A Week at Priest!

Last week we took a well deserved family vacation to the northern panhandle of Idaho. Everyone travelled fairly well on the 700 mile road trip, and the van (old reliable) made it there and back without a hiccup (knock on wood). On the way there we were entertained by watching (among other DVD's) Chevy Chase in "Christmas Vacation". Cousin Eddie has a way of making you grateful for each and every "unique" extended family member!

On the way there we crossed the Continental Divide - twice!...

...and made numerous rest stop, pit stops, and potty breaks! Clover (the flying dog) did fine with no accidents, and passed the time by barking at roadside livestock, the van's shadow, or her reflection in the window, or by playing musical lap-naps. Everyone exercised extreme patience, and no one even threw up (not even dad!)

Priest Lake is a beautiful 23,300 surface-acre natural lake in the mountains of the Kaniksu National Forest extending to about 15 miles south of the Canadian border.

There we were reunited with generations of extended family in a nice private cabin which was "home" for the week.

I have many fond memories of vacationing at Priest Lake as a child, so it was fun to return there and make some new memories with my wife and kids! There are numerous public beaches and campgrounds scattered around the 72 miles of shoreline on the main lake. Nearly every foot of lakefront property that is not public has a private house, condo, or development tucked in the tall pine forest.

There are countless other cabins which are not right on the lake but are down narrow winding roads around every turn.

Despite the private development, the lake does not really have a commercialized "feel" to it, mostly due to its remoteness and size. The smaller Upper Priest Lake is mostly on undeveloped National Forest.

There are a number of small to medium-sized islands throughout the lake also, on which you can boat-camp or day-explore by hiking a perimeter shoreline trail.

A short distance from our cabin was a small public airstrip. It was fun watching the planes come in over the bay on final approach for a landing.


Most pilots just camped on the side of the runway and use the showers and other facilities provided. What a way to see the country!



We had a great time hanging out at the cabin, competing in eagerly contested golf/tennis/or boxing "Wii-tournaments", playing board/dice/card games, getting caught up with family, going on long walks on a myriad of trails or side roads, meeting new people (or dogs)...



out on the waterfront, exploring new places, cooking & eating some good meals (the fresh-caught Priest Lake Mackinaw was the best!), staying up late, sleeping in, and just relaxing. The weather was a perfect 75-85 degrees and mostly sunny, with one cloudy day with a few sprinkles.




On two of the days we rented a boat to explore the lake and do some kneeboarding...




tubing...




...and waterskiing!



...with ample ear protection for some of us!

The water was so clear and a perfect 75 degrees. The only thing better than slicing a tall roostertail on some sweet Priest glass at sunset, was relaxing our sore and tired bodies in the hot tub that evening!

The days flew by toooo quickly, as the week came to an end. We all had a great time together, and missed those who were not able to join us. We are very grateful to everyone who helped make this wonderful trip a reality. We had a safe journey back home just in time to deliver the heavy Sunday morning papers! We are very thankful for the times and experiences we shared together at Priest Lake which will be forever etched in our memories!