As expected, there are countless mountains in upper Idaho along I-90 (and beyond). Although it is an interstate, it curves and winds up and down the mountains at times. Heading west to east across northern Idaho along I-90 is like riding a huge roller coaster. Climb to over 3000 feet in elevation then right back down to 1500 feet. Then do it again. The drive reminded me of driving through western Colorado.

Also no surprise is that 80 percent of the traffic on I-90 is either some type of RV, camper, etc. or a semi-truck. Speed limit is usually 75 mph but down to 60 or 65 in some places. The few cars on the road can zip past the lumbering campers and semi's.

There was still a number of places where one or two interstate lanes were closed for construction. This area has a much shorter time than much of the U.S. for highway work projects. The temperatures today were in the mid 80's (I actually got a slight sun burn on my face!). But as a clerk in one store said, the snow will be arriving very soon (October!). And he hates the cold (which makes one wonder why he would live in this part of the country).

If a person likes mountains, snow, skiing, long cold winters and sparse population, this is the place to live. The rest of the year, the locals enjoy green mountains and lots of water for activities such as fishing, boating and water skiing.

I was impressed with both Post Falls and Couer d'Alene. They seem quite vibrant (and I was in the downtown portion of both).