Logging in Idaho? Okay...

After an unexpected turn of events, we are in Coolin, Idaho, by way of Sandpoint. Lithus is logging. I'm writing. It's what we do. And Idaho is unexpectedly...well...cute.

Sandpoint:

The Sandpoint Sidewalk:

Sandpoint Statuary:

And Coolin...

This is not the view from our hotel

This is, however. See the gopher? :)

Lithus on "the talking rock." It's the only place on hotel property that has cell service.

Road Necessities

This is a little different from other posts. After my knife post, I've gotten questions about what else should be carried when traveling. Honestly, I can't be of much help when it comes to the long weekend in Vegas with your girlfriends or a week at the beach with the family. Anyway, there a bazillion places to get those checklists. However, for people interested in what Lithus and I make sure we have at all times, here you go...

• The aforementioned knife
• 100% DEET. Seriously. Not bug spray. Military grade, 100% DEET.
• Alcohol wipes. These are far more versitile than baby wipes. They can be used to freshen up; to disinfect a cut; to sterilize a blister. Oh, and hotel remote controls. Ewww...
• Cash. Get into small enough towns and you'd be surprised how many places don't have ATMs.
• A hat with a good brim. In rain, in sun, in cold, in heat. Love your hat.
• Plastic ziploc bags. Gallon size. For storing spill-y things. For packing wet things. For covering your hands to scrape things off of other things.
• A well-stocked "medicine cabinet." I use a make-up carry given to me for being in a dear friend's wedding. It's all where we need it when we need it. Personalize it. What does that mean? It means along with advil and tylenol, ours has migraine meds, motion sickness meds, and pepcid because it would really really suck for the two of us to be somewhere and not have those.
• "Hike out" clothes. This is the outfit you put on when everything has gone to shit and you have to get out of wherever you are under the worst possible conditions. Long sleeve ~ but lightweight ~ shirt, comfortable jeans, boots that you have already broken in, your hat, and your knife.
• A great, dressy outfit. Eventually, you will get back to civilization. You will get somewhere where you don't have to be dressed in bush clothes. This evening is completely worth hauling around clothes you won't wear every week.

Exploring Manley, Town Itself

The grounds of the roadhouse

The road out of town

trading port and post office

The school

The Hall

See?

Immediate release...May 2010

A new national holiday, don't you think?

Exploring Manley, the Area

Because Alaska is green, as well as cold and icy.

Just...sitting there.

Campsite

Subsistance fishing wheel

A little closer

And the Tanana River

Manley Hot Springs Picture Dump

First, we drove from Fairbanks to Manley Hot Springs. 156 miles, on mostly gravel roads. In a gold chevy Impala. Yeah, we were subtle. Again. As usual.

We found the fires:

See the gold hood?

But got through to Manley safe enough. Checked into the roadhouse:

Lithus went to work at the airstrip:

The BLM tent

Closer up

Not Lithus's helicopter, but you get the idea.

And I went exploring. Those pictures next time. :)