JIM AND CATHY VISIT NORTH IDAHO
Virginia's sister, Cathy, and husband came for a visit the second week of July. We had beautiful weather and a wonderful time visiting and touring around this gorgeous area. They stayed at the Log Spirit Bed and Breakfast in Athol, about six miles from our Park. We enjoyed sitting around the campfire in the evening. Kurt put his wood fire grilling to the test by making chicken and baked potatoes one evening on the fire ring.
Cabinet Gorge Dam on the Clark Fork
Cathy and Mac
On Wednesday, we took a six hour cruise on Lake Coeur D'Alene. This full day cruise took us the entire length of the lake into the St. Joe River. We cruised down the St. Joe about 5 miles. From our boat we saw many animals, including bald eagles, osprey, white pelicans, western grebes, raccoons and deer. The weather was a bit overcast, but perfect for sitting up on the top deck. We still managed to get slightly sunburned.
Ship coming into port.
We brought our own picnic lunch on board.
St. Joe River is the highest navigable river in the world.
This bridge across the St. Joe river is part of the 72 mile Trail of Coeur d'Alene. This paved trail follows the closed Union Pacific Rail Line between the towns of Mullen and Plummer.
RIDE THE HIAWATHA
On our 42nd wedding anniversary we wanted to do something special. So we took a second ride of the Ride The Hiawatha. This 15 mile rail-to-trail is considered the "Crown Jewel" of bike trails. This trail includes 10 tunnels and 7 sky high steel trestles. The best part, it is all downhill with a gentle grade of 1.6%. The trail drops about 1,000 feet through the Loop Creek Canyon within the Bitterroot Mountains. The trail is maintained by Lookout Pass Ski & Recreation Area on US National Forest Service land.
We rode this trail two years ago and really enjoyed it and knew we needed to repeat this wonderful adventure. We rented trail bikes from Lookout Pass and they delivered them to the trailhead for us. These included helmets and powerful headlights.
Beginning our ride with a 1.6 mile ride through the St. Paul Pass Tunnel. (Dark, Cold, Wet, Long)
Stopping for a picnic lunch.
Everywhere you look is a beautiful view.
One of the long trestles below.
One of the short tunnels.
High above the valley on one of the trestles.
Bus to take us back up to the first tunnel, St. Paul Pass. Only 30 minutes by bus.
The bus lets us out at the east side of the St. Paul Pass Tunnel. We reclaim our bikes and ride back through to the parking lot. We both felt this last 1.6 miles in our seats.
AROUND THE BRIG
Brig Courtyard
Hudson Car Rally in July
We never saw so many Hudsons.
We had a wonderful summer at Farragut State Park. We will miss this outstanding area.
