COLUMN: Misses mark for tourists

In response to The Press issue of July 6, the weekly article by Kerri Thoreson (whose articles I rarely read) titled "A biking adventure not to be repeated" I found very interesting. Ms. Thoreson has become a somewhat self-imposed ambassador as well as critic to the events etc. of our area.

In reading this article about her recent trip to the Taft tunnel/Route of the Hiawatha, I did not understand her objective. The tunnel has been open for numerous years now, and anyone who lives in the area and has friends should know what to expect (a 20-minute dark tunnel ride at the beginning) when they set out on this trip.

We always group ourselves for the tunnel accordingly with the strongest flashlights in front. We have taken numerous people on the tunnel ride through the years and have found it a wonderful and totally different way to spend the day. It is always a highlight for guests when they visit; people love it! If you have issues with the dark, or aren't coordinated enough to handle pedaling a bike and taking pictures, then don't, especially with a "sheer drop off just a few feet away."

One of the highlights of this trip is the sheer magnitude of what it is, and how the trestles, and tunnels were built in extreme areas, they produce amazing views for miles around. So in touring the trails which we have found to be very safe and well maintained, one should respect them, use some common sense and caution.

The trail crews are always working on it, and have done a great job. In fact they send a team with repair and first-aid kits out on regular intervals throughout the day. I had to ask myself was this a positive article for someone to read who is considering spending badly needed tourist money in our area?

JIM UMMEL

Coeur d'Alene