Where to begin…

I got back from my trip on Tuesday, but it’s been hectic and I just haven’t had a chance to write about it since I got back. Tuesday I got back around 12:30 and was at my desk by 1:30, trying to catch up on all that had come through while I was gone for 2 ½ days. Then I had a 45 minute (what is normally 12 minutes) drive home due to snow and I was exhausted and in bed, sleeping before 8…after 10 hours of sleep and getting through yesterday, getting some cleaning and unpacking done, I’m starting to feel normal again (well, as normal as I get that is!).

The trip was nothing less than fantastic. The journey started early on Friday (4:30) after having been out a little too late drinking beers with a friend…(1 am was when I got home) I even recall a split of a shot of scotch to Uncle Bruce…bad idea! Anyway, 3 hours of sleep and I was up and out the door, parked at the park and fly by 5 and to the airport and through security before 5:30…had some hash browns and orange juice to help me feel better and then flight boarded and we were on our way. First thing I have to say is I love Frontier. I had a very nice flight, never having flown them before it was so refreshing from Northworst who I normally have to fly as they have a hub here in Minneapolis and ends up being the one I fly often…but of all the flights I’ve taken lately on different airlines, I really like Midwest and Frontier now and will fly them when given a chance, even though it means changing planes in either Denver or Milwaukee…I’d do that over anything else!! Midwest serves fresh baked cookies and Frontier has TV you can watch (although I was tired so I opted to just nap instead) for $5 on your flight…25 channels, so not too bad! I made it into Spokane with no major hassles, and my bag was just coming off the plane when Dan called, then came in and met me. We got in the car and plan was to drive back to Sandpoint and pick up Leesa for lunch. There was snow on the ground but it was clear and sunny so we had a nice drive. After picking up Leesa we had lunch at a nice little pie shop, had great sandwiches, salads and of course pie then drop up the mountain to see the views from the top and pick up some snowshoes for a potential hike later in the weekend. The views were fantastic!!

On the way to their place, we grabbed some items at the grocery store and then headed to their place about 10 miles out of town. Their house is quite cute, perfect for them, with a loft bedroom, A-frame with 15’ ceilings and nice open area. We had a couple of drinks and a friend of theirs came over suggesting we should go watch a band play…I was tired as was Leesa but Dan eventually agreed to go and the two of them left, after which Leesa and I hit the hot tub…nothing like sitting in the mountains, with clear skies, snow all around, but hot water…it was great. I was exhausted from the long day and slept great after the hot tubbing and wine…

Saturday morning we got up and decided to cut their Christmas tree. Off their property. That was cool as I’ve never even cut a tree from a tree farm. After touring the property, picking the tree and getting it inside, we decided to head into town to shop a little and have some wine at the wine bars. Dan drove us in and opted to go home and hang out and pick us up later. We went into some cool little shops, bought some smart wool socks for the hike tomorrow (since I had failed to bring mine with) and drank some good wine at a number of places. It was a nice evening.

Sunday we got up and had breakfast, then started clearing the driveway. Oh, yes, I neglected the mention the snow that had started Saturday afternoon and was still coming down, we were guessing around 18” had already fallen…luckily a friend of theirs came by and helped clear the driveway with his plow! After some work on the driveway and path to the hot tub, Leesa and I did some tree decorating and Dan got a pack ready for our hike. It included hot chocolate, powerade and some power bars, in case we needed something more. We headed out around 12:45, knowing we only had till about 3:30/4 before it would be getting dark. The hike was mostly on the road, but with the snowshoes it wasn’t too difficult, then we did hike up some elevation (and apparently 2 days was enough for me to acclimate to the elevation, they live at about 2200 while I’m at about 600!) and into a small national forest where we had to go through some knee deep snow, but that was OK…it was gorgeous sitting among the trees and snow having some hot chocolate. We ended up doing about 4 miles in 3 hours and got back exhausted. Dan opted to clear the driveway again and we made dinner (well, Leesa did, I watched) and then decided a night in watching movies sounded good. Ice Age, Finding Nemo and Best in Show (none of which were ones I had seen) and then off to bed. Nothing like exercise to make you sleep good.

Monday we got up and decided a nice lunch in town was on the menu, and ended up going to a town just north as some friends of theirs were going to join us. It was foggy but kind of cool looking as the snow had turned to rain (but the ski mountain was still getting snow so they were happy as it was scheduled to open Wednesday, a day after I left, but oh well). We ate at a really great organic place and then hung out with their friends watching TV and drinking beer (their friend brews his own) but all too soon it was time to head out and get me back to Spokane for my early Tuesday flight. Dinner, the drive and hugs and goodbyes at the hotel and I attempted to sleep, but not as comfy of a bed and fear of missing my flight etc had me not sleeping well. I did nap on the flights back though and landed to this…