 |
| Silk earned the Hiawatha right-a-way during the 1920's. All photos by Jim Fitch. |
This interpretive sign on the Hiawatha Bike Trail, former Milwaukee Railroad train route, was one of the highlights of our 47th anniversary adventure. I so enjoyed reading that the people in that time period felt that silk was so fragile that when it arrived stateside, the railroad gave it preferential treatment. No doubt about it, fiber has made the world go round!
Let me tell you more ....This was my year to plan Jim and my anniversary surprise journey. What could be more fitting than wandering on the wonderful biking trails in the Bitterroot Mountains near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho?
Traveling in our Prius, named Priscilla, with bikes secured to a new rack, we drove to Coeur d"Alene with a short stop to explore Ritzville. It's a small town in wheat country with considerable charm and some western themed sculptures on the main streets. I was excited to find the home of a weaver contact, Linda Kulick.
 |
| Sculpture on a Ritzville Main Street |
At day's end we reached out Coeur d'Alene (CdA) lodging at a small inn called Japanese House and Spa on Sherman Avenue, centrally located and near the freeway. After checking in we hopped on our bikes and rode around town for an overview of the area and its multitude of bike trails. Such a friendly and beautiful town situated on the shores of the beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene.
 |
| Lake Coeur d'Alene is a beauty. |
The Hiawatha Trail was our first journey. Located atop the Bitterroot Peaks of the Idaho/Montana border, it is a 14 mile trail through 9 cavernous train tunnels and across 7 skyhigh trestles. The St Paul Tunnel was an incredible 1.7 miles long. En route we ventured past sparkling mountain creeks, inspiring vistas, and remains of the enormous 1910 Burn. Along the trail were interpretive signs telling the history of the railroad from its beginning in the early 1900's until it went broke in 1977. The sign shown above was just one of many historical insights.
Even though I suffered moments of claustrophobia in the 1.7 mile tunnel, I loved traveling on the former bed of my father's employer, the Milwaukee Railroad. There were many memories of our family Hiawatha train trips that we made from Yakima to Chicago during the 1950's and 60's.
 |
| The St. Paul Tunnel, almost 2 miles long. |
After finishing and returning to the trail head, we drove to Wallace, Idaho, a successful silver mining town. Jim was most curious to visit this place where his uncle had worked in the mines 100 years ago. The silver wealth seems to have left its mark here as evidenced by its extremely attractive vintage buildings in excellent condition. By chance we met some other Hiawatha Trail bikers at the main street bar and shared a dinner side-walk dinner. What a fun way to celebrate the Hiawatha Trail journey!
 |
| Wallace, Idaho, Silver City. |
The next day we enjoyed the meadowlands of the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, which begins in Plummer, Idaho and continues for 72 miles to near the Montana border. Meadows and marshlands, many lakes, thousands of birds, deer, horses filled the sites along our 18 miles journey from Harrison to the Blackrock Trailhead. What a joy we had along this nonmotorized paved trail which was absolutely flat. Stopping in the funky town of Harrison afterwards was a great way to talk with some of the locals.
 |
| Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes. |
In spite of some rain, we enjoyed our anniversary week with good books, yoga, drives in neighboring areas, and visiting some of the many local restaurants. Returning to Yakima, we visited Cousin Jim Flynn and family in Spokane. So sweet to see the family again. Good-bye for now.
Much appreciation is extended to photographer and life partner...Jim.........
A great book to read about the first exploration in this area is David Thompson, Northwest Explorer. Sources of the River: Tracking David Thompson Across Western North America
 |
| Wonderful countryside! |
No comments:
Post a Comment