Photos from Day 20
Grizzly Gawkers
The Grizzly
Comments about Day 19
Our route from Stanley to Missoula followed the Salmon River Scenic Byway and I must say it is one of the most beautiful 100 miles of road that I have ever driven. The byway follows the rivers course through continuous canyons that soar into the sky. Based on the number of fly fishermen that we saw, it must be paradise for such enthusiasts. We stopped in Salmon for coffee, pastry, and bread in a bakery that was housed in an old Oddfellows hall. It was charming, and the pastry was second to none.
When we arrived in Missoula the temp was 100°. Don't tell me about dry heat. When we had dinner in downtown Missoula it was an easy decision on eating indoors or out! An ice cream after dinner was a given.
After dinner we drove out of town and made camp in another dispersed campground; although this one was on private land and it looked like we were in a big rolling pasture that was surrounded by suburban developments...but the view was fabulous and we didn't have to drive any more than day. Between the heat and the sound of the railroad which was probably less than 50 yards from our van, sleep was challenging. The early morning train whistle was just like the scene in "My Cousin Vinny".
Of course Norman Maclean's "A River Runs Through It" comes to mind. The Reverend's son, John, recently published a memoir about his family's century-long love of Montana's Blackfoot River. John was interviewed by Jeff Glor on CBS.
ReplyDeleteJoni and I had the same thoughts as we drove along the Salmon.
DeleteReading the blog once again sent me looking for Glacial National Park on a larger map and reading more about it online. Some amazing facts and pictures on the Dept. of Interior site. I think you are unfortunately dealing with smoke in the air in some of yours. Still amazing.
ReplyDeleteSadly I think forest fires are here to stay in the West, just like the sharks on the Cape. Both are a result of climate change.
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