Sand Point, ID

So I took a small tour of the back country while in Idaho. I started in Coeur d'Alene and worked my way up to Sand Point. Coeur d'Alene is beautiful in it's own right! It is nestled in the foothills, so is surrounded by trees. It boasts several good-sized recreational lakes, along with multiple top-rated golf courses. It's Main Street is quaint and walkable with various art and tourist-type shops, not to mention the restaurants. My favorite restaurant is the Cedars. If sits on the river with almost 360* views. The plank Salmon is to die for!
I left Coeur d'Alene and headed north on HWY 95 towards Rathdrum. Then off to Spirit Lake via HWY 41. The lake was gorgeous! Most of the shoreline was dotted with homes and cabins. the road was paved and there is a public boat launch and picnic area at the entrance to the canyon. The water was very calm and the surrounding countryside reflected on its surface in splendid color. I would assume the fishing is awesome if looks mean anything.
From Spirit Lake, I traveled north on 41 until I came to Dufort Road and I followed this through the countryside until I was back on HWY 95. Then it was a clear shot to Sand Point.
Upon entering Sand Point, you cross the Pend Oreille Lake, which is magnificent. It stretches through and around mountains of pinion and wild grasses for approximately nine miles.
I stopped in Arlos, which is a New York style Italian restaurant (I really only needed to use the restroom) I ordered a glass of wine, then felt obligated stay for dinner. The owners tom and Lisa Guscott were very friendly. I got a tour of the place, including their resident mom and pop geese (mom was actually sitting in a flower box on the deck protecting a couple of eggs!).
The food was good. The atmosphere fun (they have a guy named John Kelley play guitar and sing in the evening. Kind of a reggae, blues kind of music. He has a great voice. I would recommend this place if you want to eat in a quaint, semi-quiet food joint.

Rain and Sleet and Hail and Cold Weather!

So today I flew into Spokane, WA. What a dismal and cold day! I left temps in the 60's to come into 45 temps, rain, hail- BURRRRRRR.

I spent a little time driving the city (looking for grocery stores). My VZNavigation quit once (This seems to happen every trip at least once- I guess it loses a signal.) You would think that a GPS type system would work anywhere?? Go figure.
I am staying in town at the Double tree. It is right in the center of the city's event center, and borders the river. There are walking trails and benches along the river for those who choose to jog or walk, or just sit and enjoy the sound of the city. If you have a convention at the center, this isn't a bad place to stay and you are right on top of it. You can walk to restaurants (but the hotel has a Spencer's Steak House- so why would you go anywhere else?). I have a convention type show here this week, so it seemed like a great place to stay. The hotel is OK- nothing special everything is clean and neat, but an average hotel.

I am looking forward to tomorrow, since I will have time to motor around all day and see some of the terrain. I am hoping the weather will get better and the temps will rise about 15 degrees.
Will add some more info about Spokane tomorrow--ta-ta!