8/12/11 Stanley, Idaho

I arrived into Stanley just one week ago as I walked around the small town walking into each place looking for some temporary work before the festival. After the half hour, I found a job at a local restaurant working dishes and prep. That evening I got to experience the Stanley local street dance, where they bring out a band in the middle of town and all of the locals dance the evening away. (They really know how to dance too..) That night I camped out at the local campground meeting some new folk who worked as whitewater rafting guides and Mike mentioned he held an open mike at the bar the next night after the local street dance. Although I was too lit up to play right on the stage I met more great folks and got more connected with the great people in it. Getting to know the "Lucie's Crew" It didn't take long to meet some great friends to spend time with. After a night of heavy drinking, hot springs, and raising hell, it was time to start the morning shift washing dishes.

Sunlight peers through the sawtooth ridges, covered the town in a warm ray of light while bald eagles fly the ridge overhead. The restaurant opens up bright early to get ready for the breakfast crew as the owners walk 100 feet from their cabin to get started making food. This was the type of place you work all day, and drink all night until your crawling on the roof laughing your ass off at the stories being told of the past years. This was the place where you try to hold a serious conversation with the owner and he lets one rip to fill the entire diner with his infamous stench. Although the folks there were far from normal, every single one of them were downright awesome people.

Most of the week in Stanley was spent with Jerad, Tony, Rocky, and Dakota, raising hell jumping off cliffs, cruising in hot springs, watching It's always Sunny, and drinking every night. Apart from those four awesome folks, I also give props to Mike and his crew taking me whitewater rafting after hours for no cost. Also much credit to Josh and Adam for hiring me for a week at one of the best jobs I have ever worked. I also give credit to the coffee and energy drinks that kept me alive that crazy ass week.

Never have I been to a place so welcoming, generous, and friendly. As much as I would love to stay, I must keep moving as the Bluegrass festival, Grant Targhee in Wyoming, begins today.