After an enjoyable four-day run through the mountains and forests of northern Idaho, it's hard to miss the growth and expansion in the area again. That's notably true around Coeur d'Alene, but visible in many spots other than the more remote. (As usual, the really rural areas aren't keeping up.) Since my last visit to the lake city a couple of years ago there's been a massive new development off Northwest Boulevard, and the downtown area seems notably more prosperous. Moscow seems to be prospering too, and Lewiston at least hanging in there. Of course, all this is part and parcel of the national economic recovery in recent years, but it ought to generate a positive attitude locally. Not that you could tell, yet, by the votes. - rs (photo)
