On the Road - Day 43

Crossed from Montana into Idaho. Passed through the communities of Wallace (pop. 960 and the Silver capital of the world), Kellogg (pop. 2,395), and Coeur D'Alene (pop. 34,514). Also through Shoshone Territory, The Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway, the Idaho Panhandle National Forest and 4th of July Pass (3,069 feet).


We got into Coeur d'Alene around noon and headed to the Visitor Center. Across from it we could see the Lake Coeur D'Alene Cruises sign with a 12:30 departure time. So we parked and hustled over. Had a delightful 90-minute cruise of the northern section of the 25 mile long lake that included a narrative about the history, people and businesses connected to it. Watched boaters and some kids jumping in from high rocks. Special highlight was the "floating green" of a world famous golf course. The green can be moved from 75 to 175 yards away from the tee! Also a house perched on a large rock.






Once we landed we had a sushi lunch at the nearby Bonsai Bistro. From our table by the indoor koi pond we watched the fish and zippy turtles.









We went to Costco because we needed gas. After paying, Vance turned the key and "got nothing". Called the Good Sam Platinum Road Service for help. We waited for an hour and a half. Vance enjoyed directing people around the disabled RV, while Pat used the time to write postcards. Mobile One - Mo and Tracy - arrived and replaced the starter motor, some melted wiring, connections, and removed corrosion from the battery terminals. Then back on the road!


We had called my cousin Richard in Spokane with our ETA - had to call back with a later time. Arrived at Rich and Maria Washington's for a late dinner. Enjoyed getting to know their second family - Brendan, Iris, Lance and Lexie, and the dogs, too. After the kids were in bed we swam in their pool. It was a 99 degree day, so the water felt great.

Seen along the way: Sparkle Car Wash with a bay for Boat & RV wash (guess the dogs stay dirty in this town) -- Hitching Post, where a couple in Western outfits was getting married (this was in the Lakeside Chapel in Coeur d'Alene) -- Sign reading, " Two Mile Road - 1 mile" -- By the Way campground -- and Bates Motel (don't take a shower here! Remember Hitchcock's Psycho?)

Ended at 2421 E. 38th Avenue , Spokane, WA (Rich & Maria Washington's)
Odometer 61,791.6 (131.2) Total: 3736.2