Wild, Wild West

My oldest spent the summer working for the U.S. Attorney’s office in Billings, Montana. Upon completion, I flew to her and we roadtripped home to KY! I wanted to share highlights with you. We will also be doing an IG Live , tonight, July 21st at 8:00 PM, to answer any questions you may have about our tour of the west! Hope you can tune in!

After landing in Billings, we spent a final night at the dorm, and then hit the road early! Our first stop was for food, of course! Mackenizie River had been one of Calle’s favorites this summer. She had even seen Reba McEntire, while dining at one in Bozeman. We ate at the Kalispelle location. Sticking with my low carb eating plan, I chose the wedge salad, with a cup of chili. Huckleberries are the BIG thing, so Cal suggested I try the huckleberry ice cream. My review: the serving of chili I was given, was almost like they gave me everything that was left in the pan. It was basically a bowl of “soup”, with about four tomato chunks. The wedge salad was great, but how can you mess a wedge salad up? I am glad I got the ice cream, and can now say I have had huckleberry ice cream. It had a fruity smell, reminiscent of Bath and Body Works, the taste was average.

Upon entrance into Glacier National Park, there was a mini village. Here you could eat, play miniature golf, buy a souvenir, and rent equipment for your outdoor adventures. Callie presented her America the Beautiful pass for free entrance. For an annual cost of $80, this pass will admit the cardholder, and anyone in their vehicle, into the national parks, free of charge. I highly recommend this, if you are one that likes to travel.

First stop, along our path was the breathtaking Flathead Lake. Yes, the water was cold and Yes, I still got in. I waded around in the water, up to my knees, and could still plainly see my toes. The water was THAT clear. A blue sky, rolling green hills and crystal clear water…it was paradise.

Venturing on, the color of the water began changing to an emerald green! We came upon waterfalls. The rushing waters showered us with a mist, as we stood overlooking the falls. Rocks of all shapes and sizes cradled the water.

We set out on this trip, in search of animals. Here we were, on our first stop, and a deer walked right in front of our car! We parked, got out of the car and was able to get within feet of the deer, watching it eat. I was amazed at how it didn’t “spook”. Callie attributed that to the deer probably never having heard gunshots. The deer grew tired, before we did and walked away.

As we plowed forward, we discovered that the main road was closed due to unmelted snow. (Mid July and still a snow covered road, wow!) Callie was disappointed that I wouldn’t be able to see the rest of the park. I, on the other hand, could not imagine seeing anything more beautiful than I had already experienced! I didn’t get to touch any snow, however, I saw many snow capped mountains.

The Chalet Hotel was our residence for the night. Callie had booked our rooms thru Booking.com. Now, if you are looking for first class accomodations, with concierge, in room dining and a fitness center, this is not for you. However, if you are charmed by porch swings, antique iron beds, and pots of colorful flowers, you will love this boutique hotel! I knew it was a winner, when we pulled in the parking lot and there were two vintage pick up trucks. The accomodations were clean, relaxing and conveniently located. There is a Starbucks and a grocery store, right across the street.

Tomorrow, we wake early to head to Yellowstone! The first day was amazing, but these two gals are tired! Good night from Whitefish, Montana.

*Be watching for the second blog installment of our western adventure!


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Wild, Wild West… Day 2 and 3

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Patriotic Snack Mix