It’s beautiful (and muddy) off the beaten path
We’ve always enjoyed vacationing in our own “backyard” along with everyone who’s fortunate to live in this little corner of paradise. Especially in 2020, when even regional getaways are more of a challenge, am I appreciating how much access we have to lakes, rivers, mountains that are all vacation-worthy.
This past weekend for Father’s Day Bert’s choice of a getaway was tent camping on the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River and off-roading with friends on the surrounding mountain trails. I’m more of a hotel with a pool and room service kind of gal but the primal experience of sleeping in a tent is doable on occasion. Breakfast cooked on a cookstove overlooking the river tastes so much better than breakfast anywhere else.
Other than the huge deluge of rain that fell late afternoon and early evening on Saturday it was a good weekend. And for the record Coleman’s guarantee that their tents are waterproof is a true statement.
For the first time I joined Bert off road in his side-by-side. We’ve cruised around town together but that’s far different than riding shotgun over 50 miles of logging roads up to an elevation of over 5,000 feet. These old bones of mine were thoroughly rattled by day’s end.
But the bonus of getting off the beaten path is the stunning scenery and vistas that simply can’t be experienced on paved roads. Seeing acres and acres of charred timber that had succumbed to a forest fire in the Grizzly Mountain area of the Coeur d’Alene National Forest in recent years was hauntingly beautiful. At the same time it was hopeful as there’s so much lush green re-growth already. The forest encompasses 1,135 square miles and is a real gem.
My Father’s Day weekend takeaway is that it’s good to get outside your comfort zone and off the beaten path. I also learned that my husband of 34 years cannot resist mud puddles and there were some good ones to splash through spectacularly. The things we do for love.
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So many events have either been canceled, abbreviated or rescheduled ... and since I do love parades I did a check around the area to see what’s on the calendar. I’m happy for the 10th year to be in the announcer’s skybox for Coeur d’Alene’s July Fourth parade on Sherman Avenue. No fireworks show this year but the parade and Festival in City Park are happening. Info: www.cdachamber.com
The July 3 Kiddie Parade is hosted by the City of Coeur d’Alene Recreation Department. Info: www.cdaid.org, 208-769-2300
There won’t be a parade this year but the Post Falls Festival takes place on July 10 and 11, Info: postfallsidaho.org, 208-773-0539
Rathdrum Days festivities, including a parade, are July 17 and 18. Info: rathdrumchamber.com 208-687-2866
Hayden Days are July 24 and 25 and will also include a parade. For a full listing of activities: www.cityofhaydenid.us, 208-772-2866
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There’s also some confusion from when the Coeur d’Alene Chamber announced there would be no fireworks show on the Fourth this year. Fireworks stands are opening in the state from June 23 to July 5. There will no doubt be neighborhood fireworks as usual. Just a reminder to respect the noise ordinances in your town, which are for the most part to cease loud noises after 10 p.m. Another reminder is to dispose of the fireworks debris the morning after. Set a good example for the kids during your celebrations this year.
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Happy birthday today to Jim Reynolds, Kathy Bush, Kimi Coles, Rhonda Ellis, Ian Sadler, John Phelps, Sara Wegner and Laura Lahr. Tomorrow Joann Hildebrant, Bill Reagan, Mikki Stevens, Patty Vogt, Addison Johnson, Jim Guy, Jan Olsen, Angela Mort, Connie McGee, Kylie Gibson, Shanda Johnson, Sally Mackin and Megan Ownbey celebrate another trip around the sun.
Sam Davis, Kit Hoffer, Rick Rasmussen, Alecia Warren, Shannon Fish, Chloe Hutter, Ben Wolfinger, Karen Hanson, Cathleen O’Connor, Sheryl Snyder and Ernie Hunt blow out the birthday candles on Friday. Saturday Trigger Weddle, Todd Banducci, Gayle Bolton, Leslie White, Scott Hamilton, Terri Mercer, Cherry Jones, Nathan Gubbe and John Goodlander put on their dancing shoes. On Sunday Luke Thoreson, Gene Tillman, Connie Gridley, Dave Stutzke, Janet Smith, Cherry Jones, Jack Danelson and Sheryl Sipe put on their party hats.
On Monday Jessica Zazueta, Brandan Stone, Neil Conner, Kiley Archer, Monty Danner, Krystal Gordillo, Kiley Nick, Lyndon Harriman and Carolyn Havens celebrate. On the last day of June birthdays will be marked by Patty McGinnis, Kyle Rutley, Terry Williams, Katie Disney, Kimberly Carlson and Rosie Brown.
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Kerri Rankin Thoreson is a member of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the former publisher of the Post Falls Tribune. Main Street appears every Wednesday in The Press and Kerri can be contacted on Facebook or via email mainstreet@cdapress.com. Follow her on Twitter @kerrithoreson.