Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho, August 29th

No doubt, this is BoBoland, the enclave of the bourgeois Bohemians. A gem of a resort community in the Gem State. The only county to vote Democrat in all of Idaho. Where the 'cultured' attend plays, visit art galleries, dine al fresco, shop in designer boutiques/wine stores/gourmet delis; and where a few itinerants contribute golf balls to the pristine woods and streams. Where the cost of real estate makes Mill Valley prices look like K-mart blue light specials. Where SUV's dominate, and where there are no homeless. Where Hemingway shot himself.

The Sun Valley Resort itself (built by Averill Harriman in the 30's) is a virtual city providing every imaginable amenity for the well-heeled visitor including a playschool, ice skating rinks (open), bookstores/galleries, and even a chocolate foundry. Where I ate dinner by candlelight the other night, and listened to the pianist smoothly segue from Rachmaninoff to "Send in the Clowns". (true). Disneyland for the artsy.

I was fortunate to be here for the Sun Valley Writers Conference, held every year, and sold out for months. Lots of writers (mostly those with a stature a cut above the bookstore circuit), lots of wannabes, and lots of groupies. However, I did make a point of finagling my way in last night to hear William Styron speak - a pleasant treat.

The weather throughout has been superb. I've worn shorts every day and evening; a perfect time to travel. Today, I continue east to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and hope to be in Yellowstone tomorrow (thereby avoiding the Labor Day crowds). Good to hear from all you out there.

Still no sign of Chandra.