SIS: The Twelve Gifts Of Sandpoint

I wrote back to back columns for THE READER the last two weeks.  This column was written for the Christmas issue which also happened to be the 5 year anniversary of THE READER.... ROCK ON. 

The Lake

     We have an amazing lake that provides us with unbelievable opportunities for recreation, meditation and maybe – if we’re lucky – even some procreation. If you aren’t out there enjoying this gift at every available moment, you’re really missing out.

Bizarre Sporting Events

     Mud Volleyball at The Klondike, Snowshoe Volleyball at Priest Lake or Dover Bay, Mud Bogs, Polar Bear Swims ... you get the picture. The best way to find out about these events is to play. A wise man once said: “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” An even wiser man said: “If you can join them and BEAT them, even better.”

People Who Dress Badly

     This is truly a gift. It’s satisfying anytime you can look at someone else and wonder why on earth they’re wearing mom-jeans and a crop-top anywhere. But it’s especially satisfying to see one of these ensembles at a company party.  Our proximity to Montana and Canada, combined with the lack of a traditional mall, make unorthodox clothing combinations a daily joy.

Mountain Women

     I can’t get enough of them. From my cousin, who regularly takes her infant on hunting trips, to the lady I saw pull over on the road, get out her gun and put a deer (that had been hit by a car) out of its misery. These ladies are really a geographical treasure.

The Sandpoint Reader

     The Sandpoint Reader has been in print for five years now. It’s pretty amazing to see an alternative newspaper last that long during terrible economic times, and in a town that is notoriously conservative. Cheers to John Reuter, Zach Hagadone, Chris DeCleur and the rest of the staff who work 20 hour shifts to bring us this great paper.

Dive Bars

     The big cities have their "clubs" with the music and the beautiful people; the ones you can't even get into unless your shoes cost $500. Those places serve their purpose, but nothing beats a dive bar. A place where you can come  as you are, get as drunk as you'd like, there’s no dancing, no pick up lines, no soap in the bathroom... just a place to sit down and drink. The real bonus? There isn't a drink on the menu that costs more than $6. 

Schweitzer

     Full disclosure: I don't ski. That’s no secret. I’m mortified by all sports in which it’s hard to stop your body once it’s in motion, I don't like to be cold and it’s physically impossible for me to do anything while wearing a winter jacket. I have dropped at least 11 items in the grocery store due to my inability to control myself while wearing winter gear. It’s just safer for me to stay "off the hill.” However, they have a lovely lodge, a great hotel and the most beautiful view of the lake in the entire county. I hear it’s pretty much “the shit” if you like to ski or snow board. So really, a trip to Schweitzer has something for everyone. 
Bypass Construction

     Where else on earth is it permissible to carry out massive construction efforts during rush hour traffic, nine months out of the year, for four years? I won't even get into the other aspects of this project; suffice to say, spending that much time waiting, well, it’s just a lesson in patience that you can't buy at the store.

The Animal Shelter

     I spend a lot of time at the shelter walking dogs. I've been asked a time or two if I’m “doing community service.” Nope. I do it because I like dogs. They’re easy to talk to and I love any activity that allows me to wear t-shirts and tennis shoes.  I’m so grateful that we have a no-kill facility; that way it’s easy for me to make friends with the dogs without worrying about who will be there the next time I come in. I know that if a dog is gone, it’s probably in a GREAT new home.

Local Musicians

     We have some really talented local musicians: Miah Kohal, Marty Perron, Black Ice, Illusion 33, just to name a few. It’s so awesome to be able to enjoy live music while drinking. Truly one of my favorite pastimes. 

The Bowling Alley

     The bowling alley is placed here to remind us just how small Sandpoint really is. I've never been to anywhere on earth where you can get a tan, eat at a secret Thai restaurant and bowl all in the same location. It's practically legendary. 

Four Seasons

     Even though being cold and wet sucks, I have to admit that I look forward to certain aspects of every season. I wouldn't enjoy the summer half as much if I didn't have to survive through the cold and the mud. I like having a fully stocked closet with a wardrobe for every season. I never get bored of my clothes or my shoes, or the ever-changing scenery! It’s amazing to think that the lake can be frozen solid and then a few months later we can swim naked in it. 

There I go with my list... now you make one too! 

Merry Christmas!

XOXO 

Scarlette Quille

Comments

[John McLellan]

Scarlette, Sandpoint is lucky to have YOU! In my humble opinion, of course. :)