Blessings for the holiday season

Twenty years ago this month, our coast-to-coast travels led us through Bonners Ferry down to Sandpoint. It was love at first sight. 

We stayed at the now-demolished S&W Motel on our tight budget but explored the city, took day trips around the county and became friends with people from Clark Fork to Coeur d'Alene. 

We've visited again a few more times but our initial vivid memories of the area's staggering natural beauty and strong, yet warm and welcoming people are fresh. These things have made the Panhandle region a true American gem.