Written by guest blogger Danielle Gruden
Sometimes you experience places that give you that white-picket fence, shuttered window, forget-me not garden type of feeling- perfection. These places find a corner, forever in your memory.
Dover Bay, about two miles outside of Sandpoint, ID sits on Lake Pend Oreille. I headed here for my birthday – by myself. My travel partner dropped out last minute – which I was initially worried about, as were
my parents. A mid twenty-something wrestling with the road and the wilderness. But once I arrived at Dover Bay Bungalows my frown instantly turned upside down. Who needs a travel partner when you have trails, boats and food? This little slice of heaven was all mine to enjoy – from the shores to the trails – with no agenda or plan in mind or on paper. I climbed out of my car, much like the people in the commercials climb out of their SUV’s – ready for danger, ready for an adventure, ready for whatever came my way..
I grabbed my camera and went exploring. From my first step from the ground to the dock, I wished I had planned a longer vacation.
Although it was a rainy weekend, the view was still one for the story books. I walked around the grounds and lay on docks to warm the bones when the sun decided to peak through. I also ventured to
Sandpoint – stopping at some of the town’s hot spot like Eichardts and Monarch’s coffee. Here I read a book that I picked up from Vanderford’s Books. I met a few of the locals and enjoyed conversation and food with a few strangers turned friends.
I spent the nights sipping Pend Oreille Winery wine, sitting by the fire and doing nothing much more than laying low – chilling out – for once. It became more natural as the time to check out approached.
I couldn’t have asked for a better birthday getaway – the view was perfection, the calmness was empowering and the people were the typical Idaho sweethearts. Looking forward to another solo adventure.
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