June 1 (Wednesday): Nez Perce, White Pine Drive, Coeur d'Alene

After breakfast this morning, we stop at the overlook for the Battle of White Bird Hill which initiated the war between the US Government and the Nez Perce tribe in Idaho over land rights.  The Nez Perce dominated this battle.
But Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce tribe knew that they had to flee the US and did so before finally succumbing to US forces in northern Montana.  There are Nez Perce information placards all over this part of Idaho.  We stop at the main visitor center near Spalding, ID.
We drive through some very pretty country including the "white pine drive".
We finally escape from internet/cellular purgatory, find connectivity again and have lunch at the hillside golf course in St. Maries, ID.
A very pretty drive hugging the eastern shoreline of Lake Couer d'Alene.
Our stay tonight is at the very posh, Coeur d'Alene Resort.  We were pleasantly surprised that our "partial marina view" room actually had a water view, albeit over rooftops.
After changing clothes, the first order of business is to head for the marina-side bar for an outdoor cocktail hour.  The weather has been great: bright sunshine and high 70s.
We wander downtown and find a friend ...
and a street market ...
before checking out the pool area and finding an elephant.
After days either off the grid or teetering on the edge, it is rather jarring to be back in civilization with many amenities around.  It is nice be out in the wilderness and it is nice to come back.

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