Trip to Montana: Part 1

 
Sorry for the long break in posting time -- we spent the week without electricity, out of internet range, or on the move. But now we're back to the comforts of Mom and Dad's house, and I thought I would share a bit of our adventures from the week! Hope you enjoy!

 
On Monday, we packed up the last of necessary things and jumped into the RV, destination western Montana. My parents live in northeastern Washington, so it's a quick drive across northern Idaho. We drove along the shores of Pend Oreille lake, a family favorite destination.

 
The lake looked to be in perfect summertime condition, and was quite inviting, but we had lots more driving to do to get to our destination.

 
We stopped at Cabinet Gorge Dam, one of the dams along the Clark Fork river. The gates weren't open, but the swirling water at the base of the dam was really neat to watch!

 
We followed the Clark Fork river through open valleys, through small towns, past ranches, and beautiful river views.

 
Imagine owning the ranch on the other side of the river ... talk about scenic!

 
Before long, views of the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area and the Mission Mountains came into view.

 
And the views continued to be spectacular!

 
The color of the grass really caught the afternoon sun, giving the entire landscape a bright, cheery foundation of color.

 
Monday night we ended up staying the night in the RV east of Missoula, Montana. It was well past dark when we went through Missoula, and we didn't want to miss the spectacular views we would have once we turned off of I-90 and headed south towards Philipsburg and Georgetown Lake. Tuesday morning's weather brought new clouds and spots of sun on the ranch land. This photo was taken at the edge of Philipsburg, looking towards the mountains where Georgetown Lake is.

 
We stopped in Philipsburg for an early lunch, and some quick shopping around town. Philipsburg is a beautiful little town, known for it's well-kept painted buildings and historic existence.

 
We stopped in at The Sweet Palace, where I was amazed at the variety of sweets on display on the shelves - down both sides of the shop!

 
Each jar, each basin, held it's own unique flavor of treat.

 
Their fudge is all handmade on location (I witnessed it!). This was just a small portion of the flavors they had available... there must have been 8' of fudge on display. Wow!

 
And they make their own custom chocolates, too! I thought these were rather neat looking, and they're rather delicous, too!

 
We poked around town a bit more, enjoying the cool mountain air, and the fresh air that came with the morning rain showers.

 
There are neat statues around town made by a local artist that tell various stories or feature local wildlife. Near the fire station, this Indian statue was particular interesting.

 
Here you can see the Indian, following an injured minor through the forest.

 
We ate lunch at Doe Brothers, and it was delicious!

 
Homemade chips and delicous sandwiches!

 
After lunch, we drove up to Georgetown Lake, where it was perfect weather for boating.

 
So, boating we went! And it promptly started to rain - the weather changes fast at 6500' elevation. Here's Mom, posing for a photo.

 
There are some modest little lake cabins around the lake, and there are shacks, like this one...

 
Here's Mom again, enjoying the boat tour around the lake.

As this post is getting rather long, stay tuned for more lake and fishing adventures. *grin*

Comments

[Shellie Daniel]

Gorgeous country! I wouldn't mind going through it this time of year (we usually drive that way to ski during the wintertime). Fabulous clouds, sky, rivers, etc., etc.! And yum, I want some of that homemade fudge!

[Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye)]

DK - You're on! You and Lori are welcome to join us in Maine any ol' time. One condition though - you've got to stop in TX and pick up that Sweet Miss Daisy of yours and bring her with you! My poles are packed and my creel is ready. Let's do this thing!

[Beth M]

Beautiful photos! Thanks for the peek at your vacation.

[Troy Louise]

Very nice! Love all of your pics. Must have a been a great time. I think it's so wonderful that you are able to do that with your parents. Philipsburg looks like a really nice place. Must check that area out sometime. Thanks!

[Chelsea]

These pictures took my breath away!! They are just gorgeous! So happy you are able to experience this with your lovely parents! Can't wait to see the next installment of photos!

[Rebecca Bowers]

Wow your part of the world is just beautiful, those hills and mountains just shout Cowboys and Indians! And those chips look delish! Your certainly having a great holiday Anna, from Bec Bowers in New Zealand.

[kathynruss]

Homesick I am. sniff Miss my mountains the most. Could see Mt. Spokane from my house. Florida's idea of a mountain is Mt. Dora, a whopping 300 feet above sea level. NOT! Some of the houses even have basements! Woo hooo! Dig a basement anywhere else in Florida and you have an indoor pool under your house! Prolly with gators in it! Loving your pics and missing God's Country. I miss going to Glacier, the Yak, Upper Priest. . . . sigh

[Crissy Armstrong]

You have pretty much sold me on a trip to Montana one day. That is def. going on my bucket list! Wowzers, your photos depict things that would take my breath away! What a beautiful trip!

[diane mcvey]

Oh, wow...while we are having scorching heat (and Alan is too); your Mom is in a hoodie!!! That is TOO FUN!!! :D
Your pictures are so beautiful, I wish I could go where you have been! I hope you had a wonderful time. And those little towns...how awesome! I love those little shops, and restaurants...PRICELESS! How fun is that!?! I just love places like that...so interesting. And beautiful. And quaint! They are just sort of "lost in time"...thank goodness! I hope they never change. There's plenty of "big city" things going on, I hope lots of places stay just like they are, so that they can be enjoyed for the purely beautiful way they are...
I'm so happy you have had this time off to relax and be with your family! That is the BEST! These will be cherished times, there's nothing like them. You are so fortunate to have such great parents to spend the time with! :D
Have a wonderful week coming up, too! :D

[MaryAnn Grove]

yep,that scenery is quite gorgeous, but I bet you miss the critters and the garden,(well, maybe not the zuccini). Never been to that part of the country, but sure does make me want to go there. thanks so much for your wonderful travelog. looking forward to seeing more. MaryAnn

[Kathy Martin]

Thanks for the little journey! Spectacular photos! I love to see old little towns!

[Glenda Brooks]

Beautiful country! I can why you love it so much! Keep the photos coming....

[DK Wight]

Gabi, I'll take you to Montana if you take me to Maine......deal? And I'll throw in a fly fishing lesson or two that would keep it professional. You can pick the river or lake....just joshin folks.. Love, Dad

[Liz]

Oh MY! You were in Montana but yet still so far. Great pics though - we were just saying today that we never made it over to that part & now we are moving.
Liz

[SueB]

Wonderful photos. I love Montana but I've not been to this part of it. It's such a large state. Looking forward to more photos.

[Cheryl R]

Beautiful photos, Anna. I haven't had a vacation in a couple of years and your pics are sure giving me ideas!

[Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye)]

You realize of course that this summer I'm vacationing vicariously through your blog, right? RIGHT? Your photos are absolutely fantastic. I'm thrilled you got to take such a memorable and scenic vacation with Mom and Dad. I, on the other hand have had to cancel my trip to Maine twice. TWICE! Work got in the way. Hugs, to you and to Mom and to dear ol' Dad.

[Jennifer K.]

Beautiful pictures (and no grasshopper ones!!). I love going to the mountains - looks like you had a great trip! :)

[jeanette]

Beautiful. I could live in a "modest" home like that.

[karrie baker]

Can't wait to see more pics of your trip. Did I ever tell you that Montana is my favorite place to be? Flathead Lake is where my stomping grounds are. Absolutely gorgeous.

[Carol Dee]

Well it looks like you are having a very nice vacation. Sure would ahve loved to have stowed away in your bags. LOL. Enjoy the rest of your time with the folks and safe trip home. Hugs...