My conclusion is that Sun Valley truly is one of the great wild areas of America, but some of the folks there still apply too many pesticides nontheless — as witnessed by the golf course that dominates the area when viewed from the high mountain ranges (warning: hiking in the high elevation that starts at 6,000 feet and goes up is not for the unprepared!).

I was impressed by the sustainability initiatives presented by the Sawtooth Botanical Garden. The 15-year-old garden achieved national acclaim a few years ago when the Dalai Lama christened the “Garden of Infinite Compassion.” I hope to get back to see the garden one day in the summer, but it’s a true four-season garden with year-round interest.