The (very cool) science behind keeping cool
this summer
Leave it to science — and North Idaho — for an easy-to-follow guide to losing heat, also known as staying cool, which can happen one of four ways: conduction, convection, evaporation, radiation.
Hold something cold in your hand, such as a cone of mint chocolate chip from locally owned ABI’S ICE CREAM, and you’re experiencing the scientific phenomena known as conduction: when heat transfers through direct contact. Want to do your own experiment? Try Coeur d’Alene’s newest sweet spot: GELATO BY THE LAKE at Sherman and Second. Eating — or drinking — something cold literally chills you from the inside so cool down with an iced mocha at CALYPSO’S COFFEE ROASTERS or EVANS BROTHERS COFFEE.
When the temperature goes up, get yourself down… downstairs, that is, where the air is naturally cooler. Browse the boho chic jewelry, bags, and home decor at FABRICA VIDA BOUTIQUE, a hidden gem at 414 Sherman Ave. Nearby, HONEY EATERY AND SOCIAL CLUB does select evening meals downstairs in their very cool subterranean space.
Sit outside and catch a cooling breeze from the lake and you’re also experiencing convection. Sometimes SEASONS OF COEUR D’ALENE opens the table-height windows in the bar to catch a breeze, but in the hotter parts of the summer partake in their air conditioning while sipping a cocktail — chilled, of course — and something from their amazing menu.
Convection can occur with air or water. So, consider a bike rental from COEUR D’ALENE BIKE CO. for a ride along the lake or downhill on a mountain bike or get airborne for a ride in the sky from COEUR D’ALENE PARASAIL, followed by a dip in the lake!
A day at SILVERWOOD THEME PARK offers scientifically proven coolness: the breeze created as you’re hurtling down the tracks of Tremors roller coaster or the thrilling chill of Thunder Canyon water ride. Better yet, get wet… and cool at Boulder Beach, their huge water park.
Another scientific phenomena called evaporation, also known as sweating, is a natural response to heat and occurs when you’re most active. But it’s too hot to play, right? Not at TRIPLE PLAY, where laser tag, bowling and the arcade await — an air-conditioned playground! Jump in and cool down at their Raptor Reef water park, which is a welcome 10 degrees cooler than your body.
Knowing that the human body radiates heat is all you need to treat yourself to something summery from any number of shops in downtown Coeur d’Alene. Instead of trapping it in like you’d do for winter, find something flowy like a sundress from GARMENT DISTRICT or MARMALADE FRESH CLOTHING? A handsome short-sleeved logo shirt from the Coeur d’Alene Resort GOLF PRO SHOP will be a treasured reminder of good times in the Lake City. And don’t forget about the kids! LUCKY MONKEY TRADING COMPANY has witty graphic T-shirts like the “squatch mountain” T that are cool in so many ways.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Yoga Cruise
AUGUST 6 & 13
Add a little more zen to your life with a morning cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The 90 minute scenic cruise features a 50-minute yoga class, brought to you by CDA Power Yoga. $26.50; Thursdays, 9 am; visit cdacruises.com for tickets.
Woody Boat Parade
AUGUST 8
While the annual Coeur d’Alene Classic Boat Show has been canceled this year, organizers decided to still have some woody boat fun! Members of the Antique & Classic Boat Society will cruise down the Spokane River, showcasing their beautiful one-of-a-kind wooden boats. The boat parade kicks off at 8:30 am at the Cedars Floating Restaurant (Blackwell Island) and ends nine miles downriver at Reynolds Beach & Dock (Post Falls). Viewers are asked to respect social distancing and wear face-masks as necessary while watching the parade from your boat.
Ride and Dine
AUGUST 7
Escape the summer heat and enjoy panoramic mountain top views at Silver Mountain. Every Friday in August Silver Mountain is offering its Ride and Dine special, which includes a gondola lift ticket, a bike ticket (if you want one), dinner and live music. This week’s featured musical artist is Christy Lee. Packages range from $35.95 per adult to $51.95 (which includes a bike ticket). Visit cda4.fun for details.
