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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Clarksville

Weird sights you can see along the roadway

It’s said that the first statue to employ “contrapposto” (the Italian term for counter-pose) was Kritios Boy.

That pale sculpture dates back to 480 BC or several decades before shakes, fries and fast food drive-ins.

A more modern example of this ancient sculptural technique can be seen hovering over Coeur d’Alene today in the beloved form of Paul Bunyan, gyppo logger and well-known timberland clear-cutter.

Ax in one hand, cheese burger in the other, Paul’s ever-present wink seems to say to weary travelers…

“Pull into my Paul Bunyan Pak-Out at 602 Northwest Blvd. and eat yourself silly.”

Seeing big Bunyan is, to me, a comforting part of every trip to Coeur d’Alene. I can’t imagine the Lake City being without this giant bearded icon with his red-and-white checked shirt and red tam hat perched atop his broad dome.

But what is he thinking?

Is Paul sick of the birds using him for a rest stop and toilet?

Does he ever miss being out in the woods?

Would Paul be happier wearing knickers and earning minimum wage by parking cars at the nearby Hagadone resort?

Maybe one day he’ll crack and go on a rampage through Cd’A, mowing down every tourist in sight with his wicked log splitter.

That’d be a photo-op, huh? 



Thoughts and ruminations from S-R columnist Doug Clark