Sad to leave, we followed the shore of Bull Lake slowly, soaking in its aching beauty. Shortly up the road we turned toward Ross Creek to revisit the stately cedars. In this area, Western Red Cedars ( we call them Green Giant arborvitae in the East) proliferate. They cloak the mountains, coloring them a deep green. But Ross Creek, with its rain forest atmosphere, is the home to the oldest and largest trees in the area. Some reaching 12 feet in diameter and 150 feet in height, these ancient giants stand stately guarding this 100 acre piece of heaven. Quietly, we walked among them, gazing up into their branches. The ecosystem houses not only the cedars, but also huge ferns and other opulent greenery that covers the ground. With the sun slanting through the trees onto the streams and paths through the forest, a sense of spirituality pervades this place of natural antiquity.
Humbled, we left Ross Creek gently, winding our way into the real world. Back on route 56, we rode along forest walls covered with cedars, but none so grand as the ones we 'd just visited.
Onto 200, we crossed the panhandle of Idaho, saying a long goodbye to the Rockies. Following the Clark Fork River out of Montana, we found our perfect quiet picnic spot next to the water. Shortly, the Clark Fork met Lake Pend Oreille. Glacially formed, this 43 mile lake is largely unpopulated. Framed by mountains, the calm waters painted a reflection to surpass any masterpiece.
We followed this lake, then the Pend Orielle And Priest Rivers through Idaho. Crossing into Washington, we left the Rockies behind and headed toward Spokane. As we rode through the city, crowds of people picnicked in parks, attended fairs and gathered to celebrate the birth of our nation. Being " city-phobic" we hurried out of the frenzy and into the plains. At Davenport we found respite in a small motel, the last to come for many miles.
It is still light as we settle in for the night. Gaining another hour, we need to adjust our mental alarm clocks. Listening to the frenzy of fireworks coming from this small town, I feel so fortunate to live in America. Today we freely passed through three states, experiencing beauty beyond measure. Tonight we can fall safely asleep, knowing that tomorrow we will be free to roam where we wish throughout our country. "This land is your land, this land is my land....."
Bull Lake
Ross Creek Cedars
Lunch on the Clark Fork
Lake Pend Orielle
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