Weasel Trek

Vandra Weasel arrived in Mountain Home, Idaho on a cold and typically windy day where the postman unceremoniously dumped her in front of the garage door.

Although her shipping container had a four inch tear in the side, she was not tempted to explore on her own. She'd taken a peek at the surrounding country from the plane and knew she was in the wild and wooly West, land of the casino Indians, drugstore cowboys, and the famous potatoes. She was impressed by the crater rings southwest of town. Mountain Home (pop. 15,000) lies in the upper right corner.

Her hosts, alias Miz and Mr. BlueHorse, were delighted at her arrival and reassured her that there was civilization in Mountain Home.

Vandra immediately found a buddy in Lucy The Wonder Dog, an Australian Kelpie, who’s always on the look out for a flock of sheep to herd. Cats and weasels are a second option.

Vandra the Red-Nosed Rein-Weasel celebrated Christmas with the BlueHorse family and poses on top of the traditional Christmas horse.

Vandra was up for a visit to the state capitol, Boise, and spent an afternoon roaming around the old train depot.

Unfortunately, Amtrak no longer runs through Boise, so there was no way she could book a seat for the East Coast.

Everybody was hungry after the tour, so we retired to the famous Flying Pie Pizzeria, where Vandra was an immediate hit, and the staff fell in love with a weasel.

Vandra checks out the menu and sneaks sips of beer while Miz BlueHorse (recovering from back surgery and not at her finest) reads the Boise Weekly.

Vandra meets the evil redheaded friend of Miz BlueHorse and conquers her.

After a great meal, the weasel poses on top the Flying Pie's soon-to-be World's Largest Ball of Aluminum Foil. The weasel likes pizza, and wouldn't mind visiting another famous local pizza place wherever she goes next.

On a wonderful warm and windless January day, everyone decided to take a road trip to Hell's Kitchen, a canyon located 30 miles south of Mountain Home in the Snake River Birds of Prey preservation area. Vandra saw golden eagles, a horned owl, and several red tailed hawks.

The Kelpies teach the weasel the fine farm dog art of riding in the back of a pickup.

After seeing badger holes and marmot dens, Vandra checks out the place for weasel habitat.

A pile of rocks and a weasel hole don't quite fit the bill for an Ikea weasel.

The old sheepherder's cabin is a bit less primitive and certainly picturesque.

But the packrat inhabitants are a stinky lot, and even with the windows open, it's pretty smelly.

Not to mention, the roof needs a bit of work.

Mr. BlueHorse takes Vandra climbing to see the view.

Vandra decides the canyon is a bit isolated and liable to be hotter than hell's kitchen in the summer time, and so is aptly named.

She does like the place on the other side of the Snake River, but isn't sure about the swim over.

After inspecting the hole in her old container, Vandra is happy to see that the new shipping tube is cozy and sturdy. Off she goes to New England for another adventure. We will miss ye, young weasel!