Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho And Montana…….

Our “elimination tour“ has taken a turn. We have only just begun to experience the northwestern United States, a beautiful part of America, but until this week have found nothing to challenge the comfort and culture of our home, Missouri. This week we have discovered why so many retired police officers and fire-fighters have relocated to this region in Idaho. It is beautiful with two monster lakes (natural, not impoundments!) anchoring the communities of Coeur D’Alene and Sandpoint, Idaho. But there is more.

These communities skirt the eastern and southern edges of Spokane, Washington, a big town with many amenities attractive to aging folks. There is an excellent medical infrastructure, plenty of shopping opportunities and too many dining opportunities to describe. The great outdoors is the draw here, with skiing and water sports in spades, and world class fishing at hand. I no longer hunt, which is unfortunate, as the big game opportunities in this region have no peer.

Down town Coeur D’Alene is drop dead gorgeous, mostly in a quaint but modern sort of way. Its vibrant shopping district offers just about all you can imagine, close to one of the nicest lakefront parks in the country. It is exceedingly clean, with campy sculptures along the sidewalks, striking civic pride and people as friendly as anywhere we have been. The region has earned its reputation as a safe, attractive and mostly affordable location to kick back after a career in policing and fire-fighting. The shop owners readily acknowledge the presence of all these emergency response folks with pride. The very liberal atmosphere of the Spokane area is checked at the border as you ease across the state line. The communities here reflect the conservative nature of the national police and fire-fighter community in general, and there is no evidence of DEI initiatives to be found.. Among the merchants, we found that every other one hails from California, a state they were all too ready to abandon.

Two days ago we slipped into northern Montana, “Big Sky Country.” With speed limits at 80 in many places, vistas that are breath taking, and streams that defy description, what is there not to like. (We are old and slow, with 65 being our normal cruise speed these days.) This state is another outdoor enthusiast’s dream. We are in Kalispell, settled by cowboys, prospectors and lumbermen. It is another really nice, clean and complete town. Without a doubt, Montana is another state we would consider for the long term. A trip to Glacier Park is on the immediate schedule, but you can do nicely drinking in the scenery and country along Montana’s roads. Magnificent comes to mind.

What an adventure. Have a great week!

SR