First Post From the New World...

[Bailey Guns]

Well, the trip was fun. A kink in the job developed courtesy of the USPS popped up that will take about 8 weeks to resolve. All in all the area was beautiful. Coeur D'Alene and the surrounding area was awesome but quite touristy. Lewiston was warmer and cheaper and the rivers are gorgeous. The people everywhere were very nice.

So, back in Bailey to tidy up a few things and get the house on the market.

As a side note, affordable house rentals in Lewiston are non-existent. If a guy wanted to get into the rental property game that would be a great place to do it. Home prices are very low...rental prices for the same house are sky high because demand is so high.

[Gman]

Too bad these guys don't have a store at their factory in Lewiston; http://www.freedommunitions.com/About-Us-s/1820.htm

[Bailey Guns]

Oh, I know. But the shipping from Lewiston to Lewiston should be quick and cheap! I drove by a few times and there were always trucks loading/unloading.

[Bailey Guns]

OK...reviving the dead thread...

I left Bailey just over a week ago with the dog and the 5th wheel and whatever I could pack into it. Most of the work on the house is done and we're getting several showings but no sale yet. Wife is staying behind to finish things up with that and to tie up some loose ends with work.

I was able to wrangle a transfer with my company to the Lewiston/Clarkston area so no worries about a job this time. Spent last week in orientation getting to know the area a little. I'll be the only guy working out of the Lewiston shop passing gas to the surrounding area. The boss is 105 miles away in Spokane.

I've actually been able to get out and about and do some things this time that I wasn't able to do last time.

Lewiston has a population of about 32000 people. There are about 25000 in Clarkston. The two cities are about the size of Grand Junction. Elevation is about 750'...makes it a lot easier to breathe!

No traffic, no congestion. You can decide to drive across town at 5pm and it doesn't matter. That's the most amazing feeling to me. Most of the stores you'd need are here...Walmart, Costco, Safeway, Sportsman's Warehouse, etc...and they aren't crowded. Even Costco. I was in Safeway yesterday at about 5:30pm and waited in line to checkout for almost a minute. The checker said she was "really sorry" I had to wait so long. Gas/diesel are about .45 cents per gallon more than Colorado. But I don't have to drive nearly as far.

We're (me and the dog) temporarily living in the 5th wheel at a nice park right on the Snake River...it's about 75' out the front door. Actually, we're right at the confluence of the Snake and Clearwater rivers. The river and all the activity on it is fascinating to us both. There's a few large river paddle boats that dock right next door and travel the river all the way to the Pacific. There is some occasional tug/barge traffic carrying grains and lumber to the coast as well.




The paved bike path in the left of the photo runs for about 17 miles along the Snake River. It's really beautiful.

The river valley in town is pretty brown...not much rain or snow in the valley and the temp is much warmer than the surrounding area. Once you get "up the hill" the surrounding area is mostly farmland (wheat, lentils and garbanzo beans), rolling hills and trees. Maybe not as pretty as Colorado but beautiful in it's own way. All of the roads, even the smaller county roads, are well paved and very wide. They keep the roads in excellent condition. I haven't seen a pothole since I've been here...even on the few dirt roads around. Logging is big in the area, too. The Clearwater Paper mill stretches for a few miles along the river on both the Idaho and Washington sides. Almost everyone works there making your paper towels and toilet paper. Like most paper mills it occasionally provides a unique "aroma" around the town. It's not bad...but it's noticeable a day or two during the week.

The other thing that just amazes me is how friendly people are. I almost never talked to any customers I delivered to around Bailey and Conifer. I have yet to go to a home here where the residents didn't come out to greet me, offer me water or coffee (or even snacks at a few places) or just generally have a conversation. People in parking lots will stop you to talk and be pleasant because no one seems to be in a hurry.

Every store it seems sells guns. There's one store here called North 40 Outfitters...it's like a Murdoch's on steroids...they have everything. Probably going to become a go-to store for most things I need. They must have 3000 guns on the rack. Prices didn't look to be much different than the Denver area. The Sportsman's store looks like all the others. The one thing I noticed is that Remington .22LR ammo is on the shelf everywhere. LOTS of it. Which is odd since ATK has a Speer/CCI plant right here in town. There certainly isn't a shortage or Remington rimfire in this area. And there are too many little gun shops to even begin to start counting. There's an indoor range right on main street in downtown Lewiston. I haven't had a chance to really find out much about where to shoot and such...but I will.

I need to figure out how to get a "permanent" address so I can get my DL and register my truck. My CO plates expired in July and I didn't want to spend $650 to register it there just before leaving. It's $48 here...I just need an address.

Anyway, just thought some of you might be interested. I'll have an opportunity to get some pics of the surrounding area this next week and I'll post a few up.

My main focus right now is not running afoul of the infamous Potato Cartels.

[Gman]

There are a few places in ID I would like to live...it's the whole employment thing that makes that more difficult. Glad to hear you got the job situation straightened out.

As I get older, I notice the increased oxygen levels closer to sea level. You'll enjoy not shoveling snow and the milder winters. I'm pretty sure you'll be able to avoid the 'tater Syndicate.

[UncleDave]

Awesome Carl. I'll have to send you some cash for some rimfire. Getting moved into the house just down the road from your old place. Right off Richmond Hill rd. I always love ID and western MT. Enjoy.

[Bailey Guns]

I'll have to send you some cash for some rimfire.

Sure...I can always use cash for ammo!

Welcome to the 'hood, too.

[Wulf202]

Rental boxes and the ups stores are adresses for registration.

You can float to my home town from there.

[Bailey Guns]

I've got a UPS Store street address but DMV says it's not a legal address. I was hoping it was that easy.

[Mazin]

Thanks for the pics, it looks absolutely beautiful. I'm glad your enjoying it!