While visiting the Coeur D'Alene area scoping out surrounding towns we found the city of Kellog that has a state of the art ski resort that included a gondola. We check out the site and saw that on Friday they were having a "Ride & Dine" event. So we got tickets and had ourselves a little family date night.
Our night started with a 3000ft climb in elevation which was a 3.5 mile ride in the gondola over several beautiful mountains covered in ponderosa pines. All of us a little at ease dangling above a mountain. The temps were fairly high, the windows were small but we made it through. Once we got to the top we had 360 views of the mountains surrounding us. Though the smoke from the fires was dense, the scenery was still breathtaking. In its own unique way, the smoke makes them seem more majestic.
We had huckleberry BBQ ribs with steamed vegetables and potatoes. I've learned that when a place around here offers huckleberry anything you have to try it! Everything was delicious and the whole event ran smoothly. We finished our meal off with huckleberry cheesecake and a moose track sundae. Included in our ticket we got to take a scenic ride on the ski lifts, another nerve-racking event for us. Marlei and RaeLynn rode with their dad, and Alice and I rode behind them. We got to see a birds-eye view of all the little ground squirrels and chipmunks while they dined on flowers and scurried around the mountainside. After our scenic ride, The girls ran around with the other kids while we sat and listened to the live music and had a very interesting conversation with a couple about many things like...aliens, mega volcanoes, and.....Idahoans.
It was such a relaxing evening that was much needed for all of us. We've been moving around quite a bit this summer and haven't had the luxury to really relax. New area and fewer spots to dry camp than we are used to. The unknown adds a little extra stress for me, but camping on the Coeur d'Alene has kept us cool during this particularly hot week in August. The dogs have been able to stay cool as well, even in the trailer while we are gone. We tried to go find some huckleberries in the nearby mountain but had no luck. The night before Tyler left we got to watch a momma moose and her baby cross the river not far from our trailer. Their size always amazes us, especially when they were so much closer than we are used to. God continues to fill our cups with blessings each and every day and we wouldn't have this lifestyle if it wasn't for Him. We are so grateful for these moments in life He has given us.
