The primary intent of the trip was a test of tools, inventory, canine carrying capacity and physical ability. With the temperature climbing to the high 90s an escape from Spokane with destination Priest lake, Idaho and the Lakeshore Trail. Delayed departure results in arrival in late afternoon as the temperature is dropping but still recorded temperature is 88.
There is evidence of a recent storm along the Reeder Bay road northeast of Nordman. Several large conifers and cedars tilt over or onto the road, One has been cut so that at least one lane is open. For the first night an extra pack, the “day pack” is added to provide back up. Back pack, day pack, dog pack on dog, down the trail to the lake.
At first the trail drops easily, then soon, large cedars can be seen toppled. Downed timber complicates the trail in several places making the hike tedious. At campsite #5 there is a picnic table, rock fire ring, bear bin and an abandoned boat on the beach. After a quick Hennessy set up and swim, the idea of sleeping under the stars on the sand beach comes to mind. And why not, there are no clouds, the temperature is perfect and a good test in the event that the hammock may not be used. Dog agrees.
Comfortable laying in the North Face Furnace as the evening turns to dusk, listening to the lapping of the lake another old familiar sound suddenly can be heard. The whine of mosquitoes and a sense of light facial touches and tiny pricks of pain unrelated to the buzzing aedes. I suspect that these are biting midges or “no see ums”. Zip goes the bevy sack, sealed sailing into sleep.
Morning breakfast on picnic table disturbed when noting a large paper wasp enter into the piping of the table. Camp taken down in packed, a swim and back out on the tedious trail. While examining a large moose print in a low muddy area, out of the forest appear two joggers! Otherwise the forest is still and heavily scented by smoke.
A quick visit to Beaver Bay Camp which was one of the first visits in the Pacific Northwest 1986. That visit included a paddle up the thoroughfare canal that runs between Priest Lake and Upper Priest. During that canoe, an eagle and an osprey were involved in an air duel with the osprey almost like a fight jet attacking the bomber. At one point, the eagle performed a perfect barrel roll with talons extended and crying out in defense. Not really like a rebel yell and hardly evoking a sense of terror. At the beach of Beaver Bay where there was once a cabin, all that remains is the chimney.
During a conversation with “Ray” the camp host for Beaver Bay Campground explains all the downed conifers and cedars.
Accessing the Lake Shore Trail again, this time further north, the trail is short, clear of debris and passes Bottle Bay Camp where there are large number of sites. The area has fire pits, bear bins, tables, an outhouse and no other campers.
A bizarre ~ 06am awakening from a dream of snow with the rumble of thunder but, from the inside of the hennessy there are no visible clouds. A sprinkle of rain starts under blue skies. Several squirrels chatter indignant insults at Era. About 07, Era growls to signal the presence of another person, another jogger. Breakfast, break camp and out.
Homeward bound trip encounters ghost house north of Blanchard.
Escape from the heat is one thing, but not the influence of Jesuits. Originally named Roothan Lake by the Jesuit Priest Desmet, it was renamed Kaniksu by Captain Mullan. Kaniksu is native meaning “Black Robe” referring to the Jesuit presence and then Priest Lake for the same reason.
