From the Pack to Pend Oreille

Cousins from different two generations:  Willie, Bill, Marianne, Annie, Rich Aspell.

Rich grew up in Chicago. Both of my parents were born in Chicago. 

Mother and Rich's dad Bud knew one another well during their youth and then lost track of each other for nearly 50 years, finally reconnecting in the early 1990s.

Since that time, Mother's and Bud's families (each with six kids of similar ages--three boys, three girls) have made several connections, both in Chicago and Idaho. 

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Cousin Rich got his feet wet trying some fly fishing on Upper Pack River last night.

He paddled the Pack River delta on a kayak Saturday afternoon.

And, he sat with family, enjoying some Old Ice House Pizza and admiring one of the most stunning views of Lake Pend Oreille at the old fountain across from Hope Hotel yesterday afternoon.

So, he has had the true experience of a river running through a bunch of Heavenly scenery and emptying into a magnificent North Idaho jewel.

Yup, it's been an action-packed and fun weekend.  All good things must come to an end----for us here in North Idaho anyway.  

Rich will take off this morning and continue his adventure driving that spit-shined red truck and pulling his travel trailer.  

As mentioned before, he has a mission in mind:  delivering specially and personally designed T-shirts to his fellow Peace Corp trainees who worked together in Ethiopia. 

When all is said and done, he will end up somewhere in the Southern United States. 

Life will go on here at the Lovestead, busy as usual, with CB's friend Marlo coming today to visit her dad's namesake. 

We'll do our thing, as we always do---always adventures--and we'll probably often reminisce about the wonderful weekend spent with our cousin from Chicago. 

And, we hope he comes back.  Got that, Rich???

You know the way, and you may not have to reserve your trailer pad out behind the barn, but it's probably good to check anyway.

When you come, the Pack River and the lake and the horses and the front yard and the dogs and all your cousins will be waiting to hear your stories and to take you on some more experiences in our corner of God's Country. 

It's been real----------------fun!

Safe travels, dear friend and cousin.  

Til next time!

A tasty Seattle brew for Bill and Rich at the Hope fountain, which was constructed by the temperance society, offering water instead of the much-available alcohol at the local saloons of yesteryear Hope. 

Lots of talk among family, along with devouring of good pizza and cold beer, happened in this shady spot on the north end of Lake Pend Oreille yesterday. 

Gotta fish! 

Annie caught a trout or two in Upper Pack River last night. 

Bill gives Cousin Rich a few pointers about fly fishing in the Upper Pack. 

Purple gold alongside a trout stream.  Later, after arriving home, we sat in relative darkness and finished off the day with huckleberry sundaes. 

                                           ----Annie Love Photo

A pretty catch, quickly released. 

                                                            ----Annie Love Photo