Border Collie Love, et. al. at Priest Lake

Loving Border Collies:   Words cannot describe the depth of love Border Collie owners feel for their dogs.  But tattoos can!


Yesterday while walking the dock at Coolin, Idaho, on Priest Lake, I discovered some kindred spirits who have found a lasting way to express the true passion they have felt toward their 4-legged best friends. 

A family from Harrington, Wash., at least three generations, was about to set out in their boat to cruise the pristine lake and playground, located about an hour's drive northwest of Sandpoint.  

Let's just say the generally breath-taking panoramic views of this lovely body of water surrounded by mountains were not exactly ideal, thanks to smoke from a forest fire burning on Parker Ridge northwest of Bonners Ferry. 

Though the air was not clear, the water was, as it always seems to be, crystal clear. 

This family in their boat were out for summer enjoyment because the annual wheat harvest ended earlier than usual this year.

"Was it a good harvest?" I asked.

"No," said, the nice gentleman pictured below, but the less-than-expected yield and the smokey air were not going to stop them from enjoying a great family outing, complete with Miss Ambrosia.  

She's nine months old, and she's one of five Border Collies the family loves. 

"Most are geriatric," one family member said, announcing that Ambrosia was the pup. 

A couple of sentences about loving Border Collies, and out came the body art.  

The family spokesman showed off two tattoos on his arms, celebrating the memory of black and white buddies that had added to his daily life on the farm.  

As lovely Ambrosia sat like a queen at the rear of the boat, another family member showed off his new tattoo, still healing, but forever remembering his BC buddy Jake who had crossed the "rainbow bridge," just days ago. 

Soon they took off across the water, as I stood watching and taking a few shots of their boat and thinking I really liked these friendly farm folks from Harrington who not only walked but wore the talk of indescribable love for indescribably wonderful dogs. 

That's how it is when you fall in love with Border Collies. 

My sisters and I left for Priest Lake rather late in the afternoon.  We needed to get our chores done so we could enjoy the remainder of the afternoon and evening.  

Bill had gone to Western Pleasure Guest Ranch to speak about Humbird Lumber Co. history to the Northwest Red Angus Assoc.  

Barbara and Laurie had never had the opportunity to see the lake, so there was a mission involved----see as much as possible in the short period of time. 

That didn't stop us, though, from purchasing ice cream in waffle cones from the historic Leonard Paul store in Coolin.  

As we strolled around outside the store, enjoying our respective flavors of cream and cones, I announced that we probably would not have any John Stockton sightings (he's a famous NBA Hall of Fame basketball player for anyone who doesn't know).  He owns a home at Coolin. 

A reliable source had told me that Aug. 1 was an important day in the Stockton family, as John's son David (he's a famous Gonzaga player just like his dad and is starting out with the pros) was getting married yesterday in Spokane.

So, we didn't keep our eyes peeled for Stockton sightings----just enjoyed the leisurely pace in downtown Coolin.

Then, we moved on to the Priest Lake Museum grounds, drove through the congestion at Hill's Resort and took in one more view of the lake at Reeder Bay picnic ground.  While driving though Elkins Resort nearby, my sisters were picking out which cabin they'd like to rent some day. 

Hamburger time at Nordman Restaurant revealed that the honey mustard dressing was a new recipe----not the same as the cook who had worked there forever put out.  It was good as was the burger.  

We chased that forest fire, deep orange blue moon all the way home.  Barbara took a few photos from one stop but regretted not being at City Beach when it came over the mountains.  

This morning I didn't have to chase the forest-fire reddish orange sun which popped up from the Cabinets.  It just stayed there in all its glory for me to snap a photo.  

Of course I wasn't driving the highways; I was just walking down our driveway. 

Smoke was definitely in the air up Priest Lake way, but our experience turned out just fine, filled with many nice memories, including some remarkably touching tattoos on folks with farmer tans and big, loving hearts. 

Happy Sunday.