Idaho Go-Away Information

Idaho “Go-Away”-September 2015
Ok, so I have gotten a little ahead of myself here. Marsha and I began our 26-day, 4600 plus
driving miles vacation eleven days before our actual arrival in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, site of this
season’s one-week “go-away.” We had spent five leisurely days driving up to Columbia Falls,
Montana, just outside Glacier National Park and spent six nights in Columbia Falls before
driving to Coeur d’Alene. I can only sketch the natural wonders we encountered during that
time: the great surprise that is Twin Falls, Idaho, perched above the Snake River gorge; volcanic
southern Idaho and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve; the meander along
the scenic Salmon River to our splendid Bed and Breakfast, the Syringa Lodge in Salmon, Idaho;
huge, mist-covered Flathead Lake after heading north from Missoula, Montana (too misty even
for photos); and Glacier National Park, stunning in every respect even as the glaciers recede at an
abnormal pace.
Snake River gorge below Twin Falls
Glacier National Park, cold and cloudy
Idaho, not Hawaii!
The best B&B
Sparkling Lake McDonald and a natural beauty in foreground
On to Coeur d’Alene! The drive from Columbia Falls to Coeur d’Alene again pointed up the
natural splendors of the northwest and it was difficult to keep one’s eyes on the road. However,
traveling from the east, the first site of Lake Coeur d’Alene, and the city nestled against it, is one
not likely to be forgotten. At the Holiday Inn Express and Suites, our home for the next week,
we were greeted by “Dodger,” the “hotel dog” as he was called, a full-time resident of the petfriendly lodging. Our rooms were well-equipped and comfortable, breakfast each morning was
varied, and the pool and, in particular hot spa, were welcome relief for this reporter’s aching
back. The Club’s travel agent, Paula Mullins-Worster from First Tee Travel and Promotions,
and her golfing buddy and travel companion, Mary Falso, worked tirelessly that afternoon
arranging for the generous supply of finger foods and libations that awaited all attendees at the
first night, Saturday, September 5, welcome party.
Holiday Inn Express and Suites
Dodger
Mary and Paula
Welcome!
Circling Raven, Sunday, September 6
The first of our four rounds of golf during the one-week event was held at Circling Raven Golf
Club, located in Worley, a half hour south of Coeur d’Alene, on Indian land beside the Coeur
d’Alene Casino and Resort. The cold and cloudy skies were foreboding when we arrived and
only got worse as the afternoon progressed with intermittent sprinkles early giving away to a
pretty good drenching by afternoon. Those foursomes coming into the clubhouse later in the
round had withstood not only brutal weather, but also a difficult day of golf. The course was
strewn with forced carries over tall grass on protected land. Lost balls came easily to many of
us. Conquering the course and the weather were Memo Rodriguez, who posted a Low Net score
of 73 on the day, and Club Champion for the past three seasons, Michael Lindberg, who posted a
Low Gross score of 90. (Michael posted the Low Gross score at all four courses during the
event!)
Circling Raven
Alice and Memo Rodriguez
with Nellie Ho in Monterey, 2014
(Photo Courtesy Patti Okabe)
Michael and Mary Lindberg
The Highlands, Monday, September 7
Improved weather accompanied a round of improved golf for most at The Highlands Golf Couse
in Post Falls, Idaho, a short drive out of Coeur d’Alene. On a day when Michael Lindberg took
both Low Net and Low Gross, other golfers also shone. Rex Deweese won first place in the “A”
flight and had a Closest-to-the-Pin. Jim Fox matched Rex winning first place in the “B” flight
and also notching a Closest-to-the-Pin.
L to R: Kurt Weingartner, John Stafford
Karl Weingartner, Joe Andres-ready to tee off
Kim and Rex Deweese
at Grand Coulee Dam in Washington
L to R: Jim and Lori Fox
Judy and Larry Fox
Monday night attendees took a dinner cruise on Coeur d’Alene Lake. As night fell, the lake
shimmered, reflecting the lights from the opulent Coeur d’Alene Resort. The cruise gave all an
opportunity to refresh, enjoy some good food, and spend some extra time with comrades.
Coeur d’Alene Resort at nightfall
L to R:Kurt, Geri McEneaney, Michelle Berry,
Ollie Powell and John McEneaney
L to R: Carnell Powell, Fox twins,
Wayne Frost
L to R:Edie Brown, Terry Hunter,
Mary Nolan, Debbie and Jerry Berg
L to R: John Krolak, John Kenworthy,
Lynda Kenworthy, Rex Deweese, Betty Krolak,
Carol and Dave Ferguson
Peaceful!
A Day to Play, Tuesday, September 8
Skies cleared completely on our first free day of the event. All attendees found their own ways
to spend the day, resting up, playing games, or sightseeing as did Rex and Kim Deweese along
with Marsha and me. We decided to take the long trek to see the Grand Coulee Dam in
Washington, one of the signature achievements of the Roosevelt Era efforts at recovery from the
Great Depression. The sheer scope of the project reminds one of the greatness and resilience of
the American people. At the time of the construction, the crush of unemployment from the long
depression had seemed an endless burden. However, government sponsored programs, such as
the construction of the Grand Coulee Dam and the taming of the mighty Columbia River brought
hope and inspiration to the people. One of those people was Woody Guthrie who penned his
memorable “Roll on, Columbia, Roll on” in tribute to the work and workers at Grand Coulee and
other similar projects meant to provide hydro-electric power and flood protection as well as work
for the people.
The Grand Coulee Dam
We continued our day’s travel taking a different route away from the Grand Coulee Dam than we
had taken to get there. Instead we headed south, below the towering, water-carved cliffs along
Banks Lake, and on to one of the most overpowering sights we had ever witnessed at Dry Falls
State Park. The Dry Falls are the remnants of a millennia-old flood that had overpowered all of
central Washington, caused the mighty Columbia River to back up, flooding back into Idaho and
overflowing it banks down into the Willamette Valley in Oregon on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
This epochal event left its mark on the landscape; a landscape today viewed looking backward in
time.
Along Banks Lake
Dry Falls-a single photo unable to capture to true scope of it!
Dry Falls
Avondale, Wednesday, September 9
After our day of play it was back to the golf course for most. Avondale Golf Club is a
remarkably lovely course in Hayden Lake, again a short drive from Coeur d’Alene. The round
of the day belonged to Bruce Yochim who carded a stunning Low Net score of 64. This was the
lowest net score posted by any golfer during the event.
Avondale
Dave, Michelle, Dolly and George Berry
Coeur d’Alene, Thursday, September 10
Bruce Yochim
The chill was still in the air for the shotgun start at The Coeur d’Alene, the golf course adjacent
to the Coeur d’Alene Resort and famous for its “Floating Green.” The course offers challenges
and beautiful vistas across Lake Coeur d’Alene. The signature hole is the par 3, 14th with a
green that can be floated to various distances out in the lake. Where many of us sacrificed balls
to the golf gods, Karl Weingartner dropped one a mere 17 inches from the cup and made birdie.
Taming the rest of the course was John Kenworthy with Low Net score of 65 while lovely wife
Lynda claimed first place in the “B” flight. George Berry, who was a birdie machine during the
event, won first place in the “A” flight.
After the round, competitors and non-golfing attendees gathered at the clubhouse restaurant for a
lakeside lunch. The food was tasty and the conversation lively, topping a memorable afternoon.
The Coeur d’Alene
The “Floating Green” with its master,
Karl Weingartner, on the right.
Lynda and John Kenworthy
Closing Banquet-Friday, September 11
The final full day of the event began with hours to explore the area around Coeur d’Alene.
Several attendees made their way to Wallace, Idaho, a charming mining town east of Coeur
d’Alene. In Wallace one could take a guided tour of the Sierra Silver Mine and find refreshment
in various local eateries.
Wallace-proud heritage
Sierra Silver Mine depot and trolley
Mine Opening
Inside with colorful guide
“1313” Club-bar and grill
The closing banquet was held at the Red Lion Templin’s Hotel in Post Falls. Our banquet room
offered easy access outside along the Spokane River and great sunset photo opportunities. Inside
attendees had a no-host bar available, sit-down dinner service with fine food, door prizes and
raffles. Presentations included announcement of the winning performers at each golf course as
well as a preview from Paula Mullins-Worster of next season’s “go-away” to St. George, Utah.
St. George is known as a golfer’s haven but also features easy access to more adventurous
outings to Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks as well other striking southwest features. All
Club Members should make their plans now to attend this event which will be held later in the
month of September 2016. Full details will be presented at the Annual Awards Banquet in
January 2016.
Banquet Location
Ferguson’s at Sunset
Krolak’s at Sunset
Marsha and I still had several more days of adventures after departing Coeur d’Alene on
Saturday morning, September 12. However, the time spent in Coeur d’Alene was most
memorable and we look forward to the next opportunity to travel will such delightful company.
See you all in St. George!