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Always Local, Wherever I Go
By Bob Lee Ride Dates: June 16-17
In Sandpoint, ID
Click picture for Google Earth views. Use esc key to pause; ctrl+R or cmd+R to resume
Before we start our short journey across the tip of Idaho, I would like to say how impressed I have been with the beauty, cleanliness and the roads of Washington —and the friendlieness of the people there. To me it is one of the best kept secrets and I hope to go back with Anne and bike the San Juan Islands and portions of this route again.
While still in Washington just outside of Newport, I met this woman with her horse.
I took her picture to remind me what she said. Earlier that morning I had stayed in Newport for a couple of extra hours trying to get an interview with the local paper. I was turned down because I wasn’t “local”. I tried explaining that the reasons for which I ride are local in every community —including Newport. The woman with the horse told me her brother died from cancer and that cancer is all through the community. When will the media take responsibility to help find cures for ALS and Cancer? These diseases ARE local and hit very close to everyone’s home. Ticked off? Yes, but a little pedaling will clear my head.
..
Soon I was in Idaho and on my way to Sandpoint.
I arrived in Sandpoint, Idaho on Friday afternoon with plans to spend Saturday with my sister Penny who flew up from Santa Barbara, CA with her good friend Tracy. Tracy is not only a pilot, but also built the plane they flew.
I have been very fortunate to stay in a number of first class Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels and now I can add a Lodge to my list. Glen & Leslie Harvey are friends of Penny’s from Santa Barbara and have recently built The Lodge at Sandpoint. How generous they were to offer an exquisite room overlooking Lake Pend Oreille for Friday and Saturday.
These pictures were taken as the sun was setting Friday evening.
You can tell how happy I must be when I see flower arrangement like these in the lobby...
...And a view at breakfast like this.
How nice it was to have time on Saturday to visit with Clare, Susan, Rob (my nephew) Penny and Tracy. We spent time in the afternoon at the Lodge planning our next family reunion to be right here. Rob works for the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare in the area of Children and Family Services. At times I lose sight of all the people who are struggling through life. Some because of addictions, some because of a lack of education, some because of a lack of motivation and some because they just don’t know any better. I applaud what Rob does in helping children get out of harm’s way so they may have hope and opportunities for a productive like.
Tonight I saw a sight that really made me realize times have changed. I remember when dogs used to do the “dog paddle” —now they have their own boat? Sometimes I feel I am losing touch with reality. Maybe one of these dogs was a father and just received the boat as a Father’s Day gift. Now that would make sense!
Sunday has been a rainy cold day. The front desk called with a rainy weather forecast and said I was more than welcome to stay another night and I have decided to do just that. I don’t think I will see another room with a fireplace and flat screen TV for the next 4,000 miles.
We know when it is Sunday Morning. I hope all the fathers had a happy day!
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Hi Bob: great picture of you and Penny and all the others. She told me last night what a great time you all had. Keep up the good work. Glad you got some media coverage, there should be more!
all the best, Jean
Posted by: Jean Schuyler | Jun 23, 2007 1:14:09 AM
Hi Bob,
Glad to see you are still pedeling across America on your fundraising quest! Boy what beautiful sights you have encountered! I didn't think the west coast photos coast possibly top the east coast, but I think they have. With the onset of summer I lost the daily rountine of reading your blog. Fortunately your handy website allows me to catch up on what I've missed. WOW what a journey!!!!!!!!!
We are holding down the fort here, and will be reading your blog and sending you good thoughts, and prayers for safety and success in your journey. Peddle quickly and safely we miss your bright smile.
Mary Reilly and Clan
Posted by: Mary Reilly | Jun 22, 2007 9:09:10 AM