Breath-taking Geocache Site

Bill took off bright and early this morning, bound for the Coeur d'Alene River.  He'll join his friend Chris who has a drift boat, and they'll spend the day floating and fishing for lunkers.

Today's adventure is Bill's third in one week on the Coeur d'Alene.  He went last week by himself and then took Willie and Andrew on Tuesday.

Last time Bill went on the Coeur d'Alene with his friend Chris, I almost called the sheriff.  He finally arrived home around 1:30 a.m. Chris told me that's nothing unusual when you're looking for the evening hatch and then have miles and miles to drive to pick up the other rig.

So, who knows when he'll arrive home tonight.

In the meantime, we'll be hosting a front-yard soccer match this morning.  The triplets and their entourage will be coming to play with their soccer-addicted Aunt Annie. 

I don't know where Willie and Andrew will be fishing today, but they've taken advantage of every day of Andrew and Alicia's visit with rods in hand---Brush Lake, Coeur d'Alene River, Round Lake . . . . 

Folks are making the most of the great weather, and we truly enjoyed our hike to one of the most beautious geocaching sites yesterday.  

Bill and I visited the site on a rainy, snowy day last October.  Visibility was next to zero, and we could only imagine what it must look like on a clear day.

Well, yesterday we found out.  All together, we hiked 4.4 miles from where the Rapid Lightning Creek Road is blocked off to conventional vehicle usage.  Of course, the off-road stuff gets in there.

What we had missed last October was in full display yesterday, including some wonderful views of the Selkirks. 

During our hike to the "Boulder Geocache,"  the only signs of any living being on the trail were hoof prints and a few bear droppings.  

I also got really tired of wiping away the cobwebs.  At least on the trip back, they hadn't had time to regenerate themselves.

Yesterday was Foster's first  full-fledged mountain hike.  And, yes, he did spend a little time in Annie's backpack.  

"The Boulder" is a huge moss and wildflower-covered outcrop overlooking a canyon in the Rapid Lightning Creek drainage.  The spot also offers a clear view of Mt. Pend Oreille.   

Slipping or going over the edge of The Boulder would be deadly.

So, with Foster's youth, we thought it best to keep him confined, especially while maneuvering down a steep segment of the trail.  

He didn't seem to mind the ride at all.  During most of the hike, the little guy led the way, and the Border Collies were quite happy to have him do so.   

We all enjoyed ourselves while hiking, snapping photos and enjoying treats.  Oh yeah, Annie found the cache, which had gotten a bit wet over the winter.

So, she laid it out to dry and then put it back.  

Yesterday's adventure proved once more how much fun the sport of geocaching can be, especially because of the all extras that come along while searching for a "find."

Happy Friday to all.