Coeur d'Alene, ID - Oct. 5 - 12, 2008
After ten weeks of wandering around Washington, we turned east towards Blackwell Island RV Resort in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We were scheduled to meet Richard and Wayne in Melrose, Montana for flyfishing on October 21, so we had two weeks in the 'frozen north' before our rendezvous.
We spent two weeks at Blackwell Island Resort in August/September 2005 (see our previous travel here ) and absolutely fell in love with Coeur d'Alene. The resort is located on the Spokane River as it flows into Lake Coeur d'Alene, and is directly across the river from North Idaho College and the fabulous 90-mile-long Trails of the Coeur d'Alene bike path. We soon learned that August in northern Idaho is much different than October - winter comes early in this neck of the woods. Apparently, others were well aware of this phenomenon because the 182-site park had only about 5% occupancy. It seems the sane 'snowbirds' were heading south along with the Canada geese. In fact, the park closed for the season the day after we departed.
We must admit that due to the cool weather we hunkered down during much of our stay, but we did get out for several walks along the bike path visiting the downtown, marina, parks and neighborhoods. We still really like the region and find Coeur d'Alene with its many outdoor recreational opportunities, restaurants, galleries and bookstores charming. However, when we return it will be during the summer.
The Second Friday Art Walk took place while were there, so we bundled up, dined at a local restaurant and visited several of the excellent art galleries. We were impressed with the number of people out on such a chilly night - and, unlike us, they were not wearing hats, gloves, scarves, and ski jackets. We then realized that following the sun for four years has made our blood thin. Guess we best toughen up.
In the spirit of that 'toughening up' objective, on October 13th we headed for Garrison, Montana - where it was snowing.
