Posts from the ‘Montana’ Category

Jun 27

Whitefish Bike Retreat

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It was love at first site. I was smitten for the Whitefish Bike Retreat – they had me at Cold Beer.

Never-mind the fantastic network of local biking trails surrounding the venue, there is onsite communal lodging and RV/tent camping available, enabling quick and easy access to flow trails, pump tracks, and skills courses.

What’s not to love about this place?

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Maybe my visit – a Tuesday afternoon – was not an accurate representation of the place? I highly doubt that. The overall vibe is very laidback which suited me just fine.

Oh, I almost forgot – the variety of cold beer available (bottles and cans) is quite stellar.

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Jun 26

Enjoying Differences

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Originally our travel route had us departing Glacier National Park and arriving to Calgary (Canada) on Sunday. However, once we saw extended rain in the forecast we ditched that plan and instead decided to take retreat in nearby Kalispell (Montana).

Exploring options we located a retired couple who allow temporary free camping on their beautiful, six-acre property conveniently located close to town.

The homeowners are great and we’ve also met a few other full-timing travelers – all of us momentarily centering our travels around the national park, but ultimately coming and going in various directions and purpose across the country.

These past fourth-eight hours have been a reminder that despite all the cable news noise highlighting the many differences that too often divide and isolate, Kelly and I are fortunate to live as we do. The diversity of people we regularly meet on the road – regardless of differing ages, social, political, or financial situations – are generally gracious, open, and welcoming.

Free from the noise, Kelly and I are lucky to cross paths and socialize with these fellow travelers, even if only briefly.

Jun 22

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Going To The Sun Road

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Here at Glacier National Park, the infamous Going To The Sun Road remains closed.

Crews have recently finished plowing huge amounts of winter snow, but many road surface and guardrail repairs remain to be completed before opening the pass to automobile traffic.

During this road closure period, park visitors are allowed access to bike or walk the famous alpine highway. Yesterday afternoon Kelly and I laced our sneakers, grabbed the binoculars, and set off for a walk to Logan Pass in hopes of spotting Big Horn Sheep or Mountain Goats high on a ridge. If we were lucky, maybe we would see a few bears in one of many valley meadows far below.

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We didn’t see any animal activity off in the distance, but you’ll understand our surprise to round a bend and effectively walk into a pack of sheep quietly grazing at the side of the road.

If you have never been to Glacier, it must be added to your list. This place is simply magnificent.

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Jun 27

Pine Creek Campground

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Forty-eight hours post arrival, there is not much to report from our campsite in Pine Creek Campground. We arrived Sunday afternoon to temperatures flirting with upper 80’s levels, which for us is akin to an inferno. Since then, Mother Nature has been behaving in a schizophrenic manner, seemingly incapable of choosing between thundering rain storms or blue skies.

At least the temperatures are now hoovering at pleasant levels, which I suppose is about all one can ask for.

As for Kelly and me, we’ve had our noses pointed mostly at our laptop screens. In other words – routine days with nothing especially significant or interesting to report.

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