Sandpoint of years past is gone forever

My comments here are not meant to endorse or condemn the Sand Creek byway but rather simply to add to tunnel advocate Steve Potter's previous statement.

I appreciated hearing that you enjoy the view across Sand Creek to the stand of trees that beautifully reflect on the water north of the visitor's center.

I regret you didn't frequent Sandpoint a few years ago. One of my family's favorite views was to visit the old train station and look out across the lake while enjoying the ambiance of the historical station set on the lake.

Had you been here, you could've pushed Seasons at Sandpoint to build a subterranean tunnel structure — perhaps like that of an old family friend of ours who used a huge culvert in the ground for a "hunting lodge." Had that happened, then both the view from the train station and from the lake looking up at the station could have been preserved.

As it is now, I look out from the station smack dab into the back of the structure that looks like it was moved from Sarasota or Fort Myers, Fla., rather than a building designed for the Pacific Northwest.

Please don't take offense if this is your part-time home I'm looking into the back of. I'm just describing the loss of a tremendous view similar to the loss you fear with the Sand Creek bypass leveling the creek's east side deciduous border.

The good news is the bypass would travel behind those trees and your view will still be enjoyed. We both can enjoy a fabulous view of the lake and city from our cars freewheeling along the Sand Creek byway.

It might be better than the view of the back (or front) of Seasons or the brake lights I currently view as I go through town.

DARYL W. REOCH

Sandpoint