Saturday I had occasion to head north to Bonners Ferry. It was a pleasant day, with the sun shining and the scent of spring in the air. My favorite way to be on these kinds of days is topless: cruising in my little Toyota Solara convertible with the top down and the wind in my hair!
I went to visit with a new friend, Rich. Rich called me a while back and asked me about raffling his home off. Seems he had been online looking for home raffling information, and came across a post of mine about a local charitable house raffle. This was a great affirmation to me that my blogging is worthwhile. People are finding me in cyberspace, even when they aren't looking for me!
Fast forward a couple of months and a few conversations, and I decided to go get a close-up look at the lovely Appalachian style log home that Rich had built with his own two hands. I knew from the photos I'd seen that it was meticulous and wonderful.
I left Coeur d'Alene and pointed my car towards Canada, feeling a bit frazzled. It had been a busy week and I was wondering if I really should be spending my Saturday traipsing off to look at a house two counties, and an hour and a half, away.
It didn't take long for me to realize that my 2009 inaugural topless adventure was just what the doctor ordered!
The sky was brilliant! The sun was warm and the air was fresh. The natural beauty of Coeur d'Alene is spectacular. But there is just something different as you venture further north. The mountain peaks are higher, more rugged, and snow capped. It seems almost as if you are leaving all of civilization behind.
My drive took me across the bridge over Lake Pend Orielle and through Sandpoint. Imagine driving 
through a post card, because I might as well could have been! Finally, almost to the border, Bonners Ferry.
As I approached Rich's home through the gate on his meticulously maintained private road, I was stunned at the scene that unfolded before my eyes. I wasn't in a post card, I was on the set of The Sound of Music! That scene of them twirling and frolicking and singing on the grassy Alps mountaintop flooded my head as soon I saw the setting of Rich's home!
You see, not only had he built his home with his own two hands (well okay, I'm sure he used modern power tools in the process) he had also cleared three of his eleven acres with his own two hands! Unbelievable! It was a breathtaking sight to behold!
Can you even imagine waking up each morning, looking out your window to a sight like this?
The backdrop of those beautiful, rugged mountain peaks in every direction. Framed by tall timbers, with no sight or sound of civilization to interfere!
Although it seemed like I had driven to the end of the world, downtown was just three miles away!
Rich and I had a good visit. He was interested in hearing my ideas about the best way for him to sell his property. I am never at a loss for words, especially when someone asks me my opinion!
I spent much more time there than I had planned, and enjoyed every minute of it. Rich was as delightful as the day was glorious. When we did a walkabout so he could point out the fence lines and corner posts, Rich apologized a couple times about piles of elk poop. Did I mention that Rich's property is meticulous?
As I headed home I realized that my investment in time was very well spent. I didn't spend the day in
stress relief therapy at a spa, but I felt like a new person! I resolved that I MUST make myself and Mr. Scharf pause from the daily grind more often to simply enjoy this magnificent place that we are so very blessed to call home!
Driving south, I snapped a few photos from the driver's seat of my topless car. Here are a few, including my favorite - Tulips vs. Balloons. I did a double take as I drove through an explosion of color, made a U-turn and went back to get that wonderful photo! A fitting cap to a day I will long remember.
Janna Rankin Scharf provides a superior level of real estate services to home buyers and sellers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County, Idaho. Visit www.JannaScharf.com to search for homes in the Coeur d'Alene MLS for anywhere in spectacular North Idaho.
No matter how grand or modest your real estate dreams may be, you can turn to me in confidence. Give me a call today and let me know what I can do to be of service to you!
Janna Rankin Scharf, AB, GRI, CSP, CNS, CLHMS 208.651.9700 NorthIdahoJanna@gmail.com
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