Idaho Motels

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Bulging storm clouds drift overhead as we cleave to Highway 90 west of Coeur D'Alene. This town, advertising the world's largest floating boardwalk, is a curious melange of tattooed teens, blaring "alternative" music and post-yuppie families who wander the renovated downtown of boutiques and pricy restaurants. At city's edge, freshly fallen logs remind you of the town's economic heart. At the Boulevard Motel, a knotted wood-paneled J-shape hugs a green and inviting oval. In the office, George describes the changes that have altered the face of his town: "There was a lot of ceder around here 45 years ago - now it's gone to where it's priceless. Most of the trees have been cut out." The Boulevard occupies space on an intersection that brings travellers from all over. But George has a more substantial reason for his location: "you ever lived in Detroit?"

Boulevard Motel

Downtown, the Flamingo Motel (image above) with its fingernail polish-pink doors invites us to stay a spell. A framed comment card from 1992 offers this review in sloped curlicue handwriting: "My 10 year old and I wanted a good old fashioned motel experience. The Flamingo proved to have the charm of the 50s with the comfort of a first class hotel." Interestingly enough, the motel's pamphlet says virtually the same thing. I never checked to see which quotation came first. At the Holiday Motel, with its hoisted deer antlers and plastic chairs, temporary soul mates gaze at non paying visitors warily. Overhead, as we shoot the Lake Drive, storm clouds continue to sweep west from Montana.

Lake Drive Motel El Rancho Motel

We feel more welcome at the El Rancho which advertises "grandchildren at play." Watering his lawn in a floral print shirt, Jeff is happy to explain how he came to live in Coeur D'Alene: "I gave up San Diego for this. I told everyone I gave up two million people for two million trees. I think I got the better of the bargain." Homemade wind-chimes, some made of forks and knives - others from painted keys - collide with wind-blown melodies. Before leaving town, we stop by the State Motel (just down the road from the Bates Motel). Take a look at both images - you'll be delighted to discover how this motel got its name.

State Motel State Motel 2

Return to the lobby.