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Snowshoeing in Sandpoint

I have always wanted to try snowshoeing and this year was going to be the year that I tried it. I started shopping around for a set of shoes and remembered my dad had an extra pair. I suggested to him to let me have the extra pair and I could try them out. He agreed and brought me the snowshoes. I thought it would be a good idea, since I was new to the sport, to try them out somewhere easy before I started trekking off on some long adventure. I grabbed the snowshoes, a pair of old ski poles and headed over to Traver’s Park. I wore my Sorels since I did not have gaiters to wear incase I got into snow that would be deeper than my ankle high hiking shoes. I found the snowshoes relatively easy to put on. I started out on the snow plowed path and got the hang of it pretty quick. I was ready for a bit more of a challenge. I carefully stepped off the path into the perfectly smooth snow. I began to “break trail” and suddenly found myself quite tired, quite quickly! I made my way back to the path and continued on. I now remembered that my dad told me they were quite a workout, now I see what he was talking about. To get to Traver’s Park, it is located on Pine Street, near the intersection of Pine and Lincoln. It is across from Sandpoint West Athletic Club.

snowshoeing around Travers Park

About a week later my friend borrowed my snowshoes and fell in love with them. She decided to go out and buy a pair for herself.  I was now lucky as I had someone to go snowshoeing with. We made plans to find trails around town to go on. I had also found on Schweitzer’s website that they offer snowshoeing classes. I contacted them via email asking when the intro to snowshoeing class was happening. They emailed back letting me know that the following Saturday a class would be offered and the charge for the class was the best part as it was free. I unfortunately had plans that came up and was unable to make the class but I intend to go before the season is over.

snowshoeing around Round Lake

My friend and I decided to go to Round Lake and trek around. She had been to Round Lake a few weekends before and thought it would be fun for both of us as it was a pretty easy hike. We arrived at Round Lake, paying the $4 entrance fee for the day use of the park and got our gear on. We headed over to the trailhead and began our walk. The path was slightly narrow so it did not allow my friend and I to walk next to each other. I followed behind her, stopping occasionally to take a photo or two. The 58 acre lake may be small but what is lacks in size it makes up in beauty. There were many people there, which surprised me as I had not realized it was a winter destination spot as well as summer.  We even saw someone camping, which I thought was a little hard core. Granted it was not 50 below, but I still gave them props as it is winter. Most of the people there were ice fishing, and a few like us were snowshoeing. We finished our lap around the lake in about an hour and a half. To get to Round Lake from Sandpoint head south on highway 95 for about 8.5 miles, turning right on Dufort road. Travel almost 2 miles and Round Lake will be on your left.

snowshoeing at Round Lake

We had been lucky with a few days of awesome sunny weather so we thought we would take advantage of it and head down to the Black Rock Trail with our snowshoes. It had been a while since we had gotten any new snow and the trail was well traveled. My friend and I hopped off the trail and headed down to the shoreline. This was a much better solution since it was wide open, allowing my friend and to walk next to each other and the snow.  Although the snow was hard as a rock in some places, it was unmarked for the most part, with only a few cross-country ski trails. We spent about two hours walking on the shoreline, making it all the way down to the Black Rock and back. On our way back we were awarded with the siting of three bald eagles. The trail is free, but they do request that you ask permission to be on the trail. You can go on to their website and register at http://www.penddoreillebay.com/ or call 866-877-3995. To get to the trail from 1^st street, turn right onto Bridge Street. Turn left at The Beach House restaurant and follow the road through The Seasons, about a 1/3 of a mile. You will reach a parking lot where there are several signs that say “trail” pointing to the trail head. The trail leads left out of the parking lot, towards the railroad tracks.

snowshoeing near Black Rock

The above are just a few suggestions from a newbie to snowshoeing. I am positive there are several paths out there in the Sandpoint area, but these will get you started.

snowshoeing by Black Rock

Eichardts Keg Pull

Each year during the winter carnival Eichardt’s holds it’s annual K-9 Keg Pull. This was the first year I had gone, but I have always wanted to go, I just had never made it to the event. The Keg Pull starts at 10am, so my friends and I showed up about 10 minutes early. We found a parking spot near the hospital and made our way over to the parking lot behind Eichardt’s, where the keg pull was being held. There were several dogs and their owners along with spectators, human and canine alike, lining the soon to be track that ran all the way from the Bank of America parking lot to the end of the Sandpoint Title’s parking lot (or the old library for any of you old timers reading this!).

Although there were a lot of people we still had a front row view. Empty kegs with a ribbon outlined the track for the dogs, keeping the spectators back. We were all given a warning by the commentator to keep back as the dogs go by as the kegs can get a little out of control and they did not want anyone to get hurt. 

Eichardts Keg Pull

As we eagerly awaited the start of the event we stood admiring all the different kinds of dogs, from chihuahuas and bulldogs to St Bernards and Berneses, the dog size ran the gauntlet. I was interested to see how the smaller dogs were going to be pulling these kegs, since a keg is not only much larger than the dog but also out weighs the dog by a lot. I imagined it would look a lot like the World’s Strongest Man competition, when the guy is all harnessed up pulling the bus down the track. Luckily for these smaller dogs Eichardt’s had something else in mind. For the smallest dogs, they would pull an empty beer can. The next larger dog would get a Heineken mini keg. Medium sized dogs pulled a sixth barrel keg and the largest dogs pulled a half barrel keg.

Last Years Winner - Eichardts Annual Keg Pull

The keg pull is quite a spectacle for sure and totally worth checking it out. The humor of it is almost unbearable as you stand there watching the dogs try to figure out what the heck is going on and why their owners are trying to get them to run down this track with a huge silver thing attached to them. Some of the dogs found little interest in this and plopped themselves down looking at their owners like “what is wrong with you”. The dogs that did compete were often found looking behind them as the keg “chased” them or had to be convinced with a treat to get them to run down the track. Some of the dogs you could tell were veterans and had no problem pulling the keg. Last years winner competed again this year and put on quite a show for everyone as she did not stop once, unlike many of the other dogs as they were more interested in getting petted on the sidelines than dragging the heavy keg down to the finish line.

This dog took a breather during his keg pull. This dog started out great, but later stopped near the finish line for a few pets

I think my favorite keg pullers were the smaller dogs. Although it was not as impressive since it was just a beer can, but when you see a chihuahua dressed in a fur collar hot pink jacket dragging a beer can behind it you can not help but laugh! The keg pull is an annual event and is held by Eichardt’s usually during the winter carnival. If you would like to enter your dog in the event you can sign up that day for $5, with all the money being donated to the local animal shelter. Remember it starts at 10am, but get there a little early to get a good spot to watch. Eichardt’s is located at 212 Cedar Street and the keg pull is held in the alley behind Eichardt’s.

This dog had a great start but got distracted near the finish line with a few pets

Sandpoint

I probably go bowling once every five years and this year I amazingly had three opportunities all in the same weekend. As I stepped into the bowling alley I instantly flashed back a few years to when I use to go there during lunch while in highschool to play air hockey with my friends. Although I still do enjoy classic arcade games, today I was there to bowl. I of course have some quite extensive bowling skills being that I practice once every five years, so needless to say it was going to be more fun then competition for me.

We met a few friends, who had reserved two lanes for us. We found some suitable balls, some not so trendy bowling shoes and got our computers set up to record the HUGE points we were about to score! I will admit I was a little concerned that my boyfriend was going to be Mr. Big Strike, as this was our first time playing together, but was relieved to find his skills were much like mine, a little rusty. For me it is more enjoyable when everyone is pretty much at the same level.

inside the bowling alley

As the games progressed I found myself only getting worse. My first game I bowled a better than expected 70 points, heck I even got a strike. The kids in our group got a little bored and decided that arcade games were more their speed so they headed over to the games while the adults continued to bowl. My next and final game brought so much shame as it rolled in at a shocking 37 points. If you are wondering, you did read that correctly! Even though I did not break 100, or even came close to a perfect 300, I had a lot of fun with my friends. I was amazed by how many people were at the bowling alley on a sunny Saturday afternoon. It made me realize it was a great place to bring the kids, friends and family to spend a few hours together.

the bowling lanes

If you would like to go bowling in Sandpoint try the EFX bowling alley, located at 120 S Division Ave.  Shoe rentals were $1 for each person and each game was $9 for three of us to play, or $3 per person. They had a sign up that offered a special on Wednesdays for $1.50 per game. There was also a sign on the door alerting customers that if you have a large group to call ahead for availability.  They can be reached at 208-263-5220.

getting ready to bowl

Top of the Quad

Every Sunday,minus a few holidays, Schweitzer Mountain Resort offers an AWESOME deal called “Sunday Solutions”. The solution is $20 half day lift tickets. My friends and I were ready to go skiing and take advantage of the Sunday Solution. We planned earlier in the week to go hoping for good weather as rain had been plaguing us for the past few days. By the time Sunday had come around I was ready to go regardless of what the weather was like. As I crossed the Long Bridge to pick up my friends I noticed the mountain was socked in by fog. As a child I was a fair weather skier much to my parents dismay, but as an adult I realize that sunny days during the winter are few, so you head up the mountain whether it be a nice sunny day or a windy foggy day, and that is just what we did.

There are buses that shuttle you to the top of the mountain for $2 each way from the free bottom parking lot, however we chose to drive up and park in one of their lots, which is also free to park. We pulled into the parking lot around 11 am and gathered our belongings. We could have skied down the bunny run and rode the chairlift up for a one time free lift to the village but opted for the free shuttle ride up to the village instead. Once we arrived at the village we quickly ate our lunches and awaited the 12:30pm time, when the Sunday Solution tickets went on sale. I would recommend getting in line before 12:30 as you will be waiting a long time to get your ticket since there are many people who are also looking to take advantage of the Sunday Solution. We got in line about 15 minutes early and although it was frustrating that they would not sell the tickets until exactly 12:30 we did get our tickets quickly and were ready to go by 1pm.

Skiing on the Backside - a brief break in the fog

My friends and I hit the slopes taking a few runs down what use to be chair one, now replaced with a quad chair, to get our “groove” back, since this day was our first day this year for two out of the three in our group. I was glad with the shorter day as I could tell how out of shape I was. I spent a lot of time complaining about pretty much everything: my boots, the fog, the wind, the crazy skiers skiing too close to me, pretty much everything was annoying me. By the end of the day I was even annoyed with myself!

Regardless of a few minor irritations I had a good day, and my friends had a great time. If you would like to partake in the Sunday Solutions they are offered on Sundays, with a few holiday restrictions. Tickets go one sale at 12:30pm and are $20 for all ages and valid until the mountain closes at 4pm. This is a great deal as regular half day tickets are $54 and full day tickets are $59. Rentals, if need, are also available for a discounted rate for the half day. Before heading up the mountain call the snow phone at 208-263-9555, for a daily update on snow and weather conditions.

 To get to Schweitzer take US hwy 95 to Schweitzer Cut-Off Road, turning left at the light (Wal-Mart will be on your right). Turn right at the T intersection on N. Boyer and go about a ½ mile where you will see the Schweitzer sign, turn left and follow the road about nine miles where you will reach the parking lot. Additional parking is available in the lower lots which are located on the right where the road forks to take you to the main parking lot.

With 45 artist, snow golf and volleyball, treats, beverages, and family fun. Sponsored by Dover Bay Waterfront Community and arrainged by Gary Lirette, host of North Idaho Arts & Adventure. For more info, call Gary at 208-610-1384 or e-mail garyplirette@nctv.ocm

How did you get there?:

From Sandpoint, follow Highway 2 toward Priest River. Dover Bay is 2 miles from downtown. Just follow the signs.

How often does this take place?:

Annually during the Sandpoint Winter Carnival

What ammenities are there?:

Food, beverages, Polar Bear plunge in the heated pool, snow events, the cafe, coffee, wine, health studio, bungalow rentals, and marina, plus the art from artist representing the Artists\’ Studio Tour, Artworks, and Timberstand Galleries.

Are there any costs or fees?:

Free to the public

Any websites associated with this To-Do?:

http://midwinterartfest.com
http://sandpointwintercarnival.com

What should I bring?:

Your family and warm clothing

This post was submitted by Gary Lirette.

Even if you had to dig them out of the mailbox under a three-foot berm of snow, you were probably glad to see the 2009 seed catalogs in your mailbox. With verdant photos of landscapes bathed in light and flowers, they’re a welcome break and even a ray of hope.

Local nurseries have already begun receiving stock of plants and seeds. Don’t forget to check there first for the bulk of your gardening supplies. Until then, it never hurts to dream. Here is a quick look at a few of the best catalogs and online sources for plants and seeds.

One Green World

Molalla, Oregon

1-877-353-4028

www.onegreenworld.com

This is the tree catalog I drool all over. They carry old-timey fruit trees and the best of the latest types. Their nut tree collection is especially exciting, with many hardy varieties we can grow here. Examples include red-fleshed apples, a fruit called the medlar that tastes like spiced applesauce when ripe and even vines that produce fruit.

Logee’s Tropical Plants

Danielson, Connecticut

1-888-330-8038

www.logees.com

For sheer eye-candy, this catalog can’t be beat. They carry a huge variety of truly unusual and eye-catching plants for your home or greenhouse. The exotic, fragrant and colorful rules here, seen in plants like orchids, jasmine and many beautiful examples you have probably never even heard of.

Musser Forests

Indiana, Pennsylvania

1-800-643-8319

www.musserforests.com

These guys carry a wide variety of landscape trees, with less emphasis on fruit and more on conifers. Beautiful shade trees are also present as well as quite a few tried-and-true perennials. You ca also order trees in bulk here for fundraisers and such.

University of Idaho Center for Forest Nursery and Seedling Research

Moscow, Idaho

1-208-885-3888

www.seedlings.uidaho.com

This site is especially great because they carry Idaho native species. The University also gets an A+ on affordability. Divided into two major groups, hardwoods and conifers, each description tells you which animals appreciate the plant you’re looking at. The University of Idaho seedling site is also quite conscious that many people are purchasing trees as windbreaks in rural areas and play special attention to that.

Totally Tomatoes

Randolph, Wisconsin

1-888-477-7333

www.totallytomato.com

Tomato addicts, you know who you are.  Get a fix with this treasure trove of delicious tomatoes. Standout names and varieties include Mortgage Lifter, Hillbilly, Purple Russian, Crème Sausage, Aunt Ruby’s German Green and so many more.

Organized like a true tomato grower would prefer, you can check out the short season group, vintage varieties, huge ones, tiny ones and sausage-shaped ones. Here is a great place to find a rainbow of tomatoes. Seriously, they carry pink, white, black, green, yellow and orange.

Pinetree Garden Seeds

New Gloucester, Maine

1-207-926-3400

www.superseeds.com

For vegetable seeds for your garden, this company can’t be beat. They carry time-tested varieties as well as unusual ones. Also, their prices are really good—many packets are only 97 cents! They also carry a great selection of cottage garden flowers. The selection of perennial herbs is especially interesting, arrive healthy and thrive. Bonus: soap making supplies section.

Seed Savers Exchange

Decorah, Iowa

1-563-382-5990

www.seedsavers.org

Specializing in heirloom seeds, this is the catalog I rely on for the bulk of my vegetable garden. Not just a catalog, this group has a higher goal: since 1975, they have been working to preserve America’s vegetable heritage, one seed at a time. With a gorgeous catalog and beautiful photos, this one is the best if you ask me. The varieties are peerless and the seeds germinate beautifully, resulting in great harvests.

Seeds of Change

Spicer, Minnesota

1-888-762-7333

www.seedsofchange.com

Since 1989, Seeds of Change has been providing heritage seeds to gardeners interested in preserving varieties and creating beautiful gardens. With new varieties offered every year, Seeds of Change gives credit where credit is due, paying homage to growers and plant breeders in truly interesting vignettes. Look to this company for wonderful, hard to find varieties and lots of tips you’ll find useful.

van Bourgondien

Virginia Beach, Virginia

1-800-622-9959

www.dutchbulbs.com

Primarily a bulb company, van Bourgondien also stocks great perennials. Depending on what time of year it is, your catalog will emphasize bulbs or perennials. They also carry a good bunch of shade-loving perennials that come in handy. My favorite section is the tree peonies—simply unbelievable and straight from Japan. This company also frequently includes a catalog that gives you quite a good deal; say $25 free if you spend $50.

Swan Island Dahlias

Canby, OR

1-800-410-6540

www.dahlias.com

This is truly gardener porn if such a thing exists. Since there are so few plants that reward you as much as dahlias do, the prices for each bulb seem justified to me. Each page uncovers a more magnificent example of nature’s power. This is the catalog where youb can get a variety called Bodacious, a variety that grows 5 feet tall and blooms bright red with yellow petal backs. Amazing.

Priest Lake Snowmobile Trails Map

We had arrived at Nordman, our starting location, where we waited as the rest of our group who was running behind. We got out to start up the sleds and my wish had come true as my sled would not start. I stood there and watched my boyfriend frantically try to get the snowmobile started. I began to feel bad that I had wished for the sled to not start and asked my boyfriend if we could double up on his larger sled. He gave me a funny look, which I was not sure if it was because I had doubted that he could not fix the problem or if it was because I would add extra weight to his sled and slow him down, probably a little of both. He eventually got my sled started and we unloaded. His family had showed up and we were ready to go. I was concern not only with the lack of my ability but also that I would hold them up since I knew I would not be going as fast as them. I was relieved to find out that another member of our group was also new to the sport and we would be hanging out together in the back of the pack with one of our two significant others riding near by.

snowmobile trails at Priest Lake

We headed out on the first path and I was instantly shocked at how fast the rest of the group was going. I had been warned by my boyfriend that they liked to go fast and it was now clear just how fast they like to go. Thankfully they were nice enough to stop at each Y intersection to help lead the group and leave no one behind. My sled was a little older and smaller than everyone else’s, which meant I had less power, but I felt like it was a good fit for me. Being that it was smaller I was able to handle the weight of the machine better and knew I would not be able to go uncontrollably too fast. I learned that when my boyfriend and I switched machines for a little bit of time and I begged him for my old one back. His machine had a lot more power and my arms were instantly tired from turning a larger, heavier sled, however I was able to keep up better with the group as I could go a little bit faster on the larger sled.

snowmobiles on the trail at Priest Lake

As we were riding I realized I was having fun and enjoying myself. I felt like a moron having made excuses for not going in the past. My fear was gone and I found my boyfriend talking to his cousin about helping us find a sled for me to buy. I had also realized that I never really got cold, which I was a little worried about. I luckily had a larger windshield on my sled and a full face helmet that helped out in the 20 degree weather.

view at Beaver Creek Campground

If you would like to try snowmobiling and do not have access to your own sleds Priest Lake does offer rentals. Four Seasons Rental rents Polaris snowmobiles. To reserve call 208-443-0115. Priest Lake Rentals also rents Polaris snowmobiles. They can be reached at 208-443-2415 or email at pl-rental@povn.com. Both places include clothing and accessories if needed.

To get to Priest Lake from Sandpoint take highway 2 to Priest River, turn right on Highway 57 towards Priest Lake. Follow highway 57 to Nordman, it is about 60 miles from Sandpoint. Our trip was about 5 hours long and we traveled around 40 miles. There are around 400 miles of trails in the Priest Lake area. These trails are free to the public, however they do require a licenced snowmobile and tabs for the Priest Lake area 9-A. Fuel is available at several locations around the lake as well as a snowmobile shop, Priest Lake Powersports, located at 28392 on Hwy 57 (208) 443-2415 if any supplies are needed.

Christmas Tree Permit

We made a couple of phone calls to get updated on the regulations: Trees from state lands were free; those from federal holdings cost $5 each (up to three per family). Since US Forest Service acreage is closer to home, we opted to buy a permit from the Sandpoint Ranger Station. We also purchased a new map ($10), because our old one had been serving as a coffee-cup coaster and shim for a short-legged table. At the same time we grabbed a pamphlet (free) with specific instructions for procuring Christmas trees in Idaho’s Panhandle National Forests.

Forest Service Map

Opening the map on our kitchen table, we tossed a teabag toward it (don’t ask), thereby selecting a green-shaded area near Trout Creek, between Sandpoint and Hope. Everybody clambered into the car—not forgetting some extra jackets, gloves, red hats (it’s still hunting season), cookies, Pepsi, and the all-important pruning saw. We checked the mileage; I wanted to know exactly what this tree was going to cost.

Down the road! Twenty minutes later, we cruised slowly along a wooded byway, dithering a bit on two-day-old snow. All around us, mountaintops brooded beneath a dusting of white. We drove past several possible Yuletide candidates, reminding each other that wild-grown trees don’t get pruned and shaped very often. We figured we could always come back for one of these specimens, but each of us was secretly hoping to be the first to spy the “perfect” tree.

Tree Hunting

When our tires started breaking loose, we parked and continued on foot. I scooped up the camera and almost immediately got distracted. The ladies found our tree simultaneously, while I was absorbed with a cluster of mushrooms pushing through the snow on the forest floor. When I heard them say, “We found it,” in unison, I knew the search was over. The youngest member of our party commandeered the saw…

Carrying Christmas Tree

Tagged Christmas Tree

…not long afterward, we slid our prize into the car (not forgetting to affix the permit), clinked aluminum (toasting to our success), and headed for home. Oh. Including the cost of gas, permit, and map, our tree cost $18. And we have a pocketful of new memories to attach to the season.

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