I was simply planning to drop in at Bill's Pine Street Woods presentation yesterday afternoon, take a few pictures and leave.
Instead, I stayed for the entire program, as did Foster.
Twas a Geezer Forum gathering where Bill told about the history behind Pine Street Woods while Matt Honsinger introduced attendees to an aspect of Kaniksu Folk School.
My change of plans happened for several reasons. When I pulled into park, the car next to mine belonged to my oldest brother Mike.
He and his wife are over in this area for a few days, so he decided to come to the woods and listen to Bill.
As others pulled in and got out, I could not contain my excitement that I KNEW most of them.
Anymore, this seems like an uncommon possibility in Sandpoint. So, it felt good and comfortable enjoying such a sense of familiarity. I enjoyed introducing my brother to several attendees, knowing he, too, would have some familiarity.
Our former mayor Paul Graves, who founded the Geezer Forum, said a few words and then introduced Bill and Matt.
We heard stories of the Humbird influence in the area and of Weisz family ownership of most of the multi-purpose recreational and educational woods which is now administrated by the Kaniksu Land Trust.
The 400-acre property west of town has provided an amazing opportunity for our community with its mountain bike and hiking trails, educational programs and its newest/oldest feature, the old Pine Street Sled Hill.
Even during Bill's portion of the program, there was a steady coming and going of other folks out for a hike or headed off on their bikes.
Geezers and "geezers-in-training," as Paul had pegged Bill, enjoyed a short, informative hike through the woods and, later, some spent time learning techniques from Matt on how to do precision wood carving.
I spent some time getting to know Matt while the others were hiking. Turns out he is the brother to one of my students who graduated with Willie. Rachel Honsinger served as her class president the same year I advised the junior class. Plus, I enjoyed having her as an English student.
Meeting Matt turned out to be one of the highlights for me because I had the opportunity to learn just a few tidbits about the Kaniksu Land Trust Folk School, which is designed for adult learners.
Matt told me that program, which is modeled after a similar program in Sweden, has been available for a few years but not that well known to the public. He's been trying to change that.
He also told me that the old barn near the entrance to Pine Street Woods will be the Folk School classroom.
Lots of exciting developments.
So, I'll do my part by including the fall schedule below and maybe even taking a class when time allows.
Pine Street Woods is an exciting place, especially with Kaniksu Land Trust's aim of catering to all ages and a variety of interests.
When Foster and I pulled out of the parking lot yesterday around 4 p.m., another somewhat large group was arriving with their mountain bikes.
There's a mountain bike group at Sandpoint High School advised by instructors Mike Martz and his wife.
They were about to begin their afternoon of riding the trails as the Geezers were headed home, filled with something new, something old and probably a whole lot of satisfaction that they showed up yesterday.
Thanks, Paul, Bill and Matt.
Great and fun program.
Happy Wednesday.
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