Pictures of the Week 2010-7
Hello All,
Since Spokane Valley, WA, is only about 15 miles from the Idaho border, we used it as a home base for exploring the Idaho panhandle. Rates for accommodations in Spokane Valley were far more reasonable than those in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. While Coeur d’ Alene is a beautiful town it also tends to be a bit touristy and the motel rates reflect the same.
Our main focus in northern Idaho was to explore the town of Coeur d’ Alene. With a population of 44,000 it is a mecca for tourists and retirees alike. In addition to the sheer scenic beauty there are many varied activities available to satisfy almost any palette--golf, hunting, fishing, snow skiing, water sports, hiking & biking trails just to name a few. And for those who hunger for artistic culture there are top-drawer art galleries, live theater, symphonies and other musical events right in town.
A cold front moved through the area overnight bringing rain with it. However, by mid morning the clouds were starting to clear and the sun was peeking through. So to Coeur d’ Alene we went. The downtown streets have huge baskets of petunias hanging from historic type street lamp poles. And, many businesses have pots and planters overflowing with them. Talk about color, with an amazing fragrance---it was quite lovely.
Since Spokane Valley, WA, is only about 15 miles from the Idaho border, we used it as a home base for exploring the Idaho panhandle. Rates for accommodations in Spokane Valley were far more reasonable than those in Coeur d’ Alene, ID. While Coeur d’ Alene is a beautiful town it also tends to be a bit touristy and the motel rates reflect the same.
Our main focus in northern Idaho was to explore the town of Coeur d’ Alene. With a population of 44,000 it is a mecca for tourists and retirees alike. In addition to the sheer scenic beauty there are many varied activities available to satisfy almost any palette--golf, hunting, fishing, snow skiing, water sports, hiking & biking trails just to name a few. And for those who hunger for artistic culture there are top-drawer art galleries, live theater, symphonies and other musical events right in town.
A cold front moved through the area overnight bringing rain with it. However, by mid morning the clouds were starting to clear and the sun was peeking through. So to Coeur d’ Alene we went. The downtown streets have huge baskets of petunias hanging from historic type street lamp poles. And, many businesses have pots and planters overflowing with them. Talk about color, with an amazing fragrance---it was quite lovely.
Coeur d’ Alene sits on the
north shore of a huge lake by the same name. While the lake is only 32 miles
long it has over 50 square miles of water surface due to its many arms and
bays. It is a natural lake formed by glaciers some 600,000 years ago. The depth
is unknown.
A boat race was scheduled on the lake for the weekend we were there. As the weather cleared more and more people started coming out to enjoy the sun. It was fun strolling around the waterfront looking at the various boats exhibited.
A boat race was scheduled on the lake for the weekend we were there. As the weather cleared more and more people started coming out to enjoy the sun. It was fun strolling around the waterfront looking at the various boats exhibited.
Here is an old woody that was
also on display. It was in pristine condition. Looks like a 38 Ford.
Swimmers, boaters, and
sunbathers were soaking up the sun.
There are charter boats and
float planes for hire that offer half and full day scenic trips around the
lake. We chose not to take one as we took a full day trip a few years ago. In
our opinion the narrated trips are well worth the money.
After strolling around town
for a few hours we decided to hop back in the car and drive the Lake Coeur d’
Alene Scenic Byway. It was a lovely drive that consumed the remainder of the
day. We made stops here and there to take it all in. One such stop was Beauty
Bay Recreation Area where we hiked to an observation point that overlooked one
of many bays on the lake.
While in the area we made day
trips to the surrounding towns and lakes in northern Idaho. We also caught up
on the necessities of life like paying bills and doing laundry--boring!
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns