Priest Lake Camping/Kayaking Trip

This last September, Matt, my chemistry professor and I all went up to Priest Lake in Northern Idaho for a quick weekend getaway! We stayed at the same campsite that Esther, Matt and I had stayed in the night we got up there for out backpacking trip earlier that summer. We have tried to make reservations in advance, but they had told us that everything was full - but we found out what they should have said was CLOSED! This campsite was unattended (by host) but happened to be open for hunters for the last weekend when we arrived - boy were we glad..the closest "town" was 10 miles away and was a one horse store/restaurant with showers.

Our campsite was located about 30 feet above the water and we had a beautiful view. Below us there was a gorgeous beach which Tillie loved! Oh, yeah, we brought her with us! She was really good, and enjoyed being off leash for periods of time...a novelty to her!

We set up camp in the evening, and had to scavenge for wood!! After we got a fire going (will not go into details here...) Matt and I prepared some dutch oven meals. The next morning we got up and ready (including washing my hair in the portable shower and then rinsing with COLD water because we ran out....), and then set off on a kayaking adventure! Unfortunately, the wind was a little high, and as Matt and I tried to coordinate getting in and off, he dumped my over and soaked me entirely!! Mind you, it was about 45 degrees outside! Fortunately, I was wearing longjohns, rain gear, and wool socks with tevas, so I actually wasn't too cold. Not your usually kayaking gear for a sit on top, self-bailing (meaning gets your behind wet often) style.

Our professor had brought her inflatable kayak, and so we spend about two hours going around the bend and checking out the wildlife and the cabins on the water. We talked to several friendly people in boats, and before long, realized that we had come quite some distance. The wind really started to pick up, and soon we realized we were in for a long haul. We ended tying the kayaks together and paddling like mad (for a LONG hour and a half) just to make it about 500 ft around the corner. We did finally make it though, and had nice warm leftovers when we got back! We also spotted a red-necked grebe which stayed right next to use for some time, so it was, of course, all worth it!

Right before we left, we noticed a really cool growth on a tree, and so I took this picture of it. It was bright yellow on the outside, and melon pink in the cracks! It was also HUGE - about 10 inches long!!