Reggie, Rose Lake and a river
By BILL BULEY
Staff Writer
ROSE LAKE — For a quick getaway to stunning beauty and much-needed serenity, drive about 20 minutes east. There, you’ll find the exit to Rose Lake.
Take it.
On sunny, late Saturday afternoon, my wife and I, with dog Reggie along, of course, took a drive just to get out and go somewhere. A friend had told me about hundreds of white swans at Rose Lake and said they were a must-see, so off we went.
We found the lake after a brief stop at the Conoco store for Irish Death.
We did not find swans.
No matter.
It was still relaxing and invigorating to survey the lake, the mountains, the clouds, the trees, and think, “Yes, we’re lucky to live here.” This is North Idaho. This is why we love it here.
Some folks were casting lines off the dock. Looked like one of those moments you treasure, a dad teaching a son the art of fishing. I didn’t really want to bother them so we watched. It looked like a good time. And that’s we could all use now.
Admittedly, it’s hard to encourage everyone to have fun when so many are scared of the coronavirus and staying home, businesses are closing, jobs are being lost and streets are barren.
But a stop Rose Lake, and a quick visit to Bull Run Lake, provided normalcy, at least for a few hours. We took a walk on the The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes and tossed the stick into the Coeur d’Alene River for Reggie, who, on the third toss stopped at the shore and stared at the stick floating a few feet beyond, as if to say, “Ah, that water is close to freezing. If you want that stick so bad, you get it.”
He relented and got it, but I got his message, too. I didn’t throw the stick into the river again.
Time to go.
As the sun faded, we headed back to the car. A shivering Reggie jumped in the back. I felt bad for him so I cranked the heater as we headed home.
Next time, it will be my turn to jump in the river and get the stick.
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Bill Buley is assistant managing editor of The Coeur d’Alene Press. He can be reached at bbuley@cdapress.com