We spent the summer volunteering at the lovely Farragut State Park in the Idaho panhandle. This 4,000-acre park was created on a World War II naval training base (has the old brig and lots of old structures) and adjoins Lake Pend Oreille, the largest and deepest lake in Idaho. The park was full of good folks, and we were especially fortunate to live next door to a crazy fun pair of volunteers that I am sure we will be seeing more of in the future.

We were within a half hour north of famous Coeur D’ Alene and a half mile south Sandpoint, a destination that has the flavor of locations like Jackson, Wyoming, or Estes Park, Colorado. Quaint old town, beautiful neighborhoods, everything close to the water.

The Weather
When we arrived, everything was a brilliant green, the color of deep jungle, and the snow melt and recurring rains kept the lakes high and the docks under water. For two months the temperature was mild, the breezes light, and the air as fresh as a newborn calf. However, the rains stopped, the fires started (all across the Northwest), and the air turned smoky.

Scenic Drives
During our stay we took many a scenic trip: Lake Coeur D’ Alene Scenic Byway, the Wildlife Scenic Byway, the Pend Oreille Scenic Byway, and several others I forgot the names of. We drove to Priest Lake State Park to meet a couple we volunteered with last winter in Texas, and had the chance to get together with them a couple more times…looking forward to getting back to Texas again this winter. Also, this area was great old truck hunting—more on that later.

Jan’s Art
As often happens, Jan was “volunteered” to do an art project for the Junior Ranger Program. Take a look.



This three-dimensional piece was very well received, especially by the little tykes who liked to feel the work on their tiny hands. Many newly minted Junior Rangers were photographed in front of her work.

Within the park is a for-profit organization called Tree2Tree. Here are a couple pics of folks on this adventure course.





Critters
All kinds of critters at the park—below are a few.











This and That
Here are a few odds-and-ends pics.









Old Trucks
Here are four old trucks from the panhandle.









More Classy Chassis
To check out many more vintage trucks go to www.onceuponatruck.com and sign up for a pic a week.

See you next time.

Alex

Tags: Farragut State Park, Coeur D’ Alene, Sandpoint, Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho, Pend Oreille Scenic Byway, Jan Alexander Art, Nature Photography, Bird photography, Old Trucks, Wildlife Scenic Byway