Three Days with My New Friend Deb

Lake Pend Oreille, Hope Idaho- July 16

On Thursday morning, who knew that I was about to spend 3 wonderful days with someone I had met briefly on Maui? My friend and co-worker Austin grew up in Idaho (I remember when he told me this and my thought was: people actually live and grow up in Idaho?) and introduced me to his mom, Deb, two years ago when she was visiting him. He insisted that I be in touch with her as I went through Coeur d'Lene and Sandpoint. Because I say 'yes' to things these days I did as directed. Lucky me.

Deb lives on the slope of Lake Pend Oreille, a gorgeous, large lake in northern Idaho, home to osprey and eagles I was lucky enough to see regularly while I was there. She welcomed me and made me feel completely at home and we proceeded to have such a time together, hiking, kayaking, talking about loss, and more.

I am making note of the fact that I would have said 'no' to a visit like this not long ago, would have driven past and journeyed on. Perhaps I will remember now that the unexpected discoveries are the very best, and one must say 'yes' to things in order to let those treasures happen.

The hike we took ended up including 8 other 'elders' who were fit as could be. We just went up on Eagen Mountain, the mountain they all lived on. Road to trail to bushwhacking in search of a waterfall some of them had witnessed in wet times. There was bear scat and elk scat along the way, a cave and wonderful views of the lake. Good conversation with these active hikers and marathon runners showed me that, yes indeed, people do live and grow up in Idaho. Actually, that area is a hot bed of great activities- farmers markets, long distance swims, music festivals, open art studios.

So.. on to Canada. But Idaho, Pend Orielle, and Deb were just the sweetest unexpected surprise. Mahalo!