Sunday, July 27 – Spokane and Coeur d’Alene

For breakfast this morning we went to IHOP (International House of Pancakes). Despite all the exotic concoctions that attracted us there, we both had bacon, eggs, hash browns, and toast. The other options just looked so large and, for me, too carb heavy. Maybe another time for dessert.

From there we backtracked to Coeur d’Alene. We drove around the resort area exploring and got out and walked around the beach and park area for a while. 

On returning to the hotel, Celeste had a short nap. She still did not feel ambitious when she woke up, so I set out for some exploring on my own.I thoroughly explored Riverfront Park, which was created as part of the 1974 World Expo. They cleaned up an industrial wasteland and turned it into a jewel, kind of like what Regina hopes to do with the downtown rail yards. What they created is kind of like Wascana Park, except with several small waterfalls, 

islands, pedestrian bridges, an amusement park, 

a train, 

and pony rides. The place was teeming with people, although I don’t mean to imply that it was crowded, just busy.

Also, I cruised many of the downtown streets. They have so many turn-of-the-last-century buildings here and they are all so interesting. They all have a character, unlike so much modern, sterile construction.

After my return, we went for supper at the Steel head Bar & Grill, where I enjoyed a 32 oz. Schooner of ice cold draft beer for only $6 (pint for $3.50). Usually it is $6 or more for a pint or less. No wonder the joint was jumpin’. The meals were good too.