Paddling in Pend Oreille Heaven

 

We had just sat down after a busy Saturday morning to enjoy some lunch and watch a little news.

After taking a few bites from his Friday-night leftover, Bill announced, "I'm going to take my kayak down to Farragut. Do you want to go?"

"Do I get to take my kayak?" I teased back. 

Yes, I could, he said.  And so, as often happens at our house, another spontaneous adventure began. 

And, what an adventure it turned out to be:  2.5 hours of paddling in what both of us agree is one of the most beautiful areas on Lake Pend Oreille, the waters around Farragut State Park. 

A bit of nostalgia marked this kayaking trip too, as Bill and I first met at Farragut 48 years ago. 

We have returned to the park many, many times since that July day in 1973, but yesterday's experience will probably always rank as an all-time favorite "Return to Farragut" for us.  

After all, it's a great day when ALL the people you meet along the way are as happy, friendly and as polite as can be. 

A sense of joy and deep appreciation for such a beautiful day in such a beautiful spot seemed to be in the air. 

The boat launch at Farragut was abuzz with people and boats of all sizes and varieties. 

Both parking lots for the launching area were filling to capacity when we arrived. Boats were coming in from the lake; boats were going out.   

Kids were fishing on the dock, all in the midst of groups of passengers waiting to board their respective vessels.

Bystanders offered to help us with our boats, both on our launch and when we returned. 

Total strangers---instead of looking straight ahead or the other way---greeted us, "Hi, howya doin?"

It was truly a happy day at Farragut, where it seemed like there was something for everyone:  sitting on the lake shore, throwing toys in the water for dogs, sailing, paddle boarding, fishing, walking together along a trail, jogging the same trail, swimming, people watching---you name it; people were enjoying a truly glorious day in a glorious setting.

For Bill and me, it's also a great moment whenever and wherever we spot Border Collies.  

Journey and Haven were having a great time near the swimming area as their older doggie friend took it easy on shore, while Mom and Dad threw out the toys. 

We enjoyed our Border Collie moments, visiting with Kevin and Gina.  She's a dog groomer from Coeur d'Alene, who's been in the business for 37 years. 

Kevin and Gina concurred with our longtime Border Collie assessment that the breed is beyond special with the intelligence, the love, the addictive behavior and the desire to stay busy. 

When we said good bye to Gina and Kevin, we had to paddle against the wind on our return trip to the launching area which, on that leg of the trip, seemed to remain way off in the distance forever. 

As, we paddled, helicopters, one with a water bucket and a huge eagle flew over us.  Jet skis raced in circles over the water, sending up geysers of lake water behind them.   

Big boats created big waves rippling our way culminating in wonderful but gentle water rocking experiences for us as we paddled. 

Bill got skunked with his fly rod, reporting only one fish rising during the entire trip but noting that the guy on a bass boat that passed us caught a fish.

If it sounds like we may have spent some time in Heaven yesterday afternoon, we did.  This particular Heaven that we locals love to call God's Country provided the ultimate in scenic beauty, peaceful recreation and happy people. 

Twas a lovely spontaneous afternoon in a very special place on Earth.  

Happy Sunday. 

I stopped on the dock at Farragut yesterday to ask the gentleman above about those shiny things strung along his fish line.  He explained that they attract fish. 

He had apparently attracted some cuz he had a live tank with several Kokanee on his boat. 

When I asked him where he was from, he said Sandpoint and later told me his name, John Doty. 

"Did you go to Sandpoint High?" I asked. 

"Yes." 

"When did you graduate?" 

"2002," he said. 

"That's the same year I graduated," I told him, explaining that in my last year of teaching at SHS I walked across the stage with the class and received a diploma. 

Before I finished identifying myself, he said "Mrs. Love." 

We enjoyed a great visit.  Then, he went on his way to catch some more fish, while I headed to my kayak. 

Good to see you, John.