The Big Water of Idaho

Lake Coeur d'Alene

Hey friends! So happy you are here! We are Pat and Michelle, born and raised in Minnesota, and currently taking our 'GAP' year in our 50's. We have decided to leave normal life behind in search of something different... We recently launched full-time travel life in our Brinkley travel trailer with our dogs, Indie and Louie.

August 11 - 14, 2025

Idaho: the heat is ON!

Our first peek at Lake Coeur d'Alene (above, taken from the truck window while driving...) was a welcome sight as we were entering the Idaho summer heat!

We have been to Idaho before, but struck out the first two times for camping. This will be our first true overnight (which is our self-imposed requirement for 'counting' a state as visited). This makes for the first NEW state added this summer! Woohoo.

And speaking of milestones, August 11th makes for TWO months on the road, exactly. We can't believe how quickly the time has flown by. But that is summer!

Okay, so what stood out in Idaho?

Lake Coeur d'Alene. What a Beauty! We got up early twice to get a hike in before the heat. Seeing the water from above was really something.

The hiking was surprisingly scenic, and we just followed our noses to find trails that looked interesting.

The e v e r g r e e n s. Massive! And set against the bluest skies and sparkling water of the big lake, reminiscent of home. We could smell them on our hikes and were so grateful for the shade as things heated up each day.

We found a dog park that was also a DOG BEACH for Indie and Louie. So fun to meet pup-friends and a much needed cool-down in the afternoons. Louie is a newly-crowned dock-jumper, thanks to his mentor, Boone! He just learned last week in Montana. What a thrill! Indie will get her toes wet. That's about it for her :)

Dog parks have been a much-needed fun-stop for our four legged travelers. They've been adjusting nicely to life on the road. Getting the wiggles out, playing frisbee and chasing a ball are key to keeping happy pups!

Other fun stops in Idaho included a local farmer's market, The Coeur d'Alene Resort and the Marina/Boardwalk area, Downtown shops, a picnic in the park, and a scenic drive up Coeur D'Alene Mountain Road.

Some FUN FACTS about Coeur D'Alene:

Lake Coeur d'Alene is a natural lake formed by ancient glaciers during the last Ice Age.

The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course's 14th hole includes the world's only floating, movable island golf green. It can be moved to different yardage distances with an underwater cable system.

Lake Coeur d'Alene is home to the world's longest floating boardwalk, stretching 3,300 feet around The Coeur d'Alene Resort Marina.

Historic "steamship graveyard": The lake was once navigated by more than 50 steamboats, which transported logs, minerals, and passengers. When these ships were replaced by modern transportation, some were set on fire and sunk in the lake. Divers can still find these vessels at the bottom.

Every winter, hundreds of bald eagles migrate to Beauty Bay to feed on spawning salmon. 

I d a h o was a fun, hot, and beautiful stop on our adventure. For the most part, we hiked and spent time enjoying nature. It feels weird to be heading Westward as friends back home are starting to wind-down summer vacations and thinking about heading back to school soon. The reality of our days ahead is sinking in and we are excited for all that is to come on our journey.

Thanks for stopping by to check in on us! :)

We are looking forward to Washington and Oregon on the agenda next...

stay tuned for our updates, coming soon! x o x o