Roadtrip to Sandpoint

This past week was my first road trip by myself in many moons. I have not driven myself across the state in probably ten years without a driving companion. Te came along for the ride - and I learned what life was like on the road as a single parent. Although challenging it was very rewarding - and I realized how much I missed my driving independence. Once I finish my MBA I am ready to start road-tripping it when I get a crazy hair and feel like venturing home to Sandpoint. When I originally left town on Thurs. (Aug. 24) I had anticipated taking I-84. However, upon my departure I was frustrated by the traffic traveling West due to an accident. I flipped a "U"ie on State Hwy something and said, screw it, I am going North. So once I hit Hwy 55 it was clean sailing. No annoying traffic - just me, my kid, the river, and the road.

I had been yearning for a roadtrip for a few weeks - I was very indecisive about whether I was flying or if I was driving to Sandpoint. Traveling by air is convenient with a toddler, however, it can be challenging when you are trying to figure out what is really necessary for a week on the water, and North Idaho weather. When I decided to drive I knew it would give me back some liberation, a bit of freeing of my soul, allowing my self to have conversations with those that have crossed over and a bit of alone time to drink in. Granted Te was in the rear - it was still an opportunity to be free. It was kind of funny - I've become so empathetic and full of emotion - when I got to the trees and smelt their yumminess on my ascent I started to cry. I realized how important trees are to me - they are much of who I am. Although I have thrived in the desert valley of Boise, Idaho - I really, really miss the scent and source of power that trees represent. Trees remind me of home.

Anyways - we were fortunate enough on our roadtrip outside of McCall to see a beautiful deer illuminated in the dusk light looking powerful, beautiful, and empowering on a rise in the road. Accompanied by many of her girlfriends of course. What I love about traveling home to Sandpoint is that the road feels like it's has been imprinted onto my soul. I say that because I could tell you most of the routes through Idaho to get me from Point A (South Idaho) to Point B (North Idaho) - or through Oregon or through Washington from all the numerous road trips I use to take with my Grandma Wilson, my dad, and by myself.

Our trip home included a golf benefit for Deana Dillon, one wedding for Molly and Luke, another wedding for Denise and Dave, reunion with Errin Ford & family and Brian Graves, and finally Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Yep, HFMD is another story. We got to see a lot of old and great friends at Molly's wedding which was hosted by Alex and Laura Wohleib. And more old and great friends at Marley Beach on Sunday when Errin Ford and his family (Lyza and Ella-roo), along with Brian Graves ventured out. Not only that - Te and I were able to reconnect with Kim Kocher and her son Jackson who is two weeks younger then Te. Kim is from Boise and we became acquainted through mutual friends - she moved to Sandpoint to work for Coldwater Creek and Jackson happens to be one of Te's first buddies. Gotta keep that alive :)

When Te and I ventured home on Wed we took a detour through St Maries in route to Fernwood to check out the Nodzu family's property. I was suppose to turn left onto Hwy 5 - missed it, didn't want to turn around, and said I'll do it next time. I actually have not driven Hwy 3 south to Moscow before so it was a bit of an adventure. Made me remember why I hate meeting up with logging trucks on narrow roads! I got to see Princeton and Harvard and a bunch of landscape that was great to drink in from a different persepective. It was nice. I love Idaho - I love life. Just making myself memories and making myself remember.