Today was all about the journey. We had a long drive ahead of us so we got an early start. Of course, we broke up the drive with stopping at historical markers along the way. This view is taken from Big Hole Pass, elev 7400 ft. You could see 400 square miles from this viewpoint! It was glorious to be in the early morning light, hearing the cows’ moos echoing off the mountains and feel the crisp air. Ned said this was one of the highlights of the trip for him.
At the end of the pathway at this viewpoint was a “Beaver Slide”, patented in 1905. It’s an efficient way to make a huge haystack. Farms that don’t use the mechanical baler still use this method today. This place was also where Lewis & Clark stopped on their way back to St. Louis.
Nez Pierce National Battlefield, Big Hole was also on the way. We got there a bit before it opened so we used the time to wander the grounds, read about the battle and learn about how the Nez Pierce Indians were eventually annihilated. Ugh. After just coming off the high from earlier this morning, we just didn’t have it in us to stay and watch the film or do a ranger talk, especially after experiencing Little Bighorn National Monument a few days before. My heart just couldn’t take it.
We drove through the Beaverhead-Deerlodge, Bitteroot and Salmon-Challis National Forests taking us from Montana to Idaho. Jaw dropping gorgeous.
We stopped in a couple of little towns. Can’t remember the name of this one, but they were just starting their 4th of July Parade down the one road Main Street through town. We perused the local farmer’s market and picked up some provisions.
Mid afternoon we finally reached Redfish Lake, Idaho. This will be home for the next 3 days. We couldn’t think of a better way to end our trip. We’re at Glacier Campground, quiet enough to enjoy the mountains and smell the pine trees, but close enough to hop on our bikes and hang out at the Lodge. If you’ve never been to this place it is a great family vacation spot. Beaches, boats, bikes, cabins, campgrounds, restaurants and outside bars. We’re all in.
