Hayden Lake

An expert from Sixth Lit Times

Love of Idaho and Vacation Rental Authority are proud to present another story from the 6th grade literature class at Charter Academy.

The Amazing Life in Hayden Lake

By:  Sydney

   Where can you find fresh water fish and aquatic plants?  One place is in the waters of Hayden Lake, Idaho.  Many people find these things daily when they’re out fishing in this lake.

If you want to know what fish you’ll find when you’re out fishing on Hayden Lake, here are a few examples of people’s favorites.  You could catch a rainbow trout, pumpkinseed, cutthroat trout, or a bullhead catfish.  Other favorites that you can find in Hayden Lake include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappie, northern pike, or yellow perch.  As you can see, you’ll most likely catch a fish that you will be proud of and find delicious.

Not only are there fish in this lake, but plants, too!  Some of the most commonly found plants are the Robbins’ pondweed, elodea, large-leaved pondweed, Eurasian water milfoil, and flat-stemmed pondweed.  Other, less commonly known plants include coontail, musk grass, northern water milfoil, slender naiad, nitella, and yellow pond lily.  More aquatic plants that live in Hayden Lake include leafy pondweed, variable leaf  ponweed, floating leaf pondweed, whitestem ponweed, clasped leaf pondweed, white water buttercup, and wild celery.

Next time you go out on Hayden Lake look for these fish and plants.  Though not everyone likes the taste of fish or these water plants we still need to look for the environment and our community.

North Idaho Wildlife

An excerpt from Sixth Lit Times

Love Of Idaho is proud to present a series of stories written by the 6th grade class of Charter Academy. Watch for all our postings from “Sixth Lit Times”

Wildlife of Northern Idaho: The moose and the Grizzly Bear

By: Ben

   There are many are amazing animals that live in Northern Idaho.  Two of the most famous of all them are the noose and the grizzly bear.  These two North Idaho favorites have unique qualities.

The bull-moose has antlers that can grow up the six feet in

family vacation ideasdiameter.  They can live up to fifteen to twenty year old.  Moose are naturally extremely good swimmers.  They can swim continously for several miles.  Moose can hold their breath under water for thirty seconds or more.   A moose can measure roughly six and a half feet tall, measured at the shoulder.   Moose can run at 35 mph, and trot at 20 mph.  Also they can weigh up to 1800 pounds, being the largest wilder herbivore in Idaho.

Grizzly bears are the largest bears in North Idaho, as well as the largest predator.  The easiest and most obvious way to tell grizzly bears from other bears is not their size but the distinct hump on their back.  That hump is made of pure muscle connected to their frontal paws, giving them enormous strength for digging and clawing.  Also, unlike other bears they have long claws, up to four inches long.  A grizzly bear’s color can be blond, black, or brown.  Adults can grow up to three to four feet tall on all fours, but when standing on their back paws they can be six to seven feet tall.  A grizzly bear’s average weight is 300 to 600 pounds and some can weigh as much as 1000 ponds.  Grizzly bears can live up to 30 years.  They are very agile animals. Can climb trees, are good swimmers, and can run at 35 mph.  Originally the grizzlies were hunted to near extinction.  The United States added grizzly bears to the endangered species list, illegalizing hunting the grizzly bears.  But today in the Northwestern United States they are no longer endangered, but in some places, like Idaho, they are still illegal to hunt.

Like most traits, there are advantages and disadvantages.  For example, a moose uses its large antlers in a wide space to rut (fight) with other moose or to fight off predators.  A disadvantage to these antlers would be in confined spaces a moose’s large antlers could get it stuck.  An advantage a grizzle bear has is that it can fun very fast, up to 35 mph, but only for short bursts.  A disadvantage would be, if a grizzly does use that burst of speed for too long than they become extremely tired and fatigued.

Northern Idaho is fortunate to be home to such massive animals.  The moose live in the forests and the wetlands while the grizzlies live in the forest and in mountainous terrain.  And it’s because of Idaho’s low population that the grizzly bears and the moose have such a large habitat.  Both of these animals are amazing, and both of them are native to Northern Idaho.

Sources:  Natgeo.com, Be Bear Aware. Org pamphlet, and Idaho Fish and Game.com

North idaho wildlife photo
Idaho black bear

Looking for a North Idaho Adventure, Visit Vacation Rental Authority to find great FAMILY VACATION IDEAS.

How to Spend a Tasteful Day in Spokane

Admittedly, I’m an Idahoan at heart and am passionate about all Coeur d’Alene has to offer visitors.  Our neighboring city of Spokane, however, has a remarkable allure and worthy attraction all its own.  The afternoon spent there yesterday, on my first “culinary tour,” was definitely worth repeating!

foodie tour of Spokane, near Coeur d'AleneNot knowing what to expect, I figured a culinary tour would entail huge meals, over indulgence and leaving with the regret of an overly full stomach.  This couldn’t have been further from our experience with Savor Spokane, as the food stops were more like fun breaks, well-timed refreshment along our walking tour of the town.

A small group of us were lead on a sight seeing, story telling, history learning, river viewing, culinary tasting, friend making delight of an afternoon. The time passed quickly, as we walked a lovely path along the river, through town and from local restaurant to local restaurant.

Along the way we learned the significance of various art, buildings, people, events and geological structures.  Far from stuffy, it was a light-hearted, friendly environment, purposely crafted and energized at each step, by our knowledgeable guide Lesley.

Personally, I will join this tour many times more in the future, bringing local friends and sharing the experience with guests who visit from across the country.  Is there anything better?  Don’t know, I hear there’s also a wine tour….

Idaho Fishing Guides

Idaho Fishing Guides

Fishing Guides in Coeur d’Alene

You can find fishing guides and book fishing trips, boat rentals and so much more with Vacation Rental Authority, Find fishing guides for Coeur d’Alene, Hayden Lake and our local rivers.

Contact Robert or Cheryl at 800-679-3661 or email info@vacationrentalauthority.com

FREE Vacation Rental Services

 

 

 

Image

Sometimes it’s easy to make the right decision.  In the last post we talked about how a personal shopper can not only save you time and money but make your vacation funner and so much easier. 

Vacation Rentals earn their income when they book your reservation and provide your lodging. If your booking agent is not being helpful enough, you should shop around. Vacation Rental Authority offers free booking, listing and marketing for our vacation rentals and on top of that we offer an abundance of services for guests who are looking for FREE and paid services to make their vacation perfect. 

Don’t hesitate to click the button above. It’s FREE. 

1 Step to an Easy Vacation

Stress Free Vacations

How exciting is it to have a vacation to plan for. Your next adventure is just around the corner and you are thrilled to be planning all your activities, tours and culinary experiences in a new, fun destination. So what can you do to make all the planning just a little easier?  How can you be sure your plans are going to come off just right?  As head of the 1 person planning committee you have a lot of responsibility and several people trusting you to do a good job of planning the itinerary.  Vacations are always to short and you want to make the most of every second.

Your guide to flawless vacation planning.coeur d'alene vacation rentals

STEP #1   Ask for help.

It really is as simple as that. Ask for help, professional help and it does not have to cost you a single penny.  Many local businesses offer FREE services or packages to help guests find their services.  Seek out a helpful vacation rental manager and ask for those services you plan on shopping for yourself.  You will be surprised at the response you will receive from some small business owners.

Top 6 Questions to ask your vacation rental manager

  1. Ask for a “professional quality activity guide”.  Not a note jotted on the back of an envelope or a collection of flyers left over from other travelers.  Ask for a quality activity guide so you can review the latest tours, attractions, restaurants and rental providers. An excellent guide will be recently composed, contain contact information and description of the event, attraction or service. Great images are a must have and it should be easy to use.  Ask your vacation rental agent to email you their activity guide and if they don’t have one then shop around before you find out what else they do not have.
  2. Ask for a vacation package. You are very likely to purchase event tickets, ski passes, rent a boat, and dine out.  Ask your booking agent for a vacation package that includes at least one of these items. Be sure to ask if your agent marks up the price of your requested item, a good booking agent will not mark up these types of services. Vacation Rental Authority offers services like these for the same price you will pay if you purchase directly.  In some cases you will save money and make your vacation easier.boat rental coeur d'alene, coeur d'alene vacations
  3. Ask your booking agent for help finding things to do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Send a list of things you plan on doing while on vacation and ask your agent for advise on what to do and who offers the best services.  Be sure you booking agent lives locally and then trust their judgement. Who would know better than a professional tourism provider in their own home town?
  4. Ask for dining suggestions and even take out menus.  your LOCAL vacation rental agent will know where to dine and what you can expect. If you want good local food at reasonable prices, your local agent will know.  If you are looking for fine dining with exquisite service with a stunning view, your agent will know.
  5. Ask your booking agent to do your grocery shopping for you.  Yes, your agent should be doing this at a very low cost if not, shop around for a helpful agent.  Arriving at your vacation rental with all the condiments and groceries you will need for a couple meals is a great way to start out your relaxing or adventurous vacation. Have your coffee and bagels ready!  Again trust your local agent, they will know the best places to find quality local baked goods, fresh produce and meat.
  6. Request a gift certificate for yourself or family member that you can use on a return trip.  Returning guests are likely to receive a discount coupon if they are going to be coming back.  Ask before you book and let your agent know you would like a nice certificate to offer friends and family.  Be sure to ask before you book and you may be surprised at the results.

Our 6 ideas for stress free vacations just begins to touch on the options and services you can get for FREE. Lets consider the value to you in the following example

  1. Free Local Attraction Guide to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho           $ 0.00
  2. 5 day boat rental for 10% off                                     $ – 400.00
  3. Grocery shopping and delivery                                         $ 29.00
  4. Free restaurant advice and menus                                     $ 0.00
  5. Itinerary for tours, trips and events                                    $ 0.00
  6. $200 in Gift Certificates for family and friends                $ -200.00

Total Savings for asking for help                                                                            $ 371.00

You just saved $371.00 on your vacation by asking your super helpful booking agent to do exactly what an agent should do.  Your groceries are in the fridge when you arrive, your boat will be delivered at a discount, your family and friends are getting great gift certificates and you have a wonderful amount of insight about the local fun, dining and adventures available during your stay. Not only did you save money but you saved something more valuable, time.

Ask for an activities Guide  from Vacation Rental Authority.

208-660-3944

info@vacationrentalauthority.com

vacation rentals, vacation rental, family vacations

Coeur d’Alene Destination Weddings

Are you planning a wedding in Coeur d’Alene?

Coeur d’Alene has become a destination city.  Our resort town is well known and in high demand for those precious summer days.  What a pleasant thing to note, Coeur d’Alene is your destination wedding opportunity.Image  If you are looking for a location to have an incredible, unforgettable event, Coeur d’Alene is the place for you.

All four seasons offer the unparalleled beauty of stunning outdoor scenery unlike anything you can find elsewhere.  Planning your event in Coeur d’Alene has become easier as local small businesses reach out to brides to be.  Red Letter Event Planning and Vacation Rental Authority offer a combined service that can provide everything brides and yes, grooms need to tie the knot.

Many venues are available throughout the year but proper planning is critical to finding the best location at the best price.  Summer is going to require booking early, a year ahead of time is a good idea.  Fall, Spring and Winter weddings can be stunning and unique for those who want wonderful prices and something fun and different.

coeur d'alene weddings

 

Vacation Rental Authority offers extraordinary homes for your wedding.  Relax in luxury while your wedding party prepares for the big day.  Enjoy jetted tubs, spas, master suites and fireplaces.  Your caterer can use the gourmet kitchens and formal dining rooms to prepare for the event and rehearsal dinners.  Family and friends can gather for dinner or relax in the theater room to get away from it all.  Sleep in beds with fine quality linens and be rested and ready for your special day.

The outdoor venues are spotless and manicured to provide room for your guests.  A full range of services and rentals are available and managed so you do not have to worry about those details.  Just set your expectations and let VRA and Red Letter Events see that it gets done.

Vacation Rental Authority private rentals are excellent, professionally cleaned and staged.  Every service you may choose is available with worry free management from Robyn at Red Letter Event Planning.  Rest comfortable in luxury in preparation for your wedding with Vacation Rental Authority and Red Letter Event Planning.

The Hayden Lake Estate-6180

The Hayden Lake Estate-6182

 

 

 

 

 

 

Join me on Pinterest!

Check out my pins on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/invited/?username=heirloomkayak

Dog d’Alene

Stuck in North Idaho

20130516-131834.jpg

Two of my favorite summer kick-off events are this weekend! I’ll post about the second tomorrow, but today is going to the dogs. Literally.

Dog d’Alene is the only downtown event that’s solely for dogs and their owners. This is the fifth annual Dog d’Alene, it’s held on 6th and Sherman behind the Parkside tower.

Even if you’re not a dog owner, there’s a lot to check out! Here’s the full schedule:

10 a.m. –  AJ’s Tail and Trails walk and vendor booths open
10:45 a.m. – Obedience Dog Demo
11:15 a.m. – Best Trick Contest (free entry)11:30 a.m. – Best Tail Wag/Best Smile (free entry)
11:45 a.m. – Rescue Dog Owner’s Recognition
Noon – Idaho Disaster Dogs Demo
12:30 p.m. – Tallest/Shortest Dog Contest (free entry)
12:45 p.m. – Sheep Herding Demo
1:15 p.m. – Ugly Dog, Costume, Cutest Puppy, Owner Look-alike, Prettiest Female, and Handsome Male Contests
2…

View original post 46 more words

Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center

I recently visited the oldest building in Post Falls, a historical landmark beautifully restored.  Previously 2 church buildings, it now houses an active arts and cultural center.

Beautiful historic building in Post Falls, ID

With art shows upstairs, in lovely light, plus performing arts, musicians, cooking classes and much more, this local gem is a “must visit” for everyone in the area.

Keep an eye on our events calendar, and visit their website for upcoming performances.  This Friday is a Jazz Concert…can’t wait!

Jacklin Arts & Cultural Center

Mineral Ridge – a popular hiking destination for locals

Make Ironman CDA 2013 an Amazing Family Vacation!

Did you know…it’s not too late to come support your favorite Ironman athlete!

What’s the perfect way to turn the race into an amazing family vacation?  A vacation rental, of course!  Try a comfortable 3 bedroom, 2 bath home, convenient to town.  Keep costs reasonable by cooking meals in your own kitchen, kicking the usual hefty deposit to the curb. (No damage deposits!)This is the full N. Idaho experience, with peekaboo view of Lake Coeur d’Alene and a pretty little chicken coop in the back corner of the well maintained yard.  Even enjoy your own house cat, without the hassle.  “Meow-meow” knows when to go outside, so there’s no litter box or feeding schedule to maintain.

Includes:
VIP discount package to area attractions, boat rentals, bicycle tours, & dining
Exclusive maps of hiking trails, biking trails, atv trails & huckleberry picking locations
6 gourmet cupcakes delivered the day after Ironman
Complete guest services courtesy of Vacation Rental Authority

 

6 people maximum, please.  Although certainly roomy enough to house more than 6, the septic tank does not allow for any additional capacity.  Pricing is $2900, including all taxes and fees, for up to 7 days.  Contact Cheryl at 800-679-3661 or  loveofidaho@gmail.com to reserve!

Delightful Morning of “Books & Coffee” in Spirit Lake

Bagels, Coffee, Spirit Lake, Books
Largest Bagel in Idaho
SAM_0422
These bagels are unbelievable – homemade, chewy & flavorful.
Spirit Lake Coffee & Books Award of Excellence
Award of Excellence
coffee & books in Spirit Lake, ID
Coffee & Books Welcomes You
books & coffee in Spirit Lake
Did we mention books?

Watch Idaho the Movie!

North Idaho Eagle

I’m excited about a new documentary about the wonders of Idaho, by someone who loves Idaho as much as I do! Can’t wait to see the full movie.

A quote I love from the trailer is “If you’re tired of Idaho, you’re tired of life. There’s always something different, something surprising…” SO TRUE! View the Trailer here: http://vimeo.com/44546590

 

Fall Colors on Lake Coeur d’Alene

image

Why Travelers Love Vacation Rentals

Why Vacation Rentals Infographic

Interview with a 10 Year Old

Maggie is in the 5th grade, loves art, dogs, running cross country and is interested in learning gymnastics. Since she lives in N. Idaho, we thought we’d get the inside scoop from a 10 year old.

Q.  What would you say are the best 5 things to do while visiting North Idaho?Biking the Centennial Trail in Post Falls, ID

A.  Swimming, boating, hiking….taking beautiful drives….looking at scenery.

Q.  Hmm.  That’s interesting – what are you doing right now?

A.  Driving down the road in the back seat.

Q.  Do you think kids would like to take beautiful drives and look at scenery?

A.  No – probably not.

Q.  So besides swimming, boating and hiking, what should kids do when they visit Idaho in the Summer?

A.  Go to the movies, and miniature golfing at TriplePlay!

Q.  That sounds fun…what else?  How about something kids can’t do when they’re in their home towns.

A.  Definitely Silverwood.  [local amusement park]  And, drink hot chocolate overlooking the lake.  [first floor of the CDA Resort/Marina].

Now maybe we’re getting somewhere!!

Idaho Outdoors for Kids!

This is more of a link than a blog post, but I found this great site for connecting kids to nature in Idaho & had to share!  Check it out & let me know what you think.

Idaho Outdoors for Kids!

 

Huckleberry Picking

Tasty, plentiful (& free), huckleberry picking is an annual must in North Idaho.  When you spot the unique plants, simply turn over each leaf to reveal all the berries hiding underneath!

Ask for a map – we’re happy to share exact directions to the best picking locations in North Idaho.

North Idaho huckleberry picking

image

image

Coeur d’Alene Wooden Boat Show

Fun & open to the public, the CDA wooden boat show is one of the biggest annual events in North Idaho.  If you enjoy boating, art, restoration or wood working you will absolutely want to put this event on your calendar.

image

image

Silverwood Theme Park

30 minutes from either Coeur d’Alene or Sandpoint, Silverwood is located in Athol, Idaho.  In the northwest you cannot beat this complete amusement experience…just ask the kids! 

There are a number of exciting rollercoasters, water rides (love the classic log ride!), a free fall from hell, and a complete waterpark.  Not to mention the greasy, sugary, fried foods we all look forward to, shows and a ton of rides for the smaller kids. 

Just heed my warning about the free fall – grown men have been known to scream!

image

image

image

image

image

image

image