A General Store and a Cemetery Stroll

Early this morning it was foggy and drizzly, followed by a brief period of partial sunshine, and finished off by hours of low-hanging clouds. It was a classic November afternoon, dull and gray. I felt a bit "off" in the morning, so didn't venture out until early afternoon. I wasn't in the mood for much driving or walking, so chose to take a look at the Pack River General Store, which I had read about somewhere.

It turned out to be more of a restaurant than a store. As soon as I walked up to it, I saw several awards displayed on the front porch railing, mostly for best restaurant and best catering in the area.

Inside, it is one long room, mostly packed with tables, and quite a few customers. The back wall was lined with refrigerated display cases for perishables and beverages. Accessing some of them would have required a diner or two to get up and move. A few basic household and cooking necessities are located at the end nearest that pickup truck, as well as a deli. The near end is the kitchen. I think that lone gas pump still works.

Behind where I stood to take the above photo the river runs past and under a bridge. It was chilly, and I only lingered long enough to snap a photo.

I had noticed a cemetery on my way to the store, so stopped there to have a look around. I walked through what appeared to be the oldest section of the cemetery. Those places can be very sad, but sometimes unexpectedly amusing. Read on for examples!

Below is one of the oldest grave markers I saw, just a simple metal marker about 6" x 3". I wonder how much of her life she lived in this area?

The next two gravestones just make me sad. So young to die. Was it from illness? Accident? I can't help but wonder.

Some of the stone markers are covered with some sort of lichens or fungi, to the point where they can't be read at all.

And now the cemetery humor begins. At first I wondered why the plastic frogs had been placed on the grave.

Then I saw the deceased's nickname on the gravestone!

This next fellow must have been a rowdy character, since his grave decor includes beer bottles and a snuff can. Apparently he was also patriotic. I didn't bother to brush away the leaves to learn his name.

This last one was decorated beautifully for autumn. I wonder if someone changes the decor several times a year? He died just over a year ago, so the loss and grief must still be fresh.

Climbing back into my car, I decided to go back to Sandpoint and browse in a couple of thrift stores and a quilt shop. Now I am back at my "retreat" to relax for the evening. Stay tuned for further tales.

All photos taken on my Android phone.