Sunrise at Daisy Lake
by Ann Johndro-Collins
Title
Sunrise at Daisy Lake
Artist
Ann Johndro-Collins
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Beautiful sunrise at Linger Longer on Priest Lake in the Idaho Panhandle - great way to start the day.
Priest Lake, Idaho, United States is located in the northernmost portion of the Idaho Panhandle, 80 miles north of Spokane Washington, with the northern end of the lake extending to within 15 miles of the Canadian border. The primary lake, Lower Priest is 19 miles long and over 300 feet deep. Upper Priest is connected by a 2.5 mile thoroughfare to lower Priest.
The history of the lake dates back almost 10,000 years to the end of the last ice age. After the vast glaciers that covered most of the area receded and vegetation started to re-grow, humans started to resettle the area. This is evident from historical artifacts found in the area and ancient rock art along the lake. The first white settlers arrived in the early 19th century. These early settlers were mainly fur trappers who quickly established trade with the native Kalispel Tribe. Jesuit Priests would eventually settle the lake in the 1840s and establish a base camp at Kalispell Bay. One of these priests, Father Pierre-Jean DeSmet, a native Belgian who had escaped from European persecution and became the most trusted of the white men among the Western Native Americans, named the lake Roothaan Lake for one of his superiors in Rome. The name would not stick though and in 1865 Captain John Mullan, a U.S. Army Captain who was traveling through the area under orders to build the "Mullan Trail" from Walla Walla, Washington to Fort Benton, Montana after the discovery of silver in the central Idaho mountains along what today is the route of Interstate 90, would rename the lake Kaniksu. Kaniksu is believed to be the native word for "black robe" and because of the Jesuit presence the lake was later named Priest Lake.
Priest Lake has a pristine variety of wildlife both in and around the lake. The standard bear, deer, and moose population that can be seen throughout northern Washington and Idaho is present about the lake, as well as a small population of grizzly bears. Priest Lake also has a large population of fish, ranging from small trout Mackinaw. The largest lake Trout caught in the United States was caught at Priest Lake and weighed 57 lbs. 8 oz, however the average size of the Lake Trout ranges from 4-10 lbs.
Today the lake's biggest draw is tourism. There are several large private resorts on the lake including Hills Resort and Elkins Resort. Popular camp grounds include Indian Creek and Lionhead run by the State of Idaho as well as Beaver Creek, Reeder Bay, Osprey, Outlet Bay, and Luby Bay, which are all located in and run by the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. Several hiking trails circle the lake, also connecting to the Upper Priest Lake. In the winter time the larger resorts cater to cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. There is also a hotel and marina located at the lake's largest town, Coolin. The area is known for its huckleberries. Visitors are encouraged to hike in and pick, but are advised to give in on any dispute with a bear.
Uploaded
September 1st, 2012
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Comments (91)
Robert Bales
Very nice eye to spot thes beautiful daisies!! Very nicely presented!! v/f/t
Ann Johndro-Collins replied:
Thank you so very much, Robert...that daisy bouquet keeps coming back each summer; hopefully this summer too...the winter there can be quite harsh!
Malanda Warner
Beautiful warm sunrise, would love to wake up to that scenery! LF
Ann Johndro-Collins replied:
Thank you, Malanda! Our family has a cabin on this lake and I love spending time there.
Sharon Duguay
What a gorgeous capture & presentation Ann ,the lovely warm colors if the sand & contrasting cool blues & greens ,love it l/twt
Lydia Erickson
Really lovely... The light, colors and composition of this piece are wonderful. I can almost feel the breeze from the lake! v
Ann Johndro-Collins replied:
One of my favorite spots...Priest Lake, Idaho...thank you so very much, Lydia, for your great support!!