Amidst the stress, Tubbs still a place of peace

Tubbs Hill is beautiful.

Tubbs Hill with snow is more beautiful — and a run to the snow-covered summit even more so.

Sunday morning, with temperatures about 30 degrees, in need of a place of calm in the face of the coronavirus stress, I headed for Tubbs. In these icy winter conditions, it was certainly not to race the clock. This was about enjoying the spectacular scenery that starts at the Eastside entrance and continues with every step.

Early on, it was almost crowded.

I came across veteran runner Kris Olson-Wood, who stopped so we could talk and catch up on things and wonder if there would be a Bloomsday.

I met a woman walking two dogs, one about 10 months old, that leaped toward me in excitement, tail wagging, prompting its owner to apologize. No problem.

I exchanged “Good morning!” with a woman hiking with walking sticks.

After that, it was just me and Tubbs. And that is when I most love this place.

Magical is a word that comes to mind as I scrambled along the trail, over a bridge, up steep embankments, around boulders and down windy paths, hopping over rocks and roots. The white blanketing everything added to the trail’s tranquility.

Standing at the summit, I took a deep breath and surveyed my surroundings. I could feel the peace.

A minute later, I began to run down the hill. As I followed the trail, I glanced out toward Lake Coeur d’Alene. The blue water was dead calm. I ran on, for those moments, feeling blessed.

Tubbs Hill, as always, delivered what was needed.

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Bill Buley is assistant managing editor. He can be reached at bbuley@cdapress.com