After the Yellowstone, we wanted to go see the Missouri Headwaters area in Montana so had booked a campsite at the nearby state park. This is where Lewis & Clark Party encamped back in July 1805. However, the temp was in the 95 temp and, with no shade in the campground, we headed to a picnic area for shade of the van and went over to the Gallatin River for a swim. After immersing in about 10 inches of high current flow, we walked across the road to the Missouri River for a deeper more relaxing dip. Pretty amazing to be here and ponder that.
The next day we visited Lewis & Clark Caverns (not discovered by L&C tho but by some nearby hunters in early 1900’s). Took the tour which included a 0.6 mile hike up a hill in 95 degree full sunshine and then hike through an amazing array of caverns at 60 degrees. Refreshing and awe inspiring
We stopped a few days in Bozeman at a family member’s home. Moochdocking is fun to be with family or friends, get power for the fridge and have a real shower. Plus one of the best bakeries anywhere. The Wild Crumb bakery along with Fink’s Deli. One evening Wendy drove us up to Hyalite Reservoir for dinner from Finks’ Deli. Yum. Try the Portabello sandwich. OMG, the best.
We then headed north 300 mile to Kalispell area and Glacier National park. The heat was getting to us a little bit so Sraddha found Rocky Mountain Hi RV park and we encamped there for 4 days of gravely needed rest. We took advantage of senior parking at the Kalispell farmers market. I guess we are considered “elderly”. Bike riding, day trip to Glacier in the rain. And washing off the bikes and cover from Idaho dust.
We did a day trip into the west side of Glacier park where we enjoyed water falls and hiking along with the incredible Macdonald Lodge.
Then we discovered…a flat tire on the inside of the left rear dually. Yikes. So we rested on Sunday with a bike ride to REI to pick up some chain lube. Now i am writing this portion of the blog at the Kalispell Les Schwab Tire shop. They have great internet!
Well. We need two new tires, Michelin Cross-climates. Les Schwab doesn’t have them but Discount Tire can get them tomorrow, so we head back to the RV park for another night! What to do about our West Glacier park Apgar campsite reservation today tho? Another Yikes. (Cancelled one of the nights)
So we are getting two new tires which we put on the front then used the old front tires (only 27k miles) to replace the bad tires on the left rear side. Same wear as right rear tires. They work great so we then drove up to MacDonald lodge and had some dinner. Did I mention it was raining? In July?
After dinner, we drove back to the Apgar Campground, essentially tucking in for the night, listening to the rain falling on our roof as we drifted off.
Early the next morning we headed east over Marias pass and continental divide towards East Glacier and Two Medicine lakes area
We spent several hours at the Glacier lodge walking around, enjoying the grounds, views and especially the gardens which volunteers spend their summers tending. The inside of the lodge is immense. This is the original lodge met by eastern tourists visiting by the Northern Pacific train before they would travel to other parts of the park and beyond. Plus they had WiFi (in this century) woo hoo!!
Our destination was Two Medicine Lakes, one of the three main camping areas in the east side of Glacier park. Enroute we stopped for a hike on the Two Medicine River at Eagle Falls which actually has an underground river falls underneath the higher river falls. Never saw anything like it before.
We also hiked up to Appsotoki Falls where we say some bighorn sheep ewes and a Ram.
Camping at Two Medicine lake was fun. We stayed only 1 night (And wished it were more). The next morning managed to score a ride on a boat across the lake for a delightful 1/2 mile hike to twin Falls. Then returned on the boat. Remind me to tell you the story of the bear spray when you see me. 🥴
On the road for 25 days so far, we headed north to St Mary’s lake where the visitor center and access to Logan pass via Shuttle lay. Our reservation at St Mary campground was 2 nights and we had decided to stay out for next 12 days before heading to Ogden for wedding. Had 5 days of reservations in the Tetons and we were contemplating going up to Canada. St Marys lake campground offered an amazing view and only 1/4 mile from shuttle to Logan Pass. Sweet. We were going to spend the next day up in Logan Pass.
However we got up the next morning and realized we really wanted to be home instead so packed up and drove 650 miles to Twin Falls, overnighted in an RV par in 95 degree temps and the next day, drove the other 500 miles home. Home sweet home
This trip was ambitious, while wonderful, it left us exhausted so we are staying home for a while and cancelling the fall Arizona trip. Will make a couple short trips later in fall to local spots like Half Moon bay and Sea Ranch. There is just no place like Ananda Village.
PS. Two weeks later We ended up driving 600A+ miles to Ogden for our great-nieces wedding then driving back. Then flying to Portland and back for another wedding near Mt Hood. 2 weddings in 6 days. Whew.
Both weddings were unique, charming and fun. Low budget DIY in Ogden at a Trout farm in 100 degree temps. Luxurious accommodations in a lodge near Mt Hood and sit down dinner reception at Mt Hood Farms for 100 family/friends. I was one of 2 “Train Uncles” invited by the bride. We weren’t allowed to take pics of the wedding but snapped a few at the reception.
So that has been our summer as the remaining year has been recuperation, rest and service at our community. Until next time……
PhotoKent's Musings 