The Storms Continue

We've been on the road now for 22 days. We're sitting under stormy skies again, this time with thunder and lightning and it is causing the poor dog to shake. The rain is beating on the trailer windows so hard that it feels like we are under a waterfall. We are in Grangeville, Idaho on Jim's last work stop. Home is sounding very, very good to all three of us. We have been inadvertently following the Lewis and Clark trail and yesterday spent the night along the Clearwater river. It was anything but clear looking more like runny chocolate pudding. Logs and other debris were floating by. Since we were parked only a few feet from the river, it was quite an experience. With all the rain that the northwest is having, some flooding is occurring. In fact, we were turned around by a sheriff in one of the towns where we were going to take a more direct rout to Grangeville because the road was washed out. Yesterday, however, was a dry day and we soaked up the sun. I actually was able to put on capri pants and sandals and sit outside. We have met some friendly and kind people. I have heard of people that travel all year long, either working or just for fun. We are so thankful to have a home to return to and friends and family there as well.

Wow, Again

Today we traveled to the east side on Glacier NP. We left the trailer at the RV park, packed a lunch and just went sightseeing. Our destination was St. Mary's Visitor Center. In the summer you can drive thru the park but today we had to skirt around on the edge of the park. We saw again, some amazing waterfalls, crossed the continental divide, and saw lots of snow covered peaks. We actually drove to the beginning of the plains. You could look east and see miles and miles of rolling grasslands. The lodge at East Glacier was amazing! It would be a real treat to spend a couple of nights there. I'm afraid it would be out of our price range! I can see why this is Glacier NP. It was cold and windy and we could see snow falling on the peaks. We found an Alliance Church that we are going to try tomorrow.

Wow

Today was the day that has made all this rain and dampness worth while. We drove up to G lacier National Park this morning and the views far surpassed our expectations! It was pouring rain when we got to the Visitor Center so I sat in the truck and Jim walked around with the umbrella and peeked into the Visitor Center. Then we decided to drive on the Going-to-the Sun-Road. As we started we decided to check out the campground and stopped to chat with the host. Come to find out that up the road were some campground hosts who had worked in Death Valley last year. So we drove up to visit with them. In the meantime the rain stopped and the sun tried to come out. We have never seen so many waterfalls coming down such long distances from the snow fields. It was amazing! About 14 miles up this famous road we came to a place where they are repaving the road so we had to turn around. But we were able to stop at the famous Lake McDonald Lodge, reminiscent of a Swiss chalet. The season has just began at the park and this weather has kept people from visiting so there were few people around. We saw a few deer but no bears. Fun place! We'll take the trailer up there and spend a couple of days at the campground after Jim works in Kalispell tomorrow.

Glacier NP, We Hope

We are now camped in the outskirts of Kalispell, Mt. We are just 3o miles from the National Park and I think we could see the mountains around Glacier if the clouds would move away. But alas, it is raining and the clouds are all around us. We hope to drive up to the park tomorrow and see if we want to camp there after Jim works at the office here. We were so glad to be able to find a mall in this town where we could actually walk around (out of the rain) and stay dry. It was disheartening to see so many shops in the mall closed up. Seems the economy is having an effect here. We see quite a few licenses from Canada which is not too far from here. One interesting thing about being this far north is that it doesn't get dark till after 10PM. I wonder if when it is clear people can see the northern lights at night. I'm about ready to get Harry a raincoat or duct tape a towel to him when we walk out!

Montana in the Sun

What a difference a day makes. Today we had the sun shining on us for the first time in over 11 days! I actually was able to sit out in the lawn chair and soak it in. The temp got up into the mid 60's so it felt like summer, almost! Jim was able to walk to the FS office from the RV park and had to use the umbrella in the AM but didn't need it later on. What a blessing. I was thinking how we had been under a cloud on this whole trip. Sort of like the Israelites when they left Egypt and that was a sign of God's presence. But I sure do like the sun! Also,a good thing today was getting our laundry done. Sounds simple, I know but when you are using laundromats and need to find quarters, it becomes more of an issue. Tomorrow we drive to Kalispel, MT. Jim will work there on Friday and then we take the time to visit Glacier NP. We'll try to get some pictures.

Spring in the North

We are on the road again. We've been thru Oregon, Washington and now Montana. It has rained every day that we've been gone from home. But we have seen some beautiful country! Still California seems pretty good to me right now. Usually, our adventures create memories that we can talk about for a long time. This seems especially true at RV parks where we see and sometimes meet some really unusual characters. We will be moving up to Libby, Mt. next week. I'm needing to see a store of some sort. This is just too rural for me.

Once in a Lifetime

We leave in a couple of days for a dream vacation. As a child travelling with my folks to South America, I dreamed that some day I would be able to cruise with my husband just for fun. In my childhood, trips always meant leaving friends and family and prized toys for the unknown. But on Sunday Jim and I will be sailing with friends just to have fun and explore new places. What a treat! Here is a picture of our ship.