Montana Meandering

We’ve spent the last week wandering through western Montana, unwinding from our hike-filled days in Glacier. We spent a couple of days exploring the Flathead National Forest along the Swan River corridor and then headed south to see a friend in Missoula. 

After leaving Glacier we restocked in Kalispell and poked around in the charming town of Whitefish. Evening found us camped at Tally Lake, a glacier-carved lake set in a forest of western red cedar. The rain paused long enough for us to walk around after dinner and read the signs about the common loon posted around the lake.  As we stood on the beach looking at the mist-covered hills a loon began calling, far away at first, then flying directly overhead.  We feel fortunate to have heard them in several different places, because it turns out they are rare in Montana, only 60 nesting pairs. 

After several days of big storms and cool temperatures Friday broke warm and sunny.  We were dispersed camping along the Swan River and drank our coffee while listening to a raptor call out from the pines above our heads. It was peaceful and we decided to stay for a couple days to relax and sleep in, filling our days with reading, wandering and camp chores. 

On Saturday, we drove a few miles to Holland Lake to hike some highly recommended trails. Unfortunately, we followed the wrong trail and accidentally hiked 10.5 miles very steep miles. It’s amazing that we can now hike that far without batting an eye. 

Once we reached the top of the mountain, we turned on our cell phones to see if we could get any service—we had been completely disconnected for a number of days. We were in luck and texted our buddy Phoebe in Missoula to see if she was up for visitors. The Minnie has now been parked in front of Phoebe’s for three days, and we have absolutely loved exploring this super cool town…

Oh, Missoula, why do you have to have winter? If it wasn’t for your months of snow and cold, we just might be able to say we’ve found our new home. This is a special town and in a few short days, we’ve grown quite fond, but real winters are a deal breaker for us. We want everything this town has to offer except for that one multi-month issue. 

We’ve loved the quaint neighborhoods, eclectic mix of architectural styles and adorable homes. The downtown is vibrant with the old and new blending nicely. We’ve been through too many towns that have downtowns on life-support with all the action happening on the big-box fringe.

The Good Food Store! This store is indicative of a positive food culture in Missoula, which has four farmer’s markets on Saturday alone, in a town of just over 70,000! They take eating local and organic seriously and we were happy to partake in the fresh vegetable offerings that have been so lacking in our travels these last two months.  

We’ve seen plenty of gay peeps, which makes us happy, including the woman at the butcher counter at the Good Food Store who had a buzz cut similar to Alanna’s! We are not an anomaly in Missoula, thank goodness! 

Yesterday, after a quick fifteen minute drive from Phoebe’s, we were hiking in the Rattlesnake National Recreation Area. Missoula offers extensive hiking trails both in and out of the city, and of course, world class rivers. We want, actually we need, such easy access to the outdoors in our next home

Of course, what made Missoula really special was spending such good time with our friend Phoebe. She’s been an incredible host and her love for this town is part of the appeal. Oh, Missoula, why must you insist on this whole winter business?!!