Last minute trip - looking for suggestions?

Hi everybody,

Well, I think my hubby%26#39;s ex-wife is finally done ruining our summer vacation plans and, with that in mind, we are trying to plan a vacation (for the third time!) for the last 2 weeks of August.

We have made reservations at Farragut State Park for Aug 21 to 24, and will be visiting Silverwood during 2 of those days. The rest of vacation is still open and all suggestions are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

We will travel south into US at either Montana or Idaho crossing on August 20th. Will be in Farragut by late afternoon on the 21st, and have to be back in Canada (in either BC or Alberta) by Sept 1st or 2nd.

We have considered spending some time exploring in the Priest River and/or CDA areas, as well as possibly heading west into Washington. We want to spend at least 8 days south of the border, for our maximum duty-free allowances. (We will definitely spend at least one day in Sandpoint!)

We are outdoorsy sorts, travelling in our RV with our dog, and we will have 2- 13 year olds in tow, one boy %26amp; one girl. We love great scenery, friendly people, good food, moderate hikes (hubby is a trucker - can%26#39;t make him walk too far!), unique places, shopping, camping, etc.....

I am also wondering about fire bans in the area. Our mountain areas are currently tinder-dry and most of eastern BC is on fire, so we have extreme fire restrictions right now. A lot of the provincial recreation areas are closed altogether. I like to do a lot of cooking over a fire, so I would like to know in advance whether that will be an option, since it will determine what type of foods I pack.

Thanks in advance for your time %26amp; input!

- CG

Last minute trip - looking for suggestions?

1. Fire ban is in place throughout North Idaho, it initially allowed for campfires in campgrounds but due to the continued dry spell they raised it up last week to ban all fires(including charcoal grills), the weather has cooled off so you may want to check with Farragut directly just before you travel to check on any change.

2. Something I always wanted to do is to ride the US Mail Boat out of Bayview (adjacent to Farragut) on its route on Pend Orielle Lake. Its a private small boat that contracts to deliver the mail to the small communities primarily on the east side of Pend Orielle Lake that have very long road routes into town. If that is something that might interest you I would check with the Post Office in Bayview to see if rides are still available.

Last minute trip - looking for suggestions?

Also the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo will be going on in Coeur d%26#39; Alene during that week (Aug 22-26), its located in the northern part of the city of Coeur d%26#39; Alene at the fair grounds at the intersection of Government Way and Kathleen just east of US95 (near the Home Depot Store).

Priest Lake is a wonderful place to visit. It has multiple state parks. It is about 1 hour north of Farragut (between Sandpoint and Washington).

If you go through Yaak on your way down, stop in at Two Scoop Steve%26#39;s for some ice cream. You can also tour the Kokanee brewery in Creston (there%26#39;s a campground right across the street) before you cross into Idaho.

This weekend, there is a wooden boat show on the lake. It looks like a lot of fun.

Here%26#39;s the link to the Visitors%26#39; Bureau website. There is a current calendar with what%26#39;s happening.

Go to Wallace if you get the chance. It%26#39;s fun and quirky. And you can rent bikes and ride on the Trail of the Hiawathas. The scenery is great and you can ride as much or as little as you want.

I hope your visit is spectacular.

Cathy

Thanks shinie, and Cathy - the suggestions sound great.

Shinie, we won%26#39;t be going through Yahk this time around, although my hubby did spend some time there working on a logging project so we are quite familiar with the town. I think it%26#39;s a great little place, too and definitely worthy of a stop for anyone heading to or from the Kingsgate border crossing.

Cathy, the boat races sound fun and I have heard something about Wallace before - now that I hear you mention it. I will have to grab my atlas %26amp; check out where it is.

Thanks for your good wishes. We are really looking forward to getting back to Idaho again, we always have such a great time when we vacation there.

Five days and counting!!!!

Hi again shinie,

I just looked at a map, and i realized that you were probably talking about Yaak, Idaho, whereas I was referring to Yahk, BC! Who knew that there could be 2 places so close together with the same name??? lol.

My husband has been down the road that goes through Yaak, and he was actually trying to convince me that we should make that route with the RV. So, you never know, we just might trek through there. The little ice cream stands sounds like the perfect stop for all of us!

Thanks for your suggestions.

- CG

protect a folder by adding a password