fun.
