The original idea behind buying some property was twofold – have an additional investment as well as a place that could provide a getaway opportunity. The big question was where.
Our search parameters were to find a place outside of California, at least 40 or more acres, off-grid, and reasonably accessible. At the time we started our search Yvonne’s former co-worker and friend John Cavanaugh had recently moved to Boise, Idaho, and we were due for a trip. John and his wife Linda had found and beautiful home in Boise, and of course was a great value compared to homes in the San Francisco area.
After a few email exchanges we were all set. We would fly to Boise and see John and Linda then head north, and eventually fly home from Spokane. Neither of us had been to Idaho, but it had mountains and trees which were two items on our list of wants. John recommended that we look at the McCall area, and we wanted to explore Coeur d’Alene and environs. We were on our way.
We hit McCall on a windy day, and it was a very pretty area with a beautiful lake. It had a nice small town feel, and kind of reminded me of a place like Jackson Hole. We stayed at a very nice hotel in town, and had a chance to walk around a bit. It was definitely an area of interest for us, but wasn’t necessarily that “this is it” spot we were looking for. So back in the car and heading north.
We continued up the left side of Idaho figuring we would see those famous potatoes somewhere. Didn’t happen. Lots of wheat and cattle but no spuds. Have to admit it was a little disappointing. As we got farther north it became a more rustic with wilder rivers and more granite beginning to show. I was waiting to see Lewiston, and wanted to go through Maries. Also looked forward to a stop on the Nez Perce reservation to see where Chief Joseph’s people ended up.
After a long day’s ride we pulled into Coeur d’Alene, and got situated at their big hotel on the lake. A great setting with exquisite views of the lake and conveniently located so we could walk wherever we wanted to go. It was immediately apparent this was a popular tourist spot with wooden boat tours, parasails, and a fair amount of entertainment. One of the nights there we ended up having dinner at a great little Italian spot over by the Wolf Creek arm of the lake. Had to drive to that one but the scenery didn’t disappoint. We really enjoyed staying in CdA, but wanted to go up to Sandpoint and check that out.
There is a significant difference between Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene. To me Sandpoint is probably what CdA was twenty-five years ago. No touristy feel to it at all. It just seems like a nice small town, with a few nice restaurants and of course Lake Pend Oreille. The mountains drop right down to lake level, and while they aren’t as majestic as the Sierra Nevada they have their own special allure.