SNAKE PIT: Say it ain't so, Joe

It is with saddened hearts that we, along with other families from the Silver Valley and Kootenai County, lament the possible demise of the Snake Pit in Enaville. There are so many memories associated with this unique and historical "resort." My family's most memorable one happened in July 2004.

My brother-in-law, Fred Hinz Jr., and his sister, Judy Nuxoll, were born in the Silver Valley and grew up in the small logging camp adjacent to the Snake Pit. Fred loved it there, doing all the things young boys do - exploring the vast expanse of forest, skipping rocks in the river, bringing home a string of fish or just lying on a bed of pine needles daydreaming.

After high school graduation and his two-tour contribution to the Vietnam War, Fred wanted to be no other place than his beloved North Idaho. Time passed. Fred married and became a loving father of three children. With the changes in mining and logging in the Silver Valley, there came a time when he needed to change his occupation, so he moved his family to Coeur d'Alene - but not his heart. It remained in that little area called Enaville where he was raised.

Unfortunately on June 25, 2004, after a courageous battle with leukemia, Fred passed away. Just prior to his passing, in one of his quiet times, he asked me if I would see to it that a wreath be placed in the North Fork of the Coeur d'Alene River to be floated down from the Snake Pit area and hopefully into Lake Coeur d'Alene. He was very specific - it would be dark green for Idaho; red, white and blue ribbon for his country; a red rose for his love, Patti Elie Hinz; three pink roses for his children - Michael, Kristine and Jeff; five yellow roses for his grandchildren - Tristan, Victoria, Trey, Anneliese and Stellan; and Baby's Breath for other family and friends. Then after the "floating" we were to go to the Snake Pit, see Joe, and have a platter of Rocky Mountain Oysters in memory of Fred.

On Monday, July 5, our family and close friends honored Fred's request. It was bittersweet, full of memories, laughs and tears. Yes, we honored Fred and all had those Rocky Mountain Oysters (some of us, like me, only had a bite, though). Joe Peak, although very busy (it was Fourth of July weekend), had time to scoop the Huckleberry ice cream, share memories, laughs and tears with us.

Thanks, Joe, for the memories. God is holding you and Rose Mary in the palm of His hand.

LUELLA STILLEY

Coeur d'Alene