Where to begin this one... this week, I went on a vacation roadtrip with my wife and my parents-in-law, and we had one fun time of it! We went to the Buck Knives factory, we went biking, rafting, kayaking, and more! I won't lie, it was pretty awesome. But I'll only talk about a couple of the experiences that stood out to me.
First, there was the Hiawatha trail. This is a popular, albeit still sometimes lesser-known trail out on the border between Northern Idaho and Montana. To say this route is scenic, I think would be a huge understatement. Ignore the fact that the greenery up there is like something out of a fairytale forest. Ignore the awesome tress bridges that were originally designed for trains to cross, and are now super cool to ride across on a bike. Ignore even the cool waterfall you see on the way- and let's talk for a moment about the tunnels. There are about a half a dozen different little tunnels you go though on that trail- and some aren't quite so "little". Enter the St. Paul Pass. This tunnel spans over a mile and half long. Yes, you read that correctly. The temperature in this tunnel ALWAYS stays in the 40's, it's ALWAYS wet and drippy, and just about as dark as you could fathom. In fact, considering it's a tunnel, you'd think there'd be some light. That's what I would have thought; but then, once again, consider the distance. there are two (relatively) small portals- one on each side of the tunnel- that allow only a little light in at the entrance. And beside that, the one end of the tunnel's entrance immediately curves off. Although, it would hardly matter, considering you really can't make out the light at the other end of the tunnel until you are quite a ways down it.
And honestly, if nothing else, that tunnel puts the old adage better into perspective- the light at the end of the tunnel. So, consider, when someone talks about the light at the end of the tunnel, it's no light thing, where there's a small glimmer of hope in the faintest dark- there's practically no visual confirmation of it. For that reason, it really takes an honest act of faith to push forwards to that end. It's only all the more difficult if it's a tunnel you've never followed before. Sure, people talk about the end of it- but what if it's just a story, and not true? Well, my declaration is that the alternative of squatting in the dark and standing still will avail you nothing, and going back may be of "no harm", but you need to learn for yourself and find out the truth! Follow the tunnel. Eventually, it will either lead to light, or a dead end. That's the rule.
There was also the lake. We also stayed at an AirBNB on the south end of Cour d'Alene lake. I will be the first to admit, I was surprised by two big things. First, that not only was it a very rich and private neighborhood, but also seemingly a very kind one. I'll be the first to admit, it seems to me like it's a rare find, that. But also, THE VIEW. I MEAN WOAH. Picture, in your mind, a very lush, green forest in the mountains. Now, in these hills, there is a long, beautiful lake with pristine waters and beautiful green bays. Some lovely homes dot occasional spots on these bays. Congratulations, you just visualized the same view I saw! I mean, that's honestly the best description I could give to such a lovely place as where we stayed! And the view from our stay, itself? Gorgeous! The lush lake below, the green forest growing around, and the sound of it all was like a little slice of paradise.
Besides getting to go out on the lake in kayaks during the day, I decided to go out at night to see the stars. My wife, bless her heart, gets cold easily, so she opted to stay in the car and standby should I encounter trouble. I was the only one out on that part of the bay, that evening, and as I rowed out into the open waters, I got to watch the last light of dusk fade, and the stars become bright in their places. With the sound of the waves around me, the whisper of the wind in the woods on the east shore, and the warm glow of lights along the west shore, had I been in the right craft, I could easily have floated off to a beautiful night's sleep right there. All the same, it was a very beautiful experience, and I wouldn't trade for the world.
So, there were my adventures this week. In one respect, it's probably gonna be a little tough going on after this, since this week was just such a nice break from life. But, then that's exactly what this was- a break. So, onward I go, just like the rest of us must. Do you have some favorite vacation memories, of a place in your mind that stuck out as something so beautiful it felt unreal?
Until next week, see ya!