Scenic Idaho

We took the designated Scenic Highway 3 to get a closer look at the beautiful and varied Idaho countryside in the Coeur D'Alene area. We were not disappointed, to say the least. The weather was overcast and at times drizzled on us. We chose a portion of the Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes that bordered the lake, beginning near Harrison. We were hoping that the weather would clear a little for the bike ride, but since there was no lightning we forged ahead.

The trail was an easy ride with hardlly any distinguishable grade difference at all.

We stopped several times under the most protective trees to wait out the heavier showers.

As we ended our ride of about 5 miles, the showers cleared quite a bit but we were soggy and ready to go into Coeur D'Alene. We had discovered the downtown playground earlier and had promised the boys we would return.

The Kiwanis club had coordinated a community effort to build this fantastic playground about 12 years ago. Everything is in wonderful condition (even the public restrooms) and we were so pleased to see such a successful community project. Each picket in the surrounding fence subtly records the name of individuals, businesses and groups that contributed to the effort. A plaque noted that 2000 volunteers had completed the actual construction in 5 days! Way to go Coeur D'Alene and Kiwanis!

The setting is indescribably peaceful with huge trees and spring green grass. Oh - and Lake Coeur D'Alene borders the park - just another aesthetic feature!

Birthday Fun

August brings a birthday celebration for our family, so we set aside studies and 'field trips' to take notice of this special occasion! We were in a lovely park in Osburn, Idaho that bordered the Trail of the Coeur D'Alenes. For 72 miles, a former railway has been converted into a scenic paved bike trail. Another more challenging trail is also nearby, the Hiawatha Trail - named for the Hiawatha Railroad which was named for, well....Hiawatha. That trail is gravel and some longer grades, tunnels and high trestles crossings. While exciting, it also has a significant fee to ride.

We elected to take the easier trail toward nearby Wallace. We had seen signs for huckleberry milkshakes and had to check it out. The birthday boy was very much in favor!

A rather eclectic spot, the boys elected for Dr. Pepper floats while Craig and I sampled the huckleberry ice cream. Huckleberries are apparently consist of blueberry color and raspberry sweetness and makes into great ice cream.

We rode very literally toward the sunset along the tree lined trail. This section was never far from the highway, so we never felt as if we were in the countryside.

When we arrived at the camper, dinner was put together quickly so that we could get to another treat. Thankfully, for our waistlines, birthdays aren't every day! The birthday boy's choice was a large chocolate, chocolate chip cookie with chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, and embellished with caramel and chocolate sauces. Very rich! No one was able to finish their portions after the earlier ice cream treats but it was a nice end to a really nice day!

Oh no - we're not finished celebrating just yet!

The celebration continued with a trip to an amusement park in Coeur D'Alene. Triple Play park has bowling, go carts, bumper boats, climbing walls, laser tag, indoor and outdoor miniature golf an arcade and an indoor water park. We skipped the water park portion, but thorough immersed ourselves in the other activities.

The boys were completely exhausted and were sore the next day from the climbing wall, but it was another fun day.

So, having celebrated pretty exhaustively for two days, we prepared for returning to studies and sight seeing for the remainder of our Idaho stop.