mark don mcinnes: Single clear day between storms - Construction Crews Hustling - 10/21/16 01:33 AM
Single clear day between storms - Construction Crews Hustling
With the heavy rains, this fall, many Sandpoint Idaho projects, both city and private, are being rushed to get work buttoned up to a point that the winter weather will not due damage to already completed work.  
Enjoy the short YouTube video showing some of the hustling crews and work: 
Following the day I took the videos we had torrential rains for about 24 hours straight.  While not as hard, we are expecting another storm Monday after cloudy skies for the weekend.  Good hustle Sandpoint Construction Crews!
Experience the change of pace Living In North … (13 comments)

mark don mcinnes: WaCanId Bicycle Ride & Real Estate - Day 5 - 10/11/16 08:23 AM
WaCanId Bicycle Ride & Real Estate - Day 5
September 15, 2016 and we begin Day 5 of Rotary Sponsored WaCanId International Selkirk Loop Bicycle Ride.  Todays ride is unique in a few ways.  One being the evevation change from start to finish just over 200 feet, while the total elevation climb for riders being the largest of the ride at 5,291, just over 1 mile.
WaCanId Day 5 2016 being the first full day, that we are on the same route as past years.  The beauty of the day never escapes me even though having traveled it many times with the ride … (6 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Karma in North Idaho circles very quickly ! - 01/24/16 11:50 AM
Karma in North Idaho circles very quickly !
Nina Hollander had a wonderful post this Sunday morning that it was/is National Compliment Day.  I enjoyed the post and went out of my way to pass along some compliments that I normally would take mental note of, and not verbalize.  Every sincere compliment earned a warm smile and thank you.  
When called by Bob  "Realman" Timm for 'Singing in the Rain' he asked me about my Real Estate goals.  I tried to explain they were not the normal goals you put numbers and a timeline to, although I do have action plans.  Not always the … (11 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Winter Sleigh Ride, Dinner and Entertainment Sandpoint Idaho - 01/15/16 02:20 AM
Winter Sleigh Ride, Dinner and Entertainment Sandpoint Idaho
 
Sandpoint Idaho is a destination resort town with activities and events through out the year.  Winter events are in full swing with much to choose from. Schweitzer Mountain Resort has a full weekend scheduled.  
 
 
Maybe you are interested in a more intimate night.  Western Pleasure Guest Ranch has a wonderful evening in storeJanuary 16, 2016.  Horse drawn sleigh ride thru the snow packed forest, dinner and live entertainment.  View here for details and other events to enjoy at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch.                         … (10 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Schweitzer Ski Resort Celebrates Martin Luther King Weekend - 01/15/16 01:31 AM
Schweitzer Ski Resort Celebrates Martin Luther King Weekend
This has been a fantastic year thus far at Schweitzer Mountain Resort.  This weekend join the fun with all the special events planned at Schweitzer. 
 
 
 
 
If nothing else do make it up on Saturday night, January 16 2016 and enjoy the festive atmosphere, in the village, along with the torch parade followed by fireworks.  Always a wonderful show.  Click Here to see all that Schweitzer offers!
                                                            … (2 comments)

mark don mcinnes: The 'air' is still free to breathe - 01/14/16 01:44 AM
The 'air' is still free to breathe
While heading back from walking Halley this morning I noticed the car seemed to be pulling right a bit.  Stopping at the store for some OJ and of course a couple of treats for Halley I checked the right front tire.  Sure enough, was very low. 
Low enough I did not want to travel any farther than need be to get some air.  So while a bit surprised with what I read on the air compressor I had dug into my pocket.  Even in Bonners Ferry we question the prices from time to time. 
Experience the change … (8 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Off Grid River Front Property for sale Sandpoint Idaho - 01/13/16 06:45 AM
Off Grid River Front Property for sale Sandpoint Idaho
Only 20 miles from town sits this .67 acres with 287 feet of Pack River frontage.  Continue heading north, from your driveway, on Upper Pack River road and after only a mile or two you will come to trail heads for hiking, 4 wheeling and snow mobiling.  You can travel to Priest Lake or Naples via Forest Service Land.  Fantastic getaway with 1999 built structure to enjoy wood burning stove warmth and cooking, sleeping, eating, and outside covered deck only a stones throw from the river.  Listed at $95,000   MLS # 20160058
Click … (10 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Sandpoint Boyscout Troop 111 bring 2016 in with a splash! - 01/06/16 01:20 PM
Sandpoint Boyscout Troop 111 bring 2016 in with a splash!
New Years day morning showed the stormy skies clearing.  With that the winds were blowing hard.  A walk with Halley left my boot prints already covered with snow on my return.  My hands would go numb in the time it took to snap a picture.  
I stopped in Trinity's Restaurant for a North Idaho style champagne brunch.  Bisquits and gravy with a split of champagne.  The view across the beach to the far Cabinet mountains was spectacular, as well as showing the hard winds blowing along the City Beach.
As I left the … (22 comments)

mark don mcinnes: An unexpected 'thank you' - 01/05/16 01:29 PM
An unexpected 'thank you'
As Real Estate professionals we do our best to insure our clients experience is the very best possible, in every way.  Of course we are doing it to make a living, and yet there is the side of us that realizes this is one of a persons biggest, most important, moments in their life.  
A thank you from a client is always special.  It means a lot.  A thank you from another agent means a lot in that they know the work needed to complete a transaction.  
This note came as a surprise and was from a agent/buyer. … (28 comments)

mark don mcinnes: New Year's Eve and 'Daddy's Home' - 01/03/16 11:00 AM
New Year's Eve and 'Daddy's Home'
After a nice home cooked steak dinner, by my lovely lady, a movie was in order for New Year's Eve.  Not wanting to be out late and in the crowds the timing was perfect for 'Daddy's Home' with Will Ferrel and Marc Wahlberg.
 Image courtesy of Paramount Pictures
So off to Bonner's Mall theaters in Ponderay Idaho.
I have read the reviews, on the movie, after seeing it.  I am surprised.  I found it extremely funny.  Not just one scene, but one after another.  Good laughs.  Yes Will plays the part he has been doing forever.  Yet playing off … (15 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Road and Highway maintenance should always be considered - 12/26/15 06:50 AM
Road and Highway maintenance should always be considered
When moving to Sandpoint North Idaho area many things need be taken into consideration. Just one of those items should be how well are you going to be able to travel during the winter.  Winter storms in any snow country can cripple a community if they are not prepared with equipment and know how.
The last week has brought heavy snows, along with power outages to some areas.  While many would criticize the road crews I personally applaud them on the fantastic job they are doing keeping the roads safe and open for travel.  This being during … (25 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Everyone need not know about a 'tradition' to make it special - 12/25/15 01:02 PM
Everyone need not know about a 'tradition' to make it special
About 16 years ago when I was living in Truckee California, and Bilbo was but a wee pup, a tradition started.  There was a 'Big Dog' store in the one small strip mall in Truckee.  I got Bilbo his own stocking that year.  For 12 about 12 years Bilbo's stocking would go up next to mine.  He was such a goof ball.  Some how he knew that stocking was his.  He would get so excited.  Play with something for a few minutes and then run over and start nuzzling his stocking … (19 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Christmas Eve with snow still flying in North Idaho - 12/24/15 02:55 AM
Christmas Eve with snow still flying in North Idaho
I have been looking forward to Christmas Eve again this year.  Maybe a bit more so than usual.  I normally go to Coeur D'Alene have a nice Sirloin Steak dinner at Texas Roadhouse and then a movie at Riverstone Regal Theaters.  Tradition I started about 9 years ago.  This year is "Star Wars".
After traveling to Sandpoint from Naples yesterday, only 20 miles, I was disappointed to see the poor drivers on the road.  After thinking about the stress of driving in snow, with even heavier Christmas Eve traffic, I decided it was not … (13 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Merry Christmas with, oh my, only 2 days left ! - 12/22/15 10:04 PM
Merry Christmas with, oh my, only 2 days left !
I could not sleep yesterday and know better than tossing and turning.  Headed to Sandpoint with my sleepy eyed buddy, Halley, about 3am.  We were treated to a very special morning.  Storm had hit hard.  Only things moving were the snow removal crews. I was able to leave Halley off her leash to run the streets of Sandpoint.
The Town Center Christmas Tree was truly special.  I have been lucky on a few ocassions to catch something special because I chose to get up, rather than toss and turn, only because of the … (11 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Merry Christmas from Bonners Ferry with only 3 Day Left ! - 12/22/15 06:20 AM
Merry Christmas from Bonners Ferry with only 3 Day Left !
North Idaho has storms rolling through.  Yesterday through this morning left the best accumulation by far on the valley floors.  In fact I am typing this after having spent close to 4 hours snow blowing and tidying up at the park.  The Welcome sign is seen off Highway 95 just before crossing Kootenai River and entering Bonners Ferry.  The spectacular Christmas lights are in town.
Merry Christmas from Bonners Ferry with only 3 Day Left !
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Are you wanting to experience the change of pace Living In North Idaho will make.  Contact me for … (10 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Merry Christmas from Naples North Idaho - 6 days left - 12/19/15 02:44 PM
Merry Christmas from Naples Idaho - 6 days left
An inexplicable calm, a quiet, a sense of something near has fallen over North Idaho.  The Christmas Sentinels are more alert. The lights seem to be brighter, almost as if acting a beacon.  
With Halley's walk this morning she showed herself to be aware of the difference.  This quiet is a calming quiet.  A moment to find peace within one's self.  Merry Christmas from Naples North Idaho.
 
Are you wanting to experience the change of pace Living In North Idaho will make?  Contact me for your local North Idaho Real Estate Resource.
 
Click here! for search results: … (14 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Merry Christmas from Naples Idaho - 7 days left - 12/18/15 02:57 PM
Merry Christmas from Naples Idaho - 7 days left
As we head into the final week before Christmas North Idaho received another nice storm last night.  With the cooler temperatures this snow is holding on the valley floors.  Adding to the beauty of the layer of white is the reflection of all the Christmas lights.  
Are you wanting to experience the change of pace that Living In North Idaho will make? Contact me for your local North Idaho Real Estate Resource.
Search results for: Sandpoint Real Estate for Sale - Click Here!
… (18 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Merry Christmas from Naples Idaho - 8 days left - 12/17/15 09:44 AM
Merry Christmas from Naples Idaho - 8 days left
Santa's workshop is busy here in Naples.  Frosting for the cookies.  Last minute forgotten items for special "Mom's" recipes being picked up at the store.  Fudge being cut and all on to special platters. 
 
While everyone looks at this 'Santa's Helper' a bit funny when told I made the fudge and cookies myself it does not take but one taste and the next year they
are asking if it is being made again, with a hopeful look in their eye.  
With many plates delivered there are many yet to go and with that and only 8 … (5 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Merry Christmas 2015 with only 10 days left ! - 12/15/15 12:57 AM
 
Merry Christmas 2015 with only 10 days left !
Sandpoint Idaho is nestled between Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort and Lake Pend Oreille. Schweitzer is a year round mountain with activities and events for all.  And as you would easily guess it really shines its brightest during the Holiday Season.  
With skiers and boarders enjoying snow packed runs, and the village shops and restaurants being decorated, Schweitzer Mountain Resort turns into a Christmas Winter Wonderland for many.  
You need not be a skier or boarder to enjoy some of your Holidays at Schweitzer Ski Resort.
Interested in experiencing the change of pace Living in North … (6 comments)

mark don mcinnes: Hidden 'Treasures' found at garage sales - 10/11/14 01:06 AM
We all have been to garage sales.  I have not out grown the habit.  Years ago when in Truckee, Lake Tahoe area, they would have community garage sale days on Memorial Weekend and Labor Day Weekend.  People would, through out the area,  plan their garage sales for that weekend.  Local businesses joined in with huge sales on seasonal items that would have to be stored, if not sold.  This grew in popularity creating large numbers of individual garage sales.  My former wife and I would get up early and make our way to our favorite coffee shop. Everyone inside secretly checking … (13 comments)