Yesterday, I met a man in Kalispell, Mont., named Andy. He had just finished a weekend camping trip with his son near Flathead Lake. Later that afternoon, he was to go kayaking and asked if I would like to join.
“Two things I don’t do,” I said, “are kayaking and karaoke. But if I do either, it will be this week.”
I told Andy that I was visiting from Las Vegas, and he told me, in high animation, that Wayne Newton owned a home on the lake. One of his friends saw the Newtons at the airport in Kalispell when they arrived for Christmas.
“That sounds likely,” I said. “I’m actually staying with the family this week.”
And so it is, my dear friends and second Las Vegas family the Newtons have allowed me a break in the action in this spellbinding region surrounding Flathead Lake. You almost don’t know what to do with yourself, except breathe clean air and drink tap water of which you don’t need to feel suspicious. The column will be down until next week as I become one with the natives.
But I’ll be ready for an energized return. This is always the case when I leave Las Vegas: I can’t wait to get back to Las Vegas.
Now, it’s off to browse the boutiques in some nearby township. Later, friends!
Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow "Kats With the Dish" at twitter.com/KatsWithTheDish.