A much better day today and a very social one! I had a quiet night with maybe a bit more shifting and turning than usual since my legs were so tired and sore! Overall I’m actually very happy with the decision not to bring an inflatable pad but sleep on the Nemo Switchback pad. It’s great for breaks and organizing gear on it as well. The creek provided the background noise for the night.
There wasn’t any rush to get up early so I think we left around 8:15am. Just before getting to the FS road we ran into an energetic family and then into a couple from Spokane, Mike and Christina. They had a lot of questions for us and stories to share!
Lots of people come up this road to walk to the natural water slides … many cars passed us going up!
From there we did a solid walk down to Priest Lake. 7.1 miles in 2.5 hrs … a different pace from yesterday! We arrived at the state park campground entrance and after a chat with the guy working there (no place for hikers to pitch a tent, $62 for out of state visitors!) we put our thumb out to hitch into Coolin for FOOD!
The first car, a small Hyundai, stopped and Ken (from north of Seattle) offered a ride. After rearranging the stuff in his car (there was lots) we squeezed in and were on our way. It’s a longish drive down the lake, a big lake! Ken had several good books lying around, “Oswald and the CIA” and interestingly also “Young Men and Fire” which I brought as well (on the Kindle). That of course lines up with the song that is stuck in my head since BC … Dina knows 😁
Ken dropped us at Ardy’s in Coolin. We weren’t in a rush which was good since the service was very slow! But so so good to have some salty, hot food! We used the power outlet, the restroom, and hung out …
When we were ready to leave, we walked to the Moose Knuckle, a small store and restaurant with a gas pump. Several people asked where we were hiking so it was again a very social experience! Otherwise it’s a small town, lots of tourists passing through, definitely an ATV/boats/camper pulling vibe.
Ready to get back to the trail, our thumbs went out across the stress and the second car that went by made a u-turn and pulled over. It turned out to be Danny, the owner of Ardy’s. His stories went from work to moving there from California to Canada still not letting him in to visit, 15 years after a DUI … seems like we have bigger fish to fry than that!
Sad side story: His license plate says “Craig” so I first assumed that was his name. Turned out it was the name of a friend who, when his ex wife called the police for a welfare check on him, told the police to leave his property and they came back the next day with a SWAT team and he was killed. Maybe there’s more to the story (apparently he had a gun but it’s Northern Idaho, “who hasn’t” said Danny) but still sad. Anyway he keeps the very old truck and license plate going for him. The three of us squeezed onto the small front row seat 😁
He also had to show us a water fall on the way, a short walk in. We truly couldn’t have asked for a better tour guide!
He took us about half way up the lake which was much further than he planned to go. He dropped us at the main ranger station and store for Priest Lake, a busy place. We got some info on campsites and had ice cream 🍦
After walking back to the road, literally the first car stopped for us. A super friendly family with 4 kids and dog squeezed us into their minivan and took us all the way back to the trail. Great chatting, lots of questions. The kids and dog were very chill!
Back on trail we walked 4 miles to Upper Priest Lake. It’s very popular for boat-in camping and at our first targeted spot we ran into Julie and Henry and their chocolate lab. They have a whole living room set up there, with huge tent, two kitchens, radio, all the food and drinks you’d want etc. They’ve been coming here for years and Henry actually proposed to Julie just up the lake (after seeing a skunk and keeping the dog away, and then the dog alerting them to a bear! Unforgettable!) .
Oh and on this trail the blowdowns were actually cut! Very much appreciated! Idaho forests are very grey and messy and mossy … not sure how else to describe it.
I’m hoping for a two day hike to Metaline Falls from here but there are also lots of roads to do … so we will see! I’m ready for a shower and laundry and a day off!
About 11 miles hiked, not counting in town. Lots of elevation loss!
Seems like a welcome juxtaposition to yesterday’s experience, haha
I can’t believe someone named a store that 🙄
Much needed after that bush hell! I wonder if it was any different from your journey … definitely no trail has been built!
Wow it looks like you are having a blast. Love my pic #7 🙂 please stay safe – love you girl.
Always safe … promise! Your support means a lot to me 😍
On today’s blog, Biggi referenced a book, ‘Young Men and Fire’, published in 1992, which both she and Ken had/were reading; she also made reference to a song related to the tragedy that occurred in 1949, when firefighters, smokejumpers, were trying to extinguish flames on Montana’s Mann Gulch Fire.
Canadian song-writer/singer, James Keelaghan, wrote a powerfully moving song about this tragedy that claimed the lives of most of the crew. This link will take you to that song, ‘Cold Missouri Waters’.
That’s the one. On repeat loop in my head! Thanks!