Lake Coeur d’Alene

It is overcast and cool but is supposed to clear so we haul out the boat and head for the lake.

On our way to the lake we make a quick stop at the Buck Knife factory hoping to catch a tour. It is fun to see what is “still made in the USA”.  No such luck.  They were all booked up.  We wandered their little museum to read about the history of the family and manufacturing.  There is some very cool stuff in their factory store.  On to the lake!

Idaho is a bit zealous with their invasive species prevention program so we blow about an hour getting inspected and traipsing around town to buy the sticker that proves it.  No biggie though.  The day is warming and it is just before noon when we put in the lake.  Another Johnna first – using a pit toilet.  It was a somewhat biased first experience, this is a 5 star pit toilet.  It has a real seat, a clean tile floor, a door that locks, toilet paper, and those solar powered fans that really work so it didn’t smell (very much).  Still, a first!

We explore sheltered coves and enjoy lunch as we float and watch for wildlife. The lake is ringed in rich green, pine covered mountains but there is quite a bit of development at least on this end.  CourledLaneEstateComp_4615We don’t see much in the way of wildlife but enjoy checking out homes that range from floating boathouses to castles and estates.

A family of mallards comes to check out whether we have goodies to share. They circle the boat a couple times then head off to find more cooperative snack providers.

There is a little chop now as the winds have picked up but the sun is bright and warm so we take a run up lake. We skitter along the surface for another Johnna first, a ride in a small power boat. I think it was a hit.

We come in off the lake in late afternoon and manage to avoid any severe sunburn. It was a good day.

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