The State of Idaho is located in the north western region of the United States. It is surrounded by British Columbia, Canada on the north, by Montana on its northeastern border, by Wyoming on its eastern border, by Nevada and Utah on its southern border and by Washington and Oregon on its western border. Its capital is Boise.
Idaho is the thirteenth largest state in the United States. It became the forty-second state to join the union in 1890. People who live in Idaho or who come from Idaho are called Idahoans. Some of the early citizens of this impressive state enacted the following laws.
* In Boise, residents may not fish from a giraffe’s back. Don’t ask me why; I suppose if you reeled in an empty hook quickly, the giraffe might find it painful.
* In Idaho Falls, it is illegal for anyone over the age of eighty-eight to ride a motorcycle. There’s trouble- Grandpa will never agree to trade his Harley for a scooter!
* In Wallace, you are not allowed to sleep in a dog kennel. This one probably came from the SPCA or the Abused Husbands’ League.
* In Eagle, dirt may not be swept from one’s house into the street. Having a front lawn would probably increase the value of a home significantly.
Also in Eagle, people may not camp out on the sidewalks of the city. If someone decides to ignore the previous law, it could lead to a heck of a fight.
* In Pocatello, the carrying of concealed weapons is forbidden, unless some are exhibited to public view. Now that makes sense, doesn’t it?
* Also in Pocatello, it is against the law to be seen in public without a smile on your face. That one is probably easy to keep, when you watch your fellow citizen displaying all those concealed weapons.
* In Coeur d’Alene, if a police officer approaches a vehicle and suspects that the occupants are engaging in sex, he must either honk, or flash his lights and wait for three minutes before approaching the car. Actually, three minutes doesn’t seem like very long…
Despite having a few outdated and smile-provoking laws, Idaho has much to recommend it. It is noted for its thriving tourism industry. Visitors from around the world enjoy skiing, hiking, ice skating, trail riding, tennis and cycling at Sun Valley.
Sarah Palin was born at Sandpoint, and Earnest Hemmingway’s body rests in Ketchum Cemetery. Idaho’s nickname is “The Gem State”, and it boasts a variety of gem mineral deposits including rock crystal, amethyst, jasper, chalcedony, agate, opal, garnet, aquamarine, topaz and zircon. The state is also noted for the production of delicious, nutritious potatoes.
A visit to Idaho, and the native Idahoans, is sure to be an interesting and enjoyable respite from the rush and bustle of everyday life at home. Just be sure that you don’t try to go fishing from the back of a giraffe.