Our Tahoe friends, Dave and Barb, are now our Coeur d'Alene friends and whenever we get within several hundred miles of them, we seek them out.

COVID-19 has some silver linings. Since their travel plans had to be canceled, they were in town when we were near.
We spent two nights and parts of two days with these amazing people. It wasn't enough time!
When they offered a boating adventure, we were onboard! Since the Lake was so rough, Steve and Dave boated over from their dock, picked the girls up in the marina and then we all puttered to the calmer waters of the Spokane River. My neck still needs TLC.
The Spokane River drains the northern part of Lake Coeur d'Alene in the Idaho Panhandle, emptying into the Columbia River at Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake, approximately 111 miles downstream. Along its protected shoreline are some enviable homes. Wow.
This, by far, is the most impressive, at least in size and how it was funded. This 26,000 sq. ft home was built by Ron and Georgia Lee Puryear almost 20 years ago. And where did the fortunate come from? I would never have guessed... Amway! (Ron was one of the most successful Amway distributors in the world). The family still owns the massive home and had requested a special use permit to use the home as a B & B and event center. As far as I can tell, the request was denied. BUT What a place. Here's a link for a brief tour. Wow!
I loved this house with its convenient way to get into the lake from the second story. What a child's dream!
I was surprised to find the water to be super warm. I'm too accustomed to Lake Tahoe and the Pacific Ocean.
 


Each night, we physically distanced on this delightful porch, dining on local takeout. We sat for hours, getting caught up and enjoying summer nights. I think we all needed the 'friend time'. Tomorrow, we head back into nature and into our own private Steve & Denise world.