North Idaho Weekend Wanderer

Fall Harvest Party

2010-10-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

On a recent trip to visit Parker at University of Idaho in Moscow, we decided to wander on down the road about 7 miles to Washington State University in Pullman. WSU happened to be hosting a Fall Harvest Party at their organic farm. There were wagon rides, fresh pressed apple cider, and visitors were welcome to walk through the apple orchard and pick their own apples. They let us pick pumpkins in the pumpkin patch too!

This is Jack. He currently lives in Hayden, Idaho, but his roots are in Pullman, Washington.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Biking the Route of the Hiawatha

2010-09-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a fun way to experience some of the beauty and history of North Idaho, bike the Route of the Hiawatha!

In August, my family and I took this 17 mile bike ride, and traveled along some of the most stunning stretches of railroad in the country!

We followed the trail over 7 trestles and through 10 tunnels!

The longest tunnel we traversed was Taft Tunnel which is almost 2 miles long and passes under the Idaho/Montana state line.You need to wear a helmet with a light on it or carry a flashlight while pedaling through it. You might consider bringing a sweatshirt or light jacket too as most of the tunnels were eerily dark and cold even on the hot day in August when we passed through them. Maybe it's just me, but Taft Tunnel felt like a scene from a horror movie! No train has passed through this tunnel since 1980, but I couldn't shake the feeling that at any moment I might hear a train whistle and see a light at the end of the tunnel growing bigger, and we'd be trapped in the tunnel with a train rumbling toward us!

But as soon as I rode out of the tunnel and back into the warm sunshine, my fears disappeared and I lost myself in the breathtaking scenery! I kept stopping along the edge of the trail to read the signs that gave the incredible history of the railroad, including its construction that began in 1905. I read about the 3 million acre forest fire, the largest fire in U.S. history, that ripped through the area in 1910, and about the 400 people who survived the fire by hiding in Taft Tunnel. I also read about the railroad transporting passengers and freight from the Northwest to the Midwest until it finally went bankrupt in 1977 and was abandoned in 1980.

This is the grave of a track worker known as "Gandy Dancer". During the fire of 1910, he panicked and jumped from the train as it neared a burning trestle. Remarkably, he was the only railroad casualty of the fire!

When you finally reach the bottom of the 17 mile trail, if you're in seriously good shape (or maybe just a glutton for punishment), you can turn around and ride back up! Thankfully, however, there is another option. There's a bus waiting at the bottom, so you can load your bike onto it and catch a ride back to the top. We took the bus!

You do get to bike through Taft Tunnel again though, as the bus does not go through it. So, during our second trip, Ryan thought it would be hilarious to turn off his flashlight so he could sneak up and scare Andrew. Instead, he fell into one of the ditches running along either side of the tunnel, and now he has a new scar and story to regale his friends and family with. If it’s true that “girls dig scars” then my Ryan should be quite the ladies’ man some day.

Oh, the squirrels were friendly too.

The Hiawatha Trail is operated by Lookout Pass Ski Area which is located adjacent to I-90 at the Idaho/Montana state line, and it’s usually open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from late May to early October. Bikes and equipment are available for rental. For more information, call (208) 744-1301.

Festival at Sandpoint

2010-08-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

Every summer, people are drawn to the lights and the fantastic sound of music coming from a tent out in a field in Sandpoint, Idaho. There is dancing, wine tasting, food, friendship, and love. This is Festival at Sandpoint. We were there the second night to see Brandi Carlile, a rising star who is referred to as “the alt-country-folk-rock darling” from Washington State. I was actually turned onto Brandi’s music a couple of years ago when I heard her singing “The Story” on the radio, and I’ve been a fan ever since, so when I heard she was coming to the festival, I purchased tickets that same day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8pQLtHTPaI

Opening for Brandi, was Ian McFeron, another artist from the Northwest with kind of an acoustic folk-rock sound. Really good!

Ahhh…standing barefoot in the grass with a glass of champagne in my hand, watching people laugh and dance, chatting with the people around us, and listening to Brandi Carlile sing “Josephine”…It was pure magic.

Kayaking Lake Coeur d'Alene

2010-08-04T05:16:00.000-07:00

For a couple of years now, I’ve been harboring a secret desire. I’ve been wanting to try kayaking. I don’t know why I’ve kept it a secret. It sounds silly, I guess, but I’ve been a little nervous about it. I mean, what would happen if I was out in the middle of a large body of water in a little plastic boat and it capsized? Would I be able to get back in, or would I be adrift for hours or even days at the mercy of passersby on real boats with motors? Or worse! Maybe the kayak would turn upside down with me in it and I wouldn’t be able to escape! Maybe I’m giving myself too much credit. Would I even be able to get into the thing in the first place? I know what you’re thinking. It’s not bungee jumping! It isn’t hang gliding! It’s only kayaking, for crying out loud! Right? I know. But the first time I tried waterskiing, I forgot to let go of the rope when I fell, my ski didn’t come off, I twisted my ankle, and ended up on crutches for a couple of days. It wasn’t pretty. And the first time I went snow skiing, I fell getting off the chair lift and lost one of my skis…Embarrassing. So, you see? I’m a klutz.

However, I’m happy to report that my fears are behind me now. Yes, after living in the Coeur d’Alene area for more than five years, I finally saw Lake Coeur d’Alene the way it was meant to be seen, by kayak! Sunday morning, ROW Adventures took my family and I on a four hour tour of the lake! The water was calm, and the experience was peaceful and relaxing at times. At other times, the water became choppy and it was more of a workout. The scenery around the lake was beautiful.

My oldest son, Parker, looks mature here...Don't let the picture fool you.

We came within just a few yards of an Osprey nest built on top of a log sticking up out of the water. When we got close enough to see the babies in the nest, the mother bird spread her wings and flew low over our heads, attempting to show us how big and scary she is. We saw a huge bald eagle up in a tree, and other wildlife too. Half way through our tour of the lake, we stopped at a more remote location where we got out of our kayaks and had a snack next to this bulldozer that was abandoned over 100 years ago! It was pretty cool, but I’m glad we made it out of there without anyone needing a tetanus shot!

Our guides, Stephanie and Tanner, were very informative, giving us some history on the wild fire of 1910, and teaching us about wildlife and plants along the way. Stephanie pointed out some wild berries that my son could eat. That’s when Ryan learned that just because you CAN eat something doesn’t mean you SHOULD! When he discovered they are painfully sour, our guide picked some yarrow for him to eat. According to Ryan, the yarrow wasn’t exactly delicious either, but not as nasty as those sour berries.

Oh, and kayaking is easy! It isn't scary at all. The only person who capsized was Andrew, and it was Parker's fault. That was Ryan's story anyway. It isn't hard to get in either. Just remember, "boot, butt, boot" and you'll be fine.

Julyamsh

2010-07-25T10:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I attended the 13^th annual Julyamsh Celebration, the largest outdoor powwow in the Pacific Northwest. I had never been to a powwow before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. Hosted by the Coeur d’Alene Tribe of Idaho, Julyamsh was a three day social gathering of different tribes, and non-Indians were welcome there too. It was a huge celebration with drumming, singing, and dance competitions. There were arts, crafts, and beautiful jewelry for sale, lots of food, and even a performance by Apache Skateboarders!

The dancers wore fantastic outfits! We were told to refrain from touching their regalia as they have ceremonial and sometimes special meaning to each person. Many of the outfits were constructed by family members and are considered family heirlooms. I did have the opportunity to ask a young girl about her dress, though. She, along with many of the other women, had pieces of metal shaped like little horns hanging from her outfit. I was surprised when she told me they were tobacco lids, and that she made her own dress! It was beautiful! (Sadly, I did not get a picture of her.)

Similar to the respect we show to the American flag, respect is shown to the eagle staff. When it is brought in during grand entry, hats are removed and everyone stands. If an eagle feather falls from an individual's regalia, everything stops until the feather is returned to the owner. Returning the feather to its owner is an honor given to veterans who have seen war.

A respected elder said a prayer at the end of the grand entry. Much of the prayer was given in his native language, but he gave a portion of it in English. Even with so many people in attendance, there was a feeling of great reverence.

It is important to understand that a powwow is not a tourist attraction. It's a way for Native Americans to honor their culture. Most of the dancers and drummers will allow you to take their picture, but it is always a good idea to ask permission before photographing someone. Pay attention to advice given by the MC, and turn off cameras and video recorders during ceremonial rituals, when he announces that they are not allowed.
I thoroughly enjoyed this rich show of Native American cultures, and I highly recommend this powwow to anyone who is interested. I will look forward to attending again next summer.

Hooked

2010-07-24T19:42:00.000-07:00

This morning, as we traveled the winding road to Fernan Lake, the sun rose above the pine trees, illuminating a portion of the lake and drawing my attention to the thick mist covering the water.

We stopped to allow two deer to cross the road before us.

From down on the bank, I cast out into the lake. I’m beginning to like that whirring sound the fishing line makes as it leaves my pole, and the splash the lure makes when it hits the water. After a few minutes, I felt a little tug on my line and I noticed that my bobber had disappeared. “Maybe it’s caught on some lily pads,” I thought. Then, there was another tug! I decided to tug back, and I ended up reeling in my first catch in 30 years! It was my first catch EVER if you don’t count the fish I caught in my grandpa’s pond when I was little. (He baited the hook, cast the line, and helped me reel it in.)

It wasn’t very big, but let me tell you something. I was proud.

A few minutes later, I caught a second fish that looked so much like the first that I’m not sure which fish I’m holding up in which of these pictures. Anyway, I think I’m hooked.

Can anyone tell me what type of fish I caught?

Fishing at Fernan Lake

2010-07-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

After consulting with my new blogging friend, Daniel, and Josh at Black Sheep Sporting Goods about where to fish and what type of bait to use, I knew just enough to be dangerous. So, yesterday, at 5:30 in the morning, I dragged my family, messy haired and bleary-eyed, from their beds down to Fernan Lake to catch some fish. I was determined that we would fish until we caught something. A force to be reckoned with, for the next two hours, I cast and reeled, cast and reeled, cast and reeled…

Ryan now has a story he can tell about the one that got away.

Here’s a picture of Terry with his catch of the day.

I ended up catching the exact same thing I caught the last time I went fishing, a lily pad, a sun burn, and a whole lot of nothing! But, somewhere between the big trout Ryan had on his line that got away and Terry’s three inch bass, I came to a realization. I thought about the way the lake looked when we arrived earlier that morning, calm and still, and the Great Blue Heron on a rock a few yards away. With admiration, I watched a team of rowers cross the water, a lone woman in her row boat, and a grandfather fishing with his grandsons. I noticed the beautiful pine tree covered mountain on the other side of the lake, the wind in my hair, and the determined look on my son’s face as he cast his line back into the water. And that’s when I had my epiphany. I realized that, like life, it’s more about the journey than the destination. Fishing is not so much about catching a fish. It’s about fishing.

Simple Summer Pleasures

2010-07-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

When I think back to the summers of my childhood, salt water sandals and home-made orange juice popsicles flash through my mind. The highlights of summer included running through the sprinkler and riding my bike until the streets in my neighborhood grew dark and my mom called me in for a bath. Hopefully, it will be the simple summer pleasures my own children will remember someday. Among these, I imagine they will recall swimming at Honeysuckle Beach.

Along Hayden Lake is a sandy piece of public beach that locals call Honeysuckle Beach. My kids love to swim there every summer. Five years ago, my boys were much smaller, so the roped off shallow end, the lifeguards on duty throughout the summer, and the family atmosphere added greatly to its appeal. Now that my kids are older and have become strong swimmers, I can kick back on the sand and enjoy the beautiful timber shores, or go for a swim myself. However, a tradition has developed. Every year, on the first day we swim at Honeysuckle Beach, someone asks, “How many laps do we have to swim to get a Paul Bunyan milkshake?”

Here is Ryan swimming with some friends at Honeysuckle Beach this morning.

I told these jokers they had to swim six laps for a milkshake.

Then, I told them I’d throw in a hamburger if they swam another lap.

They took me up on it.

The Dog Days of Summer

2010-07-10T16:42:00.000-07:00

Summers in North Idaho are typically hot and sunny, so many people, locals and tourists alike, head to Lake Coeur d’Alene to cool off and have some fun in the sun. Personally, I prefer the low key atmosphere of Hayden Lake. Now, don’t get me wrong. Lucy and I enjoy a good stroll along the boardwalk and Lake Coeur d’Alene is magnificent, but on a lazy Saturday afternoon, there’s nothing like slipping on your flip flops, grabbing your kids, your dog, and some ice cream bars and heading to Hayden Lake for a swim.

The boys coaxed the puppy into the water for her very first swim! Wow! Good girl, Lucy!

It was short lived though. She spent the rest of the afternoon with her wet, muddy head on my lap watching Andrew and his friend jump from a tree, swing out on a rope, and fall into the lake. Ahhh...the dog days of summer.

The Longest Floating Boardwalk In The World

2010-07-10T09:25:00.000-07:00

While my family was visiting from Washington and Nevada this week, I wanted to show off Coeur d’Alene’s claim to fame, so I took them on a stroll along the world’s longest floating boardwalk. Located at the Coeur d’Alene Resort, the boardwalk surrounds a lovely marina. It has a swinging gate for sailboats, a bridge for powerboat entry, and it offers great views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and Tubbs Hill. Built in 1986, the boardwalk is 3,300 ft. long and 12 ft. wide.

I decided to take Lucy along partially because I’m trying to train her to walk on a leash and partially because I don’t trust her to stay home alone. (You would not believe what a 9 week old Golden Retriever can do while barricaded in a kitchen with nothing but a dish full of water and a couple chew toys!) She is a celebrity down at the marina now. Men, women, teenagers, and children left their boats, hotels, and picnics to fuss over Lucy. One man, returnng to his boat, scooped her up, hugged her, kissed her, and stood and talked to me for almost an hour, sharing stories about the Golden Retrievers he has owned and giving me training advice. Finally, we said our goodbyes and as I watched him stagger back to his boat with the six pack of beer he’d been carrying, I wondered whether he’d ever owned a dog in his life. Either way, I had fun talking to him.

Go Fly A Kite

2010-04-17T18:08:00.000-07:00

This afternoon, from 12:00 to 3:00, was the 4th Annual Hayden Kite Festival at Broadmoore Park (off Honeysuckle and Atlas). Those who participated were eligible to win prizes for best flier, largest kite, smallest kite, and most unique. We didn't stay for the ceremony, but we did stay long enough for Andrew and Ryan to get their kites up into the air. So, with the sun warming our upturned faces and a moderate wind blowing, it was a lovely afternoon. I never did get my pirate ship to fly, but I got to admire all the kites diving and fluttering over the park with their colorful tails streaming behind them.

Broadmoore Park is a flat, open, grassy field perfect for kite flying, and now that I know about it, maybe I'll return. So, on the next Saturday when the wind is blowing, look up into the sky and maybe you'll see my pirate ship sailing over the park.

Fishing The Clearwater River

2010-04-11T13:18:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Idaho has more than 2,000 lakes, 16,000 miles of streams, and 39 species of game fish? It’s true. So, you would think that catching a fish would be as simple as closing your eyes and casting your line in any direction, right? Well, apparently not!

Yesterday, we got up bright and early, piled into the car with our new fishing poles, bobbers and jigs (Do I sound like I know what I’m talking about? That’s what the guy at the tackle shop told me we needed.), and drove more than two hours to the South Fork of the Clearwater River, just outside of Lewiston. I heard that March and April are the best months to fish for steelhead or salmon from the bank, and that this is a prime location, so I was hopeful. We did have a nice time enjoying the beautiful scenery and we got lots of practice casting our lines into the river, but guess how many fish we caught. Zip! Zilch! Nada! Nothing!

What are we doing wrong?

Sun Valley

2010-03-29T21:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so technically Sun Valley isn’t really in North Idaho at all. It’s a laid-back little town at the foot of the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains in Southern Idaho. But I just returned from a visit, so I’m going to cheat and write about it anyway.

As the story goes, in 1936, Averell Harriman, chairman of the board of Union Pacific Railroad and an avid skier, created the Sun Valley Resort as a way to fill his trains during the slow winter months. To entice visitors to stay for a while, he built the plush Sun Valley Lodge. From the beginning, it was a popular celebrity vacation spot. During my recent three night stay, I had the chance to study the photographs hanging in the main hallway of the lodge. They showed the faces of famous visitors like Ernest Hemingway, John F. Kennedy, Lucille Ball, Bette Midler, and Arnold Schwarzenegger, to name a few. Many of the pictures were of old time actors my grandparents would have known, but whose names escape me. I was interested to learn that while Bruce Willis and Demi Moore are no longer married, they each own a home in Hailey, just outside of Sun Valley. Actually, I was hoping I might run into them on the slopes so I could say, “Hey! Remember me?! I met you in New York City in 1989!”...but that’s a story for another day, I suppose.

The resort’s main mountain, Baldy, has a 3, 400 foot vertical drop.

Idaho didn't get as much snow this year as it usually does, so I wondered whether there would be skiing and snowboarding in Sun Valley, especially this late in the season, but my fears were put to rest by the world’s largest snow making system!

Andrew "shredding the gnar"

The first few times I went down the slope in this inner-tube I dragged my feet and tried to dig my heels into the snow to slow myself down. Then, everyone, including an employee of the resort, ganged up on me and yelled at me until I went down with my feet up. Oh my gosh! Do you remember the scene from Christmas Vacation where Clark Griswald sprays the bottom of his sled with cooking spray and takes off like a bullet? That was ME! I was a blur flying through the air, spinning in every direction!

Friday night, we took a 30 minute wagon ride from the lodge out to 73-year-old Trail Creek Cabin where we ate Idaho mountain trout and wild game by the fire.

When this accordionist stopped at our table and asked if we wanted to make a request, Andrew and Ryan were stunned. I tried not to giggle while he played his accordion a few inches from Andrew’s head and both boys sat motionless with their mouths half open not touching their food.

But the truth is I kind of loved it. I loved everything about Sun Valley. Of course I enjoyed staying at the lodge, and we had a blast skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, but I also liked the wagon ride, the rustic cabin, the cowboy food, and even the accordion music. Does that mean I'm a true Idahoan now?...Giddyup!

Coeur d'Alene Cellars

2010-03-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Recently, I learned that there are 40 wineries across the state of Idaho. Who knew?! And it turns out that four of them are right here in North Idaho! So, yesterday, I decided to pay our own Coeur d'Alene Cellars a visit.

I was looking forward to tasting their 2006 Envy Syrah and 2006 Boushey Vineyard Syrah because I read that Wine Spectator gave these wines scores of 90 and 92 points, respectively. And after trying the Envy Syrah, I have to agree. It really is wonderful! However, I can't give my opinion on the acclaimed Boushey Syrah as they did not have a bottle of it open for tasting. I've learned that taste in wine can be a very personal thing.

The production facility houses these gigantic stainless steel tanks where the white wines are fermented and aged. Most of the red wines are fermented in these tanks too, but then they are aged in oak barrels.

This was our tour guide. Doesn't she look like Alanis Morissette?

I tried some white wines, and then I tried some reds...and the next thing I knew, I was up on this barrel posing with a bottle!
Coeur d'Alene Cellars is located at 3890 North Schreiber Way, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83815 (208) 664-2336

Mineral Ridge Trail

2010-03-18T13:38:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful morning for a hike! Here I am at the top of Mineral Ridge Trail, enjoying one of the many gorgeous views of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the nearby mountains. I only wish that I had more pictures to post, but my camera died. Malia took this one with her phone. Thanks Malia!

Here's Jack and Malia. Jack was so tired after our hike that he fell asleep on my lap in the car on the way home.

This would be a great hiking trail for kids. It's 3.3 miles long with 22 markers along the way identifying natural features of Mineral Ridge. And there are many places with benches to stop and rest.

To get to Mineral Ridge Trail, take Exit 22 off I-90 (just east of Coeur d'Alene), then go south on ID-97 to Beauty Bay Recreational Area.

Shopping Along Sherman Avenue

2010-03-14T10:20:00.000-07:00

Coeur d'Alene's main street, Sherman Avenue, is lined with an excellent assortment of restaurants, galleries, and funky little shops. Whether you're hunting for antiques, interested in purchasing a piece of local art, or you just want to kick back with the morning paper and a cup of joe, you're likely to find something that interests you along Sherman Ave. Personally, my favorite haunts are Figpickels Toy Emporium, Christmas at the Lake, and Java on Sherman.

I'm not sure whether it's the old fashioned customer service, the fact that I have a thing for old buildings with creaky wooden floors and interesting architecture, or the nostalgia of the retro toys from the 70s, but when I step into Figpickels Toy Emporium, I almost feel like I'm stepping back in time.

You know you're approaching the store when you see this tin man waiting on the sidewalk to greet you.

This is Kylie. Like everyone who works at this family owned and operated store, she will go out of her way to provide every customer with excellent service.

I remember wandering into Figpickels one day when they were fairly busy. I was looking for a bag of those plastic army men we used to play with 35 years ago. They didn't have any more on the shelf, so even though it was only a $4.00 sale, the owner sent an employee to the warehouse to get a bag of those army men for me! That's the sort of thing they do to earn my loyalty.

Figpickels Toy Emporium 312 E. Sherman Ave Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208)667-2800

I'm also a huge fan of Christmas at the Lake. Over the weekend, I stopped in and chatted with owner, Mary Peak, who told me, "Every day is a holiday at this store. With over 30 themed trees and more than 20 nativities, it's always Christmas!" They not only carry heirloom glass ornaments made in Germany, and Italian nativities from Fontanini, but they feature hand carved and sculpted Santas from local artists as well.

They even offer wreath making classes. Isn't this one pretty?

The store also carries gifts and decorations for other holidays including Easter, Halloween, Thanksgiving, birthdays, weddings, and new baby.

Mary's dogs keep her company while she tends the store. Here's one of her little angels.

Christmas at the Lake 519 Sherman Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208) 667-2885

And as every girl from the general Seattle-Tacoma area knows, coffee is the elixir of life. I've probably sipped cups from every coffee house in Coeur d'Alene and Hayden, and let me just say, "Forget Starbuck's!" Step into Java on Sherman for a bowl of soul. If you order it to stay, this delicious chocolate coffee drink is served in a glazed clay bowl and topped with real whipped cream. Trust me. You will think you've died and gone to coffee heaven.

When the weather warms up, they move tables and chairs out onto the sidewalk. And because Java is located in the center of downtown Coeur d'Alene, this is a great place to people watch, especially during the summer when all the tourists are here.

Malia drinking hot chocolate at Java On Sherman

Java On Sherman 324 Sherman Ave. Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814 (208) 667-0010

All of the galleries, restaurants and shops along Sherman Avenue are within easy walking distance of The Coeur d'Alene Resort.

The Coeur d'Alene Resort

2010-03-11T14:41:00.000-08:00

If you are considering a visit to North Idaho, I may have put the cart before the horse by not yet mentioning The Coeur d’Alene Resort. This world class hotel is located right along the shore of beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene. It offers two great restaurants, a spectacular golf course, and a luxurious spa to name just a few of its lavish amenities.

As a local, I have never actually stayed overnight at the hotel, but I have heard again and again that it is fabulous! Yesterday, I decided to find out for myself, so with my camera packed into my purse, I headed downtown to do some investigating. As soon as I pulled up in front of the resort, a valet came running out. He was a charming young man, but as he drove off in my car, the valet scene from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off suddenly flashed through my mind. I remembered the valets gunning the engine in Cameron’s dad’s Ferrari and flying through the city with the top down to the theme song from Star Wars. I know that I don’t drive a Ferrari. It’s only a 4-Runner, but still!

I wasn’t entirely sure that the resort staff would be appreciative of a strange blond woman wandering the hotel, taking pictures and peeking into rooms, but I figured it couldn’t hurt to ask. And guess what. That’s all it took! The people at the front desk introduced me to a lovely woman named Stephanie Rydzon who graciously led me on a tour of the hotel and spa while answering all of my questions. I did take a few pictures, but Stephanie offered to email me some photos, so many of the photographs in today’s blog post are professional ones sent to me by the resort. (Thanks Stephanie!)

The hotel houses two restaurants. Beverly’s, on the seventh floor, overlooks the lake and is the resort’s main dining room. The chef at this 5 star restaurant uses fresh Northwest ingredients, and the wine cellar at Beverly’s contains the Pacific Northwest’s largest wine selection. For reservations, call (208) 765-4000, ext.23.

Golf Digest named the hotel’s golf course “America’s Most Beautiful Resort Golf Course”, and it’s famous for having the world’s only par 3 floating island green. Plus, an 18 hole round includes a complimentary sports massage and your group’s own caddy who will deliver your lunch to you in a picnic basket so that you don’t have to interrupt your game to eat.

Maybe spending the day being pampered at the resort’s spa is more your thing. Patrons can get a manicure, pedicure, have their hair done, and all while enjoying gorgeous panoramic views of the lake. Plus, in addition to the facials, massages, and other services offered at most spas, Spa Coeur d’Alene offers unique treatments infused with natural ingredients indigenous to North Idaho. These include a Spruce and Cedar Vitality Bath, a Forest Mineral Scrub, and a Mountain Lake Natural Spirulina Wrap.

After you’ve been massaged and manicured, you can go to the meditation room to drink huckleberry tea or wine by the fire and contemplate life.

At one point, during my spa tour, we passed by a closed door to a private barber area where women are not allowed. But Stephanie hooked me up with a picture of what was behind the secret no-girls-allowed-door! As she described it, it's “a Ferrari-red Italian leather barber chair, black leather wall paper, and a mirror with a TV built in!” In this private area of the spa, men can get haircuts, scalp massages, hot towel treatments, manicures, pedicures and shoe shines.

More than once, Conde Nast Traveler magazine has included the resort on its “Gold List” of the world’s best hotels, and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous listed it as one of America’s Top 10 Resorts.

When my tour was over, another valet brought my car to me… and no, I didn’t have to set my odometer back.

Skiing and Snowboarding Lookout Pass

2010-03-08T11:07:00.000-08:00

With 18 resorts, 94 lifts, and 704 runs, Idaho boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world! Whether you are a newbie or a seasoned veteran of the slopes, Idaho will give you a “run” for your money. And, speaking of money, you might be surprised that skiing is now more affordable than you think. All three North Idaho ski resorts are offering ski and snowboard packages that include lift tickets, rentals, and lessons. So, with Silver Mountain, Schweitzer, and Lookout Pass all within easy driving distance of Coeur d’Alene and Hayden, I had no excuses this year for not learning to ski.

This is Kaitlyn. We met her on the slopes at Lookout Pass. Could she possibly be any CUTER?! She’s only four years old, and I told myself, “If she can do it, I can do it.” Right?

The lady in the red helmet is Nancy, my ski instructor. She’s fantastic! Yesterday, after just three lessons, she had me swooshing down the slopes!

Andrew practicing his C-turn after his snowboarding lesson

Goodbye Lookout Pass! See you next year!

If you’re interested in skiing or snowboarding at Lookout Pass, their toll free number is (888) 512-0764. You can also find them at www.skilookout.com

Tubbs Hill

2010-03-06T14:09:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, while I was out shopping, I ran into a friend, and as women often do, we stood in the middle of the store blocking traffic while we covered a wide array of topics. My friend, Mary, has lived in Hayden for five years, her children attend school here, and she even owns a business in Coeur d’Alene with her husband. Imagine my shock when she told me that she had never hiked Tubbs Hill! So, this morning, with the sun finally peeking through the fog, we laced up our sneakers and headed up the hill.

Tubbs Hill is 120 acres of natural beauty located just southeast of downtown Coeur d'Alene. Accessible only by foot, a 3.5 mile trail circles the hill, which is surrounded by Lake Coeur d’Alene on three sides. The trail is steep and rocky in some places, so it can be a little treacherous, but the views of the lake and hillside are gorgeous and, for me, it’s a great workout! The trail begins on the west side of the hill, at the south end of Third Street. Small trails branch off from the main trail and lead to pocket beaches perfect for secluded picnic lunches in spring and summer months. If you follow the markers, you will stay on the main trail, wandering through green tunnels of trees, past beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene, enchanted by wildflowers that change with the seasons, and you will even pass over a small suspension bridge.

The hill was sprinkled with bright yellow Glacier Lilies and purple camas.

Even though we started early, around 8:00 a.m., we passed a few fellow hikers along the trail. Later today, the hill will see many more walkers and joggers chasing the first rays of spring. And when I make this same hike in a few months, I might see kids jumping from rocks and swimming in the lake.

When we finished the hike, Mary said, "Let's do this every Saturday!" ...I thought she might say that.

The Quintessential Hamburger Joint

2010-03-04T17:34:00.000-08:00

Today, I decided to bust Ryan, my 12 year old, out of school and take him to lunch. (I hope Principal Lien isn’t reading this.) Where did we go? Well, Hudson’s Hamburger’s, of course. Duh! If you live in this area, you probably already know that Hudson’s Hamburgers is the quintessential fast food restaurant of Coeur d’Alene. It all began as a lunch stand that Harley Hudson set up on Sherman Avenue in 1907. Over 100 years later, Hudson’s Hamburgers remains an institution. Many years ago, as evidenced by the photographs hanging on the walls, it evolved into the counter-only diner that it is today. This iconic hamburger joint has stayed in the Hudson family and is run today by Harley’s great grandson, Todd Hudson. Did I mention that the burgers are hand pressed and cooked right in front of you? Now, I might be prejudiced, but I think they make the best hamburgers. But be forewarned; they only make hamburgers, nothing else, so don’t ask for fries. That’s a dead giveaway that you’re not a local. Well, strictly speaking, I guess they do serve pie, and I found out today that they serve ham and egg sandwiches too. But come on! Who goes to Hudson’s for an egg sandwich? That’s just embarrassing! I recommend the double cheeseburger, and so does Ryan.

These are the famous sauces. I lined them up according to how hot they are: ketchup, spicy ketchup, and spicy mustard. I’m a freak for the spicy mustard, but then again I did live in Albuquerque for 14 years, so squirt at your own risk.

Hudson’s Hamburger’s is located at 207 E Sherman in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

Changing Misconceptions About Idaho

2010-03-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

Having grown up in Western Washington and then living in Albuquerque, New Mexico for 14 years, my most vivid impression of Idaho once came from the 1988 movie titled Moving, starring Richard Pryor. As you may remember, there was a scene in that movie where Arlo (Richard Pryor) announced to his family that he had taken a job and would be moving them to Idaho. Upon hearing this news, Arlo’s daughter protested, “I’m not moving to Idaho! No #@!%ing way!” Her father responded, “Hey! That’s a quarter in the swear jar, young lady!” Then, the daughter started putting money into the swear jar as she continued to speak. Little did I know, while I was laughing hysterically at that teenage girl’s misfortune, that I would one day be moving to the Gem State myself! I remember letting an acquaintance in Albuquerque know that we were moving to Idaho to which he responded, “Idaho, huh? I’ve never been that far east.”

Since then, I have changed my way of thinking. I've been converted, if you will. I now realize that the misfortune lies with those people who haven't yet discovered Idaho’s treasures, particularly those found in North Idaho. Since moving to Hayden (just outside of Coeur d’Alene) with my family in 2005, I have enjoyed exploring this region of the state, but I feel that there is so much that I haven’t seen or done yet. That’s why I’m starting this blog. My hope is that by writing about some of my excursions, both big and small, I will gain inspiration to continue wandering around North Idaho, and who knows? Maybe I will inspire other locals or even visitors from other states to wander our playground too!

Is there a place, event, or activity in North Idaho that you would like me to blog about? I would love to read your ideas. Please click on “comments” to leave your suggestions. Thanks!

avandia