Patience is a virtue......and not much fun? Whatever

While I had fully thought that our out of state transition would now be complete, my situation finds me yet, sitting here in Idaho.  While initially I had determined this to be a problem, it has been decided that it is truly a great transition point for my family in relocating to a mountain town.

Life in a resort area is a substantially different experience.  I recently recall a midweek conversation with my now 7 year old son where he asked why all the people hadn't gone home yet so we could have the good McCall back.  Translation, sign no. 1 that you are transitioning to mountain town life.

Sign no. 2 you are transitioning to a mountain town is geared much more toward the adults.  In a recent trip to the valley, I felt as though I was buying everything at wholesale.  Living in a resort town is somewhat like living in an airport at times.

Sign no. 3, and my most favorite, people have more time.  More time for meaningful conversation, more time to listen, more time to put down the phone, computer and reflect on the meaning and purpose of life and more time with family.

What am I learning about patience?  I value the little things I have and am learning, right now, in the moment!

Cheers

Chapter 2

With the mercury climbing the thermometer well above the 100 degree mark, the allure of the cool mountain air never sounded quite as refreshing.  With the top removed from the Jeep a balmy morning would soon become borderline unbearable as I headed up the hill, the breeze slapping my face.  Rounding the bend, just beyond the rafting paradise of Banks he stood there waiting.  I'd never pick up a hitch hiker, but, with numerous trips up SH-55 under my belt, this time the thought of company was welcomed.

The absence of traffic in the early mid-morning allowed for a quick turn around.  "My name's Scot", and with his short introduction, he tossed his knapsack in the back and we were on the road.  I soon came to find that he was roughly my fathers age.  With his wife at home and his children grown, with families of their own, he had decided to do something he'd always wanted and travel the Northwest, searching for the best hot springs.

The conversation proved very enjoyable.  I learned of his adventures, the places he'd been, his background, the people he'd met and most importantly, I learned that if you are seeking knowledge, life experience and true adventure, you will not only find it everyday, but, you will find yourself unintentionally aligned with people of similar mindset.

Prior to this chance encounter I'd become so engrossed in my task that I begin to lose sight of the true purpose of what I set out to accomplish.  My two week hiatus from writing has proven to bring this collection of life lessons, reflections and malted-hopped ramblings back to center.  My attempt at writing what I'd learned became the focal point over extracting daily morsels of knowledge through my life experience.  

Life is an adventure.

Cheers

Perfect quote for the day

"Give me a woman who loves beer and I will conquer the world."

- Kaiser Wilhelm

Additional proof I married the perfect woman.

Great idea.....

For the first time in 17 years I get to take off work on my birthday, because I can.  I don't have to worry about month end or working until 7:00 or 8:00 in the evening.  Yes, you could say I'm going to actually enjoy the day.

With that in mind, I thought I'd share an article today as well.  Enjoy!



Northwest Canning, LLC is a mobile beverage canning operation that serves local craft breweries. Most breweries are unable to can their beer because it requires a large initial investment in inventory and machinery. Thanks to Northwest Canning, micro-brewers now have access to the materials and equipment to make canning their beer possible.


Craft breweries are turning to canning because it is more cost effective and eco-friendly than bottling, which allows them to conquer new markets and increase their profit margin.


Northwest Canning was started by Justin Brandt and Arne Hakanson, both graduates of Linfield College and members of Kappa Sigma Fraternity, where their friendship solidified. Having earned experience in the business world from running successful financial advising practices, Brandt and Hakanson’s goal is to provide excellent and reliable customer service. Brandt runs the day-to-day operations and services micro-breweries in both Oregon and Washington.


“We are the first to do this in the Pacific Northwest,” Hakanson, a Tacoma local said, “no one else in the area is providing a mobile canning service. By canning with us, craft breweries will reach untapped markets.”


“Cans are far superior to bottles” explained Brandt, a Portland resident. “Because cans are not affected by UV light and contain less dissolved oxygen, canning results in a higher-quality, longer-lasting brew.”


Northwest Canning recently completed its first canning run with Tacoma’s Wingman Brewers, canning their Ace IPA and P-51 Porter. Check out the video at http://www.facebook.com/northwestcanning.


Breweries interested in hiring Northwest Canning can contact them at northwestcanning@gmail.com or check them out at northwestcanning.com.

Thought for the day

We all fall short daily of being the individual that we were designed to be.  The attempt to perfect ourselves, to arrive, is a trek with no coordinates for the mapping of an end.  Giving ones all is the only thing that can be expected and in return the sole satisfaction within.  As rare the act of meeting the intentions of another is the man who stays the coarse.  Live full, listen often and surround yourself with a rare few that will face the battle with you.

- Aaron Fulcher

At times, inspiration comes in a small moment, a conversation or setting.  Maybe it's the Hemingway I've been reading of late.  I hope you enjoy this read as I enjoyed penning it.

Cheers 

Great craft beer?

What makes a truly great craft beer?  While a majority of the experience can depend on the beer of choice, setting, company and presentation are the three main factors I would investigate to ensure a peak experience.

Consider this;

Setting - You probably wouldn't sit down to open a rare, limited release bottle of bourbon barrel-aged stout on a sweltering afternoon on the patio, with a plate of fish tacos, in a large group of people.  A bottle such as this would be best served with a close friend, a cigar or a chocolate souffle and an overstuffed leather chair.

Company - Consider the palate of those you share a craft beer with.  I recommend avoiding the attempt to enjoy something of extreme quality with a couple of Milwaukee's Best swigging sidekicks.  If you were fortunate to get a bottle of Deschutes latest collaboration, Collage, it would be best served in a snifter at room temperature rather than ice cold, shotgun-style with a bunch of college buddies.

Presentation - Just as in serving a fine bottle of wine or an aged cheese, presentation is everything.  A carefully selected crafted beer should be no different.  Use the appropriate glassware and if serving with food, do a little research on the best types of food with which to pair.  Great Divide is a great example of a brewery who places these items on the label of each bottle and knowing so will make the experience that much greater.

With that in mind, it's time to venture out of your comfort zone.  Make a trip to a specialty beer shop and treat yourself to a new experience in the craft beer world.

Cheers

Salmon River Brewery

Like anything truly great in the central Idaho, mountain town of McCall, whether mountain biking, skiing, camping or fishing, you have to go just off piste.  Salmon River Brewery, SRB to the locals, is no different.  Matt Ganz, a former smokejumper and Hot Shot and Matt Hurlbutt, a former contractor by trade, often referred to as the 2 Matt's decided that the tourist town of roughly 3,000 year round residents had room for a second brewery.

So, why beer?  In sitting down with Ganz, I discovered that beer quite possibly courses through his veins and as he so eloquently stated, "I'm just tapping into my heritage, pun intended."  Ganz family owned and operated a number of breweries across the Northwest.  His great, great, great grandfather founded Alma Brewing in 1855 which saw a successful 50 year run up to prohibition.  His family also founded Seattle Brewing and Malting which birthed a signature Pale Ale we know today as Rainier.  The popularity of Rainier Beer grew exponentially,  launching them to become the 6th largest brewery in the world by 1904.

In what may be a little bit different question, how did beer save your life? I asked.

"Beer gave me something that I can absolutely, full heartedly be passionate about and that's a lot to say.  A lot of people in the jump community fear leaving for the lack of something better.  It can also be quite an elixir."  He smiled.  "Why do people drink beer?  To relax, enjoy a conversation with a friend.  I just don't like to see it abused."

Every brewer initially gets their inspiration from another brewery, being from the Pacific Northwest, Ganz named the expected Deschutes and RedHook.  To dig a little deeper, however,  Ganz cited Terminal Gravity for their location and business plan, Amnesia Brewing of Portland for their pub model, Full Sail Brewing of Hood River for the Willy Wonka Factor and Dogfish Head, well, because they have just done about everything a small brewery could ever hope to do and then some.  Ganz also wanted to specifically give a special, high five and pat on the back to Sockeye as a local brewery for the flash of hands on experience and shadowing in their facility.

What's next?  Look to see SRB expand the number of draft accounts in the valley, specifically in the Boise area.  With a new delivery truck, new kegs and new tap handles on the way they are definitely moving into the next phases of their business plan.  You can expect some light bottling of some 22's releasing some of their staples to places like the Boise Co-op and local craft beer specialty stores.

For now, make the 2 hour drive north from Boise to the little mountain town on the lake, that is, the whole package deal.  Find your way to the Liquid District and you'll undoubtedly catch one of the 2 Matt's, probably with the door up, brewing that next great batch of true Idaho craft beer.

Cheers

Inside the public house

Saturday night performance by Reilly Coyote

Full courtyard on a Saturday evening

Plenty of parking