Since I was on
vacation, I decided to take the scenic route – I mean, why not “Stop and Smell
the Roses”, right? So as I left Spokane, I decided to take the long way around,
through Coeur d’Alene again, then down Highway 95 South – along Saint Joe
National Forest, and just inside the Idaho border. Definitely a beautiful ride
along old country roads, and with very little traffic it was the perfect way to
enjoy the journey.
I stopped in Moscow, Idaho, for lunch. I’ve never been to
Moscow before, but it really is just like something out of Mayberry U.S.A. –
they have the quintessential Classic American Main Street, yet carefully
updated and pristine. I found a cute
little Coffee Shop on the corner – and followed the music inside. There was a
Live Jazz Trio playing, and I ordered a Grilled Ham & Cheese – but since I
usually do something with a twist, I had it on a croissant, then done Panini
style. Yes, it was delish – and the music was good and quite relaxing!
After lunch I walked down Main Street a bit and stopped in a
cute little bookstore. It’s always been a hidden dream of mine to own a
bookstore, and this was exactly the type of store that I’d want to own – quaint
yet updated, a good selection of books, notes from the staff about their
favorites, and accessories that tie into some of the selections (like certain
stuffed animals to match some of the children’s books). They even had a
Fundraiser section, with Mystery Books wrapped up – cryptic notes on the
outside to give you a hint about the type of book – “NY Times Best-Selling
Author” or “real-life story from 1880s” and “coming October 2016”, etc. It was
for a good cause, and I love the chance for a good pre-release book – so I
picked out a few that seemed most appealing to me. Then I was back on the road.
At Florence, Idaho, I learned that there had been a Gold
Rush in the area in 1861. Gold in Idaho?!?!?
At the time they had tried to keep it a secret, but word of Gold made it
to California and people flocked to the area. Unfortunately, it only lasted a
few years before all the gold had been mined out.
I’d also never been
to McCall, Idaho, and I got there just about sunset. My only experiences in
Idaho were in the very southeast corner of the state – and this west side is so
much more lush, green, and water-rich. I found a small park along the water in
McCall and got out to stretch my legs – and watch the sun set over the water.
It was beautiful.
The Beaten Path isn’t really my thing – I’m much more of a
“Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood” type. I love to take the path less
traveled by – both literally and figuratively. I often take the “long way” to
work – it’s about 10-minutes longer, but it’s a beautiful drive – and really,
what is there to see on I-15 anyway? And in my life I’ve taken some unusual
paths – like when I quit my fulltime permanent job 3 years ago to take a
temporary contract position. Even my new boss thought I was crazy, but it
turned out to be the right decision for me – and my life and career are better
for it.
No,
it doesn’t always turn out the way I hoped for – but I’m much rather say, “at
least I tried” than to look back on my life and say “I wish I had.” Next time
you have somewhere to go, take the long route, the scenic route, spend a few
extra minutes to see something new. In this rush rush rush world, it’s amazing
the things we don’t see anymore.
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