Coeur d'Alene, ID

I peeked out the window at work and saw the sun setting around 4pm… winter was here. After I had completed my day at work, I walked to my car only to be greeted by wind gusts so piercing I thought I was about to summit the top of a mountain… again winter was here.

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.

The Local Market CdA continues its’ journey throughout the winter months, every Saturday through April 11-3. Many of the same vendors as the KC Farmer’s Market. You’ll find hormone and antibiotic-free beef and lamb, wild-caught salmon, squash and apples, freshly made bread, pasta, salsa, tofu, and hummus. Enjoy your choice of home-made jams, fresh eggs, and honey as well. Santa, crafts and face painting for the kids. Live music, warm cider, and lots of quality crafters is what you’ll find at 210 Sherman Ave, the Plaza Shops across the street from the Resort. Free parking (2 hrs), across the street, at the Tubb’s Hill/ Resort parking.208-659-4213 or www.thelocalmarketcda.com

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.

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 family and I recently joined the ranks of hundreds of hikers and walkers nationwide who have hiked to the Elk Creek Falls. The falls are located in Clearwater National Forest about 3 miles south of the town of Elk River, where there are some great camping spots. They are a relatively easy hike and the three trails lead you to the upper, middle and lower falls; he total combined height of which is an impressive 300 feet.

Rathdrum, just 14 miles northwest of Coeur d’Alene is a great little town and they have a wonderful city park. While visiting family we took our children to the park to get some of their energy out and found the park to be not only fun, but really pretty.

When it is hot outside sometimes you just crave a little ice cream. I have found that the best and most inexpensive ice cream around can be found at the Washington State University Creamery. Not only does the creamery sell ice cream in Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe, but they also sell the cheese that is made on site with milk from WSU’s Knotts Dairy.