Slight Detour: A Pretty Decent Day in the North Country

I really appreciate the Murray family. They're very nice people and they live on a beautiful farm. I kinda think of their place as the true essence of Selle with its central location within the community and its rolling fields and neat rural accessories.

One of my favorites, as "Slight Detour" followers probably recognize is that old section of fence down off the road on the corner of Selle Road and North Kootenai Road.

Heck, I could probably publish a photo book with that piece of fence alone. I love it because it's rustic and it never looks quite the same.

So, while taking my walks and seeing a new perspective, I can't resist stopping to take a few photos.

During that time I always wonder if the Murrays are inside their house looking out, wondering what the heck Marianne is up to on this day. Well, what's nice is they usually get the answer because Virginia follows the blog.

Thanks, Murray's for your beautiful and photogenic farm.

I did walk Selle Road and North Kootenai Roads yesterday, and, later, Bill and I took off for an afternoon drive with the pups to one of the many of our favorite areas in Boundary County.

About halfway to Bonners Ferry, I figured out which route I wanted to take, knowing Bill would not object. After all, he spends most of his fall fishing outings along the Moyie River.

Before turning off near Good Grief to head back down the road along the river, we spent a few minutes "south" of the border where one long train was waiting on the tracks and a single engine sat on the tracks to the south.

Later, while driving down the Moyie River Road, we stopped for a few minutes at Snyder Guard Station, which is lovely place on the National Historic Registry and available for group gatherings. http://www.recreation.gov/camping/snyder-guard-station-id/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=72180

Our purpose was to let the dogs out for a walk and to enjoy the fresh air. Since the road into and throughout the facility had been plowed, it made a nice place for both dogs and people.

Liam especially enjoyed his first opportunity to leap to the snow banks and to race along their crests.

We spent about 15 minutes there and moved on. Just like Lightning Creek from our Sunday hike, the Moyie River bed has filled up with an abundance of cold rushing water.

The drive for us is always loaded with memories of past family outings, dating clear back to my early childhood. So, in addition to the beauty, which was enhanced by blue skies and an afternoon brilliant sun, we experienced continued enjoyment mile after mile.

We stopped one more time at Dawson Lake, where we've watched for decades the gradual disintegration of the old teacherage alongside the lake. Even though a major portion of it is gone, like the Murray fence in Selle, there's a lovely historic charm.

With gas prices going down, down, down and Bill gradually cutting back with his work load, I'm looking forward to many similar outings during the weeks and months ahead.

It's a lovely way to spend an afternoon, especially in January. Only ten days left now, and, as I write, only about 12 hours until the excitement of this day occurs.

Yup, one of those 8 o'clock match-ups when Gonzaga takes on one of its perennially tough opponents in hopes of regaining first place in the WCC. That would be St. Mary's at 8 p.m. PST on ESPNU.

Bill sez the Gael are even bringing back Dellllabadovawhateverhisnameis to make life miserable for the ZAGS.

Of course, he's kidding, we hope!

GO ZAGS!