The Mystery Hiding in Plain Sight

If you grew up in Idaho, you already know the rules.

You lift your feet when you drive over the railroad tracks in Nampa. You swing the car doors open at the Bogus Basin cattle guard. You hold your breath the entire time you drive across the Perrine Bridge in Twin Falls.

It’s a rite of passage. We teach these road-trip superstitions to our kids, but have you ever stopped to wonder why we do them? What are we actually opening the doors for? Who are we trying not to wake up on the train tracks?

Legend has it that the Gem State is home to some very fuzzy, very mischievous locals. They love the deep mountain snow, they love the rushing rivers, and they are absolute masters of disguise.

In fact, their camouflage is so perfect, you won't spot them by looking directly at them—you have to look in the negative space.

Whether you are hiking past two mossy river rocks, standing between two tall pine trees, or floating through steep canyon walls, don't look at the rocks or the trees themselves. Look closely at the gap in the middle. Because that is exactly where the trolls hide. If you train your eyes to look at the empty spaces, you might just spot the silhouette of a stout, big-eared little creature hiding right in front of you.

Lately, there have been whispers of one of these little watchers hanging around the Boise River Greenbelt.

Just last week, a floater drifting toward Ann Morrison Park swore they saw a fuzzy shadow sitting high up in the rafters of the Red Bridge. He was leaning over the edge, eagerly watching the local kids line up to do cannonballs into the icy water below.

He seems curious. He seems friendly. And to be completely honest... he seems a little bit clumsy.

We are keeping a close eye on the riverbank this summer. If you are grabbing a tube and floating the river this weekend, keep your eyes open. You never know when the magic of Idaho might just take a tumble right into the water in front of you.

Stay tuned. A very big story is coming soon...