Breakfast this morning was provided by the hotel. They had a hot breakfast buffet along with all the breads, cereals, juices, fruit, yogurt, etc. It was a good start to the day.
After breakfast we loaded up the car again and continued our journey north on the ISL.
You think we might drink a little water? The cooler is filled with all those cherries we bought but it’s not quite as full as it was. š
A short drive took us to Bonner’s Ferry.
This Pelton Wheel provided power to generate the first electricity from the foot of Myrtle Creek 6 miles west of town, for the village of Bonner’s Ferry from 1906-1922.
Shrubby cinquefoil
The Kootenai River at Bonner’s Ferry
Leaving Bonner’s Ferry, we drove about 5 miles west of town to the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1965 to reclaim some of the Idaho panhandle wetlands. The 2,774 acre refuge was purchased with funds from the Federal Duck Stamp Program with the primary purpose of providing a resting and feeding habitat for migrating waterfowl.
There are limited ways for me to express how breathtaking something is, so I will let you come up with your own descriptions.
Myrtle Falls, nestled just beyond the refuge, offers an idyllic short hike that serves as a delightful respite from the hours spent in the car.
Creeping mahonia
Western pearly everlasting
Here they come.
Connie said there is something about the sound of a waterfall that is so powerful, yet soothing at the same time.
50 miles / 80 km
Good Grief, Eastport, ID, Kingsgate, Yahk, Kitchener, and Erickson, BC
This side trip took us through peaceful meadows, along the alluring Moyie (may-YAY) River and through orchards thriving in a unique geographical climate. Starting at the US 95 / Idaho 1 junction, this is a migratory route for elk and deer between Hall Mountain and the river valley. At the top of the grade, this area has opportunities for mountain goat viewing and traverses through wetlands where moose are often spotted, but not by us today š.
We have reached the Canada border. Having a passport is required. Driving both the USA and Canada sides of the loop requires crossing from one country to the other. Like airport security, border crossings vary. Sometimes you breeze through; other days there’s a long line. A border agent may ask only a few standard questions, and other times, they may need to go in depth. The border guard asked if we girls from Texas left our six shooters at home, to which we replied yes. Then he asked if we had any tobacco or alcohol. Cathie and I said no while Connie simultaneously said yes. She told him she had a tin of chewing tobacco that she uses on insect bites. He said you chew it and then spit on them? She said no and explained the process she uses. He said if that’s what you want to tell yourself. š He was quite funny and we moved right on into Canada. Kody, it was a much nicer experience than you and I had with the Canadian lady at the London Airport.
As we crossed the International border at Kingsgate /Eastport, our path took us along the Moyie River. The Moyie River from Moyie Lake in BC to Kingsgate is an open canoeist route ideal for those wishing to enjoy a quiet paddle through prime wildlife country.
We stopped in the charming town of Yahk, known for its unique antique shops, and cozy little places for a quick treat.
Our stroll through the enchanting woodland unfolded like a secret behind the bustling candle and soap shop.
This sign says “I may not have gone where I intended to go but I think I have ended up where I intended to be.”
blossoms danced in vibrant hues
Unique planters nestled among the greenery
Every curve and contour is a testament to creativity
Heading toward Creston we followed the Goat River on Hwy 3. As we approached Creston we enjoyed the scenic beauty of the farm and orchard fields as this leisurely route wound its way west. Local produce abounds at the many fruit and vegetable stands along this route.
Verbena gooddingii - yes I spelled that correctly.
Holmgrenanthe petrophila or more commonly known as rock lady.
After settling into our quaint, vintage motel—where each room invites you to park right at its door—we ventured into the charming town of Creston. Our first stop was the visitor center, where we gathered tips and brochures, immersing ourselves in the local culture. Strolling down Main Street, we admired the picturesque storefronts and the vibrant atmosphere that filled the air (or maybe that was just the wind blowing). As the afternoon wore on, we decided to indulge in a culinary adventure at Busaba, a delightful Thai restaurant that promised a feast of flavors.
I had prawns and asparagus stir fried in a homemade Siracha sauce with jasmine rice. It was definitely a feast of flavors!
Cathie and Connie had pad Thai with prawns which they also enjoyed.
After dinner we retired to our motel to rest and plan tomorrow’s activities. I say we, but I think the other two CJs only heard the “rest” part.
I believe I need to find a travel companion who can stay awake later than 7 or 8 PM. When I'm trying to recall some of the things I’ve seen and experienced during the day, there's no one around to consult.
As I reflect on Connie's profound observation regarding the dual nature of a waterfall's sound—its capacity to embody both strength and tranquility—I find myself drawn to this thought to conclude my evening’s banter; the power of a great and mighty God who is also intimately involved in our affairs. He is not sometimes great and mighty and other times involved with us intimately. He is both simultaneously.
“Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high, who looks far down on the heavens and the earth? He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes, with the princes of his people.” Psalm 113:5–8
God dwells in eternity yet feels at home among the lowly. God is seated on high but makes his way to the ash heap to lift up the needy.
We are so used to making God in our own image that it can be hard for us to believe he doesn’t act and think like us. Even in trying to write this, I was struck by how consistently unimpressive my thoughts about God are. So we end up experiencing brief, scattered moments of awe rather than an ever-intensifying, ever-deepening attitude of wonder.
He is holiness and mercy, grace and truth, sovereign and servant, God and man. He is over all, through all, and in all (Ephesians 4:6). May our thoughts and worship of God increasingly reflect who He really is, for our endless joy and God’s endless praise.
