November Finale: Upside Downside

Well, on the upside, I was wearing barn boots, jeans, three or four layers of upper clothing and gloves.  

I had a dog leash in my hand, often reminding Liam, "Don't drag me."  Liam gets very exuberant when exploring new territory or meeting new friends. 

We were walking through a crunchy layer of overnight snow at the Ginter Wildlife Management Area off Rapid Lightning Creek Road.

On the downside, my daughter was wearing flipflops----what else would Annie wear?---cut-off jeans, a shirt and a light jacket.  

She had our mutual friend Kelsi along with her, and I'm sure Annie wasn't barking out orders to Kelsi on how to behave along the journey.

On the upside, I decided, after suffering from too much information about the lurid happenings in our world, that it was important to escape all the noise and set out to enjoy fresh air, silence and tranquility at one of my favorite plots of public land.

Along with the adjoining Trout Creek WMA, which is on down Lower Pack River, with its entrance a mile or so off HWY 200, the Ginter property provides wonderful opportunities for horseback riding, biking, walking and a whole lot of nature watching. 

Our family, including Annie in her flipflops and maybe even hiking boots and snow shoes, has been enjoying the Ginter property for a number of years, especially cuz it's somewhat in the neighborhood-----just past the Pack River General Store. 

I kinda like the place for the aforementioned fact---the Pack River General Store.  A trip to Ginter always gives an excuse for stopping off at the store, either coming or going.  

Yesterday, 'twasn't so much the Reece's candy bar and fresh- made coffee as much as it was the many familiar faces---including the friendly staff---I saw and enjoyed as I entered the place.  

At one table sat former student Zach Spohn (Albertson clan)  with three friends who all seemed to have a connection with me:  1. I didn't have you as a teacher but I knew you, and I had Miss Tibbs! 

2. Does your son teach journalism at Sandpoint High . . .? Yes, if you're referring to Dr. Love . . . Well, maybe the "Love doctor"; my daughter was his Cedar Post editor.
  
3. I don't know you,  but I do have an appreciation for the English language and have been known to be rather pedantic about making corrections. 

A former SHS colleague Barb and her friend Amy sat at another table while yet another former student occupied the table next to the refrigerated foods.  

His friend looked distinctively familiar.  Turns out the friend's older brother was also one of my students.  My immediate assessment: the two could be twins.

Yup, a stop at the Pack River General Store on a Ginter WMA run is always a treat whether you're eating or greeting or both. 

My stop at the store came AFTER Liam and I had completed our hike from the parking lot through a large meadow and over to the Pack River.  

On our return to the car, the "Don't drag me," reminders became less and less necessary for my sidekick.  

At one point, I announced, "Liam, sit." 

He obliged, receiving a big, loving hug and reassurance that I was really proud of his progress.  

I do believe my canine buddy enjoyed himself, and I'll probably take him on similar hikes. 

Back to the Downside:  I don't know exactly what Annie and Kelsi did on their last day of November (after all it's December Down Under), but I'm sure they had a delightful experience at Milford Sound, which some say is the most beautiful place in beautiful New Zealand.   


from https://www.newzealand.com/us/milford-sound/

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the 'eighth wonder of the world', Milford Sound was carved by glaciers during the ice ages. 

Breathtaking in any weather, the fiord's cliffs rise vertically from the dark waters, mountain peaks scrape the sky and waterfalls cascade downwards from as high as 1000 metres. 

When it rains in Milford Sound, and it often does, those waterfalls multiply with magnificent effect. 

Boat cruises – during the day or overnight – are an excellent way to experience the Sound. Adventurous types might also like to head out sea kayaking, diving or flightseeing.

To learn more about the local marine life, visit the underwater observatory at Harrison Cove and marvel at the black coral, 11-legged sea stars and delicate anemones.

And, so with these mother-daughter reflections on November's finale, I'd say we both had a special experience, enjoying our natural surroundings---upside and downside.

This world is truly abundant with infinite opportunities to do just that, no matter what kind of footgear you happen to be wearing. 

One other thing:  I'm pretty sure that, with their spectacular Milford Sound adventure, neither Annie nor Kelsi had to admonish each other with, "Quit dragging me." 

Happy Thursday.  Bye. Bye, November. 

From New Zealand's South Island with Annie and Kelsi . . . .