Can't believe the recent post on the OTHER forum about everything at Sandpoint, Idaho, being too expensive, horrible place for railfanning, etc. Most of you who have visited there know the truth, but for those who haven't, here are some tips. If you don't want the pricey accommodations downtown, including the Best Western right on the lake alongside the RR and a few steps away from the depot, there's Motel 6 and Super 8 up on the north end of town where even on a peak summer weekend you can get a room for two for $80 or less. As for eats, the same part of Sandpoint has McD's, Burger King, KFC, Taco Smell, etc. If that's someone's idea of "too expensive" then they better break out the bread and peanut butter. When money's not the issue, however, there are great eateries downtown with patio tables overlooking Sand Creek and the RR. Yes, Sandpoint in summer can be a nightmare to drive through when trains are coming, but the point is to get in position outside of town well in advance, or simpy hunker down at Sandpoint Junction or at the UP/BNSF diamond. Traffic on the Funnel was down a bit during July, but it's booming again now. We've just spent some weekends around Sandpoint, Bonners Ferry, and closer to home near Hauser and had more trains than we could keep track of. Trains waiting for a fuel track have been stacking up on the main line east and west.