We all know about freeway exits and the numbering system. Exit numbers correspond to the closest mileage markers along the road. In Wyoming, I exit I-25 at exit/mile marker 81. That exit is 81 miles north of the Colorado/Wyoming border. The first exit over that border into Wyoming is #4. When I visit the newlyweds in Spokane, I exit at #281, which I presume, following the regular system, is 281 miles from the start of 1-90, in Western Washington.

For the first time ever, I pass by an Exit #1. Think about it—have you ever seen an exit right on the state line, where mileage numbering starts over? Exit #1? If not, you might want to drive across the border between Idaho and Washington, on I-90. If you are traveling east into Idaho, the first exit in the potato state is #1. If you are traveling west into the evergreen state, the last exit in Idaho is #1.  The exit is significant in that it lead back into mass (half mass?) humanity for anyone trouncing around in the National Forests.

I know all this because I live now in Coeur d’Alene, ID and the newlyweds live in Spokane, WA. The drive takes less than 30 minutes. If you were not looking at exit numbers you would not even know that you crossed a state line. Between here and there, I-90 follows an unbroken swath of people and big box stores that seems unphased by silly borders. Think I-10 in LA, on a super mini scale.

The glowing gates of heaven

So, what awaits you if you actually take Exit #1 from I-90, into the panhandle of Idaho? The exit ramp starts in ID, slips momentarily into WA, but then curves around, over the Spokane River, which is the real border, back into Idaho. Not long ago, the land would have been undeveloped, but now it is home to a chain store befitting the Exit #1 location and status:. Cabelas. Yes. My #1 store sits at Exit #1. Is it a sign from the outdoor gear gods? Yes, of course, so I veer off the Interstate and pull into the parking lot. Cabelas. Great Cabelas. I am not only surrounded by National Forest in ID, I am within a few miles of a Cabelas. I wonder if I am really in heaven now. Did I die?

I realize that I am still alive, so decide to eat lunch before wandering onto the glowing shelves of Cabelas.  If you have not explored a Cabelas, you won’t know that each has a wonderful cafe. You can go all out and order bison or elk burgers. I settle for the super BLT, made with thick applewood-smoked bacon and crunchy whole grain bread. Next, I waddle into the great Cabela’s showroom.  Fishing,  boating, camping, outdoor cooking, clothing, boots, guns, binoculars. I look at everything. I even touch some revered items, like $500 binoculars. They feel different than my $50 pair. I linger the longest in the men’s rain jacket section. I am in the northwest now and need something spiffy to keep me dry. I like men’s jackets because they are longer and hide my poochy belly. Surprisingly (or not since it rained yesterday), all men’s rain jackets are on sale! I realize that my son needs one too, so I snap a photo of the sale ones and text it to him. He answers immediately, one of the few times ever : )  Yes, he wants one—since I choose the blue jacket, he chooses the olive green. I also pick up a spiffy Cabela’s hoodie. I walk out into the sunny day all goosebumpy. Exit #1 will remain forever my favorite highway exit.

My mind continues to explore the possibilities  of an Exit 1. It would be a good title for a murder mystery. Murder at Exit One. How about a romance novel: Love at Exit One or I Met my Baby Daddy at Exit One? 

Now, I am safely back in CdA, Exit 14. It’s a cool and calm Sunday morning. Normally I would be in church, leading church, but today I take in the cool breezes and listen to the birds. I read the Scriptures I would use for a sermon on this day and ponder the depth of God’s love and blessings. Despite my momentary materialistic craving, Cabela’s really is not high on that list of blessings, not even close to the cool pine forests and spring melt rivers that beckon at each exit.