Coeur d'Alene, ID

t was foggy and cold today, not optimal photography weather. Not optimal walking around weather either, if you’re not wearing gloves. My fingers nearly froze in the first 5 minutes. But that was because we were enthralled by the sight. Eagles flew around us two or three at a time, dipping down to the water, grabbing the fish that were belly up at the surface. Seagulls followed suit, and every now and then would end up in a diving match with an eagle to see who would catch the dead fish first. Even the ducks got in on the act, scouting along the surface of the water like a vacuum cleaner, scarfing the fish up in their bills.

Luckily, the owner of Percival Carriages, and horse carriage-driver is my father-in-law, and I had a chance to take a peaceful carriage ride out in Wolf Lodge. It was literally soothing enough to put a four month old to sleep. Apparently, the locals and tourists have had enjoyed the rides as much as I have, because I hear some days the lines can get rather long

The holidays are coming. Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations are hung from nearly every home with care, and the streets of downtown are transforming into a winter wonderland. Such a dazzling time of year. Before the locals know it our famous boardwalk will be lit up with waving Santas and jolly snowmen, and Coeur d’Alene will be celebrating it’s annual Resort Holiday Light Show. Last year, it was a proud moment of Coeur d’ Alene’s to receive an acknowledgement from Good Morning America to be one of the best light shows in the nation.
Friends and I joke that people come out of the hills to attend this, and the annural Car Show in July. Parking is nearly impossible. However, if I find a spot my first venture is off to the boardwalk. It’s nearly ¾ of a mile long, afloat, and sparkling with all sorts of holiday decorations. I love taking in all the beauty of the Christmas lights, yet I also find myself noticing the beauty of families spending time together.

It was time for the yearly rivalry of the University of Idaho’s Vandals and the Boise State Broncos to play. My friend, a somewhat prideful Boise State fan decided that we would all jump in the truck and head down to watch the game this year

mmediately upon arriving we could see that it would be a wonderful spot. It was beautiful and although it was already fall the grass was still mostly green. The colors did abound as the trees abandoned their golden glittering leaves to the autumn wind. It was a perfect opportunity to point out to our youngest children why we call this season “Fall”.

Coeur d’ Alene’s Local Market has gone indoors. It’s about time. Now while we’re browsing through the Shopping Plaza (at Finan McDonald I almost bought a new hat to replace my 25-year-old crusher, and our 16-year old got starry-eyed at the wedding shop), we can step out into the corridor and buy a bag of apples or a slab of salmon, sample a bit of hummus, enjoy a massage, or even pick up a seasonal wreath.

We left our house in Broadmoore Estates and took the bike trail down Atlas Road. The one big benefit with all the new construction going on now was that we had a bike trail that went from Hayden Avenue all the way to the new Prairie Trail just south of the gun club and north of Kathleen Avenue. The two little ones were awesome in the trailer and I had the two older boys prepare a lunch for us, and yes Daddy had to carry that too. The trail is all downhill to Riverstone Park, and it was easy going. I was pretty sure though that the ride back was not going to be as easy.

The diverse beauty along the trail is worth exploring along with watching for the abundant wildlife. I’ve personally seen bears on the trail and moose, and have rollerbladed next to a Whitetail Deer for a few hundred feet, before she figured out how to get away from me. There are beaver and muskrats and an assortment of birds and raptors to keep the user entertained. Different times of the day adds new excitement and a new experiences like I am riding the trail for the first time.

The park had quite a few attractions to keep kids (and adults) of all ages having fun. There was a lazy river where you just grab a tube and float around the flowing current that goes in a big circle. This can be very relaxing as long as you don’t run into one of the many waterfalls located on the sides or get splashed by kids running by in the water without a tube (which can be fun too). There is also a younger children’s play area located above the lazy river that has very shallow water and multiple areas for kids to play and get squirted (including 2 mini waterslides that adults can go on too). In addition to these, there are also 3 waterslides located on an upper level, one that involves up to 4 people riding in a big raft down a waterslide.

My friends and I had decided to go garnet hunting so we all got together one summer day and headed over to Emerald Creek. I stepped out of the car near the garnet area and saw a sign “welcome rockhounds”. Although I do not consider myself a rockhound, I was there to do some hunting for garnets.