Buffaloed and lollygagging 
July 30, 2017

Such a straightforward plan it was: rent a space at the buffalo ranch near Tom & Pam's cabin for a visit of several days.  The renowned Robert Burns said it well: "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley".  Well, our plans definitely went aft a-gley.

We found our way up the narrow winding road to the buffalo ranch alright, although the proprietor did not answer the phone when we called to determine exactly where we were to go.  We arrived alright, although there was still no sign of what, where or how and no one of whom to inquire.  Finally, in a billowing cloud of dust there emerged a commercial truck whose driver was cordial but unable to help.

Eventually, we discovered that the buffalo ranch's mistress was away on an errand; via phone, she explained that we were to go back down the road a ways and enter another driveway that would take us to our relegated overflow space.

I am here to tell you: if anyone ever suggests that you go into the "overflow" space - run, run away as fast as you can.  

In that case, the "full-hookup pull-through spaces" were not all they were touted to be.  Three spaces: a trailer on one side using the water from our assigned spot.  On the other side was a derelict wreck with flat tires, clearly uninhabitable, with upside-down buckets weighted by concrete blocks on the roof to stop leaks.

Still game (or maybe it was desperate), we pulled in amidst thick clouds of dust from commercial trucks exiting past the space and checked the power pedestal.  Hmmm. . . pedestal yes, power no.  That left us with no water and no power, but by jumpin' jiminy, we had a sewer hookup.

Another view from the overflow space.  Very handy for anyone in need of old tires.

Phone calls later, we were told the electrician forgot to put in the breaker for our space but he would do so sometime that afternoon.  So as we sat in the sweltering trailer (couldn't stay outside because of the dust and couldn't put out the slides or use the a/c), I called "uncle" - there was no way on this green earth I was staying there, no matter what.  After we and Tom & Pam researched the very few alternatives; we made a reservation to stay in an electric-only slot at the local casino.  Sayonara buffalo ranch!

When we arrived at the casino, more magillah: others had beat us to the punch and pirated themselves into reserved places, so we had to wait until they were booted out and at last we were "home" on the parking lot after being "buffaloed at the buffalo ranch", as Pam put it.

Lest anyone think it was a totally terrible experience, I include a not-very-good picture of a California quail family with more than 20 offspring.  The parents and an uncle were doing a bang-up job of herding the babies across the road.

Wildlife . . .

What a surprise we had on a walk at the casino when we came upon thousands of tiny toads migrating across the road from a grassy-banked pond to a golf course.  Clearly not their best survival technique, the ones that made it up and over two curbs and across two roads were then subject to golf course grooming procedures.  There were so many that it looked like popcorn popping up out of the grass; however, after the mower and blower, I suspect there were few survivors.  One must wonder why they leave what seems like an ideal environment to set off into the wilderness . . .

Spotting black cats lounging in the window of a motor home reminded me of our sweet Rowdy, who liked to travel with us.

Lollygagging at the lake . . .

As much as we enjoy meeting new folks, there truly is nothing quite as wonderful as spending time in the company of old friends.  Tom & Pam were spending time at their cabin on Lake Coeur d'Alene (known locally as CDA) and we were fortunate that our schedules matched for some time together.

The lake is a long irregularly shaped body of water: clear and wonderful for swimming off the dock and beautiful to behold.

The view from the deck.

Contemplating the view from the cabin's deck (above) and from the dock (below). 

Yes, we can, and we did! . . .

Generous neighbors offered the use of their paddle boards; of course we took advantage of their kindness and decided to give it a try.  Pam & I went first, and I have to admit I thought I was never going to manage an upright stance on the wobbly platform . . .

. . . but after several tries, I did not bring shame to my tribe - I joined her in putzing around, although without her ease.

 The fellers did well at their turn.

Getting on and getting off were the most problematic parts of the excursion.

 Later, the captain took us on a lovely cruise downstream on the shadowy St. Joe, a river of awesome tranquility . . .

. . . where we saw lots of osprey,

crossed under the old railroad bridge,

and picnicked on the water.

After lunch, there was a need for dessert, so Captain Tom turned us the other direction and took us upriver to the quaint lakeside town of Harrison, where we dined on huckleberry ice cream.

We spared our legs by opting not to hike the up-and-down slopes of the cute town, although an antique and what-not shop near the wharf got some of our money after we were awed in the art gallery and I enjoyed the vintage buildings and painted grange-side advertisement.

In and amongst lots of love and laughter, Chris & Tom managed to get some chores done.

More wildlife . . .

Deer are accustomed to people in that neighborhood and wander freely through yards.

as do snakes, evidently.  I was startled when this black creature silently slithered across my path.

And speaking of paths: the foot trails down to the cabin and thence down to the water are very steep.  In order to compensate and continue to access his cabin despite health issues, their very clever neighbor, Dave, installed a spiffy mechanism that takes him up and down slope with no effort on his part.  We trudged and slipped and slid instead.

Another unusual sight buzzed by us over the water - an ultralight, also known as a crazy person sitting on a lawn chair powered by a lawn mower motor and suspended from a kite.

Spokane, the old carousel . . .

We had more real treats when our hosts showed us the sights in Spokane, where Pam once resided and worked.  One of our primary goals there and positively the most exciting was the Riverfront Park carousel, built in 1909.  Pam and I were giddy with anticipation about riding and reaching for the gold ring.  Our moods fizzled quite a lot when we realized the vintage attraction had been put out to pasture while a brand-new corral is built for it.  The park is undergoing extensive renovation - drat!  I was so looking forward to it.  Darn good thing I didn't go all the way to Washington just to ride it.

We choked back our disappointment while we wandered along the Spokane River to see what we could see.  A very congenial fellow by the name of Tom was entertaining in the open air on a steel pan, a metal musical instrument of melodious beauty.  We enjoyed talking to him and learning about the steel pan.  I loved that he had hauled his equipment thence in a soft-sided Radio Flyer wagon and was sitting in front of the park's super-sized Radio Flyer wagon.

Then there was Tom, an artisan under the bridge, who was happy to show us his wonderful wicker creations, which he designed himself and fashioned with his hands as we watched.

My very favorite was this pair of kittens at their milk bowl, which is also a basket.

The park is riverfront; therefore, there must be a river and sure enough, Spokane Falls is the sight to see there - beautiful!

 

 

A highlight . . .

Turning to the other side of city life, we were awed by the flamboyant Davenport Hotel.  It was super hearing about Pam's history of dining there with her parents and later including Tom in that tradition.  Interesting that the hotel was brought back from the brink of ruin and restored to its former glory.

I tried to have a conversation with Louis Davenport, the original proprietor, but he gave me the cold shoulder while he was reading his newspaper.

As always, I miss my garden and love to see others, so really enjoyed a walk through the Manitoo Gardens and greenhouses where Pam once worked.  There were formal gardens, perennials and a Japanese garden.

A denizen of the not-so-deep.

A respite from strolling.

Examination and discussion of pergola construction.

A pair of California quail marched along a fence top only slightly disturbed by our presence.

Not all the fun & games was at the lake or the city.  Wine-club-in-exile convened at the Wuehrmann casa on the casino parking lot - posh indeed!

Next!

As we left our atypical perch in Washington, we headed toward our first stay in Montana.  We broke up the relatively long drive with a 2-1/2-mile hike along the Kootenai River and to Kootenai Falls, easily one of the most stupendous sights I've ever seen.

The beautiful river wildly cascades over multiple rock layers, dropping over and over again as it races through the canyon.

And then there was the bridge - a ridiculously creaky affair spanning the canyon far above the water - which causes people to risk their lives for the thrill of swaying wildly.   There's a good reason why the number of bodies allowed out there is limited; me thinks a person should take it to heart and steer clear.

One of us has better sense than the other one.  The one who values life is clinging to the sides and contemplating just what one should do in the eventuality the bridge gives way while one is actually out there.  The other is gazing around at the landscape instead of getting oneself back to safety on terra firma.

That's a new one: an eatery of sorts at the trail head!

Decisions, decisions!  Ice cream or strenuous activity???

The things you see along the way . . .

Who knew that a car doesn't need doors as long as it has horns???