Four country stores, one picnic ground and two restaurants.
That's how often my friend Chris, a Sandpoint native and retired Pacific Lutheran University professor, and I stopped yesterday on our 2022 version of behind-the-wheel visiting marathons.
Twas probably the shortest trip we've taken over our years of spending a day on the road to catch up on our lives----one trip involved a drive to Banff and Lake Louise and back, while another took us to a mutual friend's home south of Missoula.
So, to take off from Selle, drive through Bonners Ferry, continue north until just before the border at Eastport, turn south on the Moyie River Road and proceed on back to Sandpoint----that was comparatively brief and short.
Along our route, we stopped at Samuels Store to gas up, Naples Store to coffee up, Sharon's Country Store north of Three Mile in search of a seamstress business card and finally for lunch at the Good Grief Store near the Eastport crossing at the Canadian Border.
While taking turns behind the wheel---just like we had in the old Forest Service days, we talked nonstop, even missing a couple of places which I had wanted to show Chris on the Moyie River Road.
It's truly a fun and nostalgic way to get together for two gals who once drove mountain back roads, sometimes putting in more than 150 miles a day while working as U.S. Forest Service survey aides.
Plus, it's usually pretty wherever we choose to go.
Yesterday's views of the Moyie River were picturesque as ever, and it was fun to introduce Chris to the Moyie Crossing picnic ground along the river.
Besides its serene views of that tranquil river running past, the place has several great big trout, sculptured from iron and seemingly swimming in air around an impressive stone monument on the grounds.
While at the picnic ground, I pulled out my camera and tripod to document this one-day segment of Chris and my long friendship.
Years ago on another day trip in the Lightning Creek area, she took the photo which I use on my blog.
Since the photo appears on my personal blog, I have at least one opportunity never to allow myself to age. Unfortunately, yesterday's pics couldn't hide my wrinkles.
Anyway, another place just down the road from the Moyie Crossing features a restaurant with great big trout swimming in a pond, gorgeous flower baskets and a magical waterfall flowing from the mountain.
Lunch at Feist Creek Falls Restaurant had been our ultimate goal, but that was not to be.
Turns out, like so many other restaurants, the owners can't get enough help, so the restaurant is open only three days a week. I believe owner Cliff Kramer told us Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Happily, though, we were not far from good food. New owners have taken over the Good Grief Store, which was buzzing with activity yesterday.
It's just a couple of miles back from Feist Creek, and we were happy to find an available table.
Service is amazing and fast. Plus, our sandwiches were great. Sandwiches and pizza dominate the menu.
It definitely looks like a healthy revival for the funky place with the great name and claim to fame with its population tally.
The video below from a Boise television station provides a bit of humor, a slice of history and some updates on Good Grief.
All in all, it was another relaxing and great day spent with a great friend and enjoyed in the same sort of beautiful outdoor environment that always provided a backdrop for our many miles spent together.
We both agreed that at this point in life, such days are more important than ever.
Happy Thursday.
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Feist Creek Falls Restaurant |
1 comment:
I bet your face aches today from all the laughing and smiling you did with Chris. Please, give her my fondest regards
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