I stayed overnight in Washington and Idaho on my way to Montana. The first night, I stayed in Kennewick, which was an easy drive from Portland. It was another really nice Boondockers Welcome stay. It was Easter weekend, so no one was around. The weather was sunny and a bit windy, but it was a very easy stay with electric hook-up and water. I would love to stay there again when I get back to Washington.
The next day, I picked up I-90, which is a road that I am very familiar with. I grew up in a town just south of I-90 in Minnesota, so it was a little piece of home, knowing that was on the western part of a road that I know so well. I was in awe of the topography of this stretch of I-90. The most lovely area was near Sprague Lake. We overnighted at Tamarack RV Park, which had an easy check-in process since it was still Easter, and the office was closed.
My plan was to get on the road and in Missoula on Monday. I didn’t have a chance really look around Coeur D’Alene, but the RV park was great – beautiful mature pines and spacious spots for my B class. I made a stop at St. Regis Gift Shop for fuel and for some postcards. I also discovered Huckleberry soda, which was absolutely delightful. This bag sums up Montana for me:
My pictures will never due Montana the justice that it deserves. Steinbeck had it spot on. “I am in love with Montana. With other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.”
The drive to Missoula was uneventful, and Jim & Mary’s RV Park – where I was calling home for the next two weeks was perfect. They gave me a great spot on the end of a row, and it was spacious and easy to hook-up with a beautiful tree. I wasn’t sure if I’d have water or not because their website said limited water until mid-April due to the possibility of overnight freezing. Luckily, we had water!! I’ll say it again for anyone who will listen – life with running water is amazing.
On Tuesday, I took my rental car over to a salon to get a much-needed hair touch-up. Unfortunately, my stylist was pre-occupied and after waiting a half hour, I had to reschedule for another day with a different stylist. During my wait, I also realized I had entered Taco John’s land again. I do love Taco John’s tacos, cheese sauce, and potato oles. I grabbed some TJ’s and headed over to my co-worker’s home. We ate tacos, laughed, talked about prom with her daughter, and caught up – a great second day in Missoula!
On Friday, I headed out to Highlander Beer with my co-worker and a couple of her friends. There was a singer at the brewery, and they had pizza! I had a cider and enjoyed the ease of a conversation with girlfriends. How I have missed these kinds of evenings!
On Saturday, we ventured to Glacier National Park after enjoying some deliciousness from The Breakfast Club in Missoula – biscuits and gravy for me!! We were plagued with fog, but we did have a great drive up and back along Flathead Lake. We made our way back and stopped at Flathead Lake Brewing Company for a snack.
On Sunday, we hit up the Bitterroot Valley and stopped at the Big Hole Battlefield for some learning. It is a tragic story, but it’s important to remember. I’m writing this on Memorial Day, and all the lost lives to protect this country is somehow more moving after seeing so much more of this country. The sacrifices that so many have made on both sides of the weapons – if only we could do more with words and less with violence. The battlefield hosts an annual gathering to honor the Nez Peace ancestors.
My co-worker also took me to the Patagonia Outlet – a delightful way to end the day. Of course, we found some bargains, and then we ate at Dairy Queen on the other side of town.
Arthur loved Montana, too. He had some great sleep while we were there.
The Adventures of Ms Haps & Arthur 