More historic interest in the second section of the trail but not so scenic or peaceful as the first, and less wildlife to observe. In fact, here's a photo of our entire wildlife experience...
The towns we pedaled through, in five words or less:
Enaville: The Snake Pit.
Smelterville: The name says it all.
Kellogg: Dave Smith Dodge Trucks.
Osborn: Where we camped.
Wallace: The Big Burn. (Do read The Big Burn by Timothy Egan)
Mullan: Trails End.
I've always romanticized trains and both Ed and I had railroad dads so we share a fondness for our nation's once very fine railroad system. It is with joy, but sadness too, that we ride the Rails to Trail bicycle routes. Our preference would be that these rails were still carrying trains. In the absence of trains though, biking and walking paths are a wonderful reuse, and the Trail of the Coeur d'Alene is top notch.
Formerly this trail was the Union Pacific Railroad beginning operation as the Oregon Railway and Navigation Company (OR&N) in the late 1800's.
In December 1889 the first roundtrip passenger trip from Wallace to Spokane was offered for $6.50, including a dinner stop. The description of the meal reminds me of present day airline meals.
~~~
"...The butter was vilely rank, the biscuits like cobblestones, the coffee made from corn husks roasted and cold meats tougher than the kids who grew up without parental restraint."
~ Wallace Free Press
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