Not the Imnaha Store, but it will put you in the mood for the story.
In very small towns there is always an establishment that does its best to serve all the needs everyone. In terms of a store, the motto is, “If we don’t have it, you don’t need it.” The beer selection will not have a single microbrew and there will be two types of coffee, “leaded” and “unleaded,” based upon your need for caffeine. Seated near the coffee pot will be a group of elder statesman solving the world’s problems on a daily basis over a cup of coffee.
The Imnaha Tavern and Store is one such establishment near the far Eastern border of Oregon. Many years ago I entered this fine establishment in search of liquid refreshment while wearing my quite practical, yet stylish photographic vest, its many pockets filled with all sorts of accessories required for large format photography. My vest became the object of interest when the elder statesmen commented that such a fine fishing vest would certainly make the fish miraculously leap from the stream into my creel. I replied that it would truly be miraculous because my plans included not being anywhere near a stream. We all had a good laugh as I left the store.
