Idaho into Montana

We are currently in Missoula, Montana. After spending a couple days in Lewiston, Idaho, pondering which way to go, we got good advice from the attendant at the Costco gas station and went for Hwy 12 across the Bitterroot Mtns. This is the same road that we came into town on and weren't too happy about it. But heading west, it is designated a scenic road so they have added many many turnouts and passing lanes.

The twin cities of Lewiston, Id and Clarkson, Wa are located on the Clearwater River. A wide flowing byway that is a haven for fisherman. Outdoor Magazine rated the area as #1 place to live for fishing, hunting and boating and such. Chinook and sturgeon are the big draw they tell me. The climate is very temperate, warm and dry in the summer and no snow and barely near freezing in the winter. It is becoming a popular retirement area. It is a clean nice place with a many vacant store fronts on the main streets. Because this area was the home of the Nez Perse Indian Tribes, there are many statues and tributes and small casinos.

We had lunch at a popular restaurant on the river one day.....further up the river is Hell's Canyon, a wild and narrow Class V rapids, popular with tours. Instead, we explored a more sedate setting. Since entering North Dakota on our way west, we have noticed all the signage pointing out the Lewis and Clark trail.....I suspect a lot of it was designed to commemorate the 200th anniversary of their crossing about 6 years ago. Last Sunday, we drove over to Astoria, Wa to view their first view of the Pacific. The interpretive center was OK but staff were volunteers and money was very scarce. In Lewiston, on the Snake River (the Snake and Clearwater join in Lewiston) is a beautiful center with a very informative film on their travels thru Idaho and their survival due to the help from the Pez Nerse and the Shoshone.

It is all very well done with artifacts and sculptures and maps.

The next morning, after being reassured by the Costco attendant, we headed west on 12. Our views were limited somewhat by smoke from wildfires. We followed the Clearwater , a wide and shallow and swift flowing river. There were a few fly fisherman and an occasional boat. It reminded me of "A River Runs Through It" movie and indeed, the author grew up in these mountains.
I have to admit that I did not drive at all. It was just a bit more intimidating than I cared to tackle. We stopped along the way to let the driver nap and make coffee. The drive was about 250 miles and scenic all the way.
We left Lewiston at 700 ft and arrived at the pass at over 5000 ft. It was a slow climb and did not feel that steep.
At the top were firefighters, many of them looked like the Native Indians of the area and were speaking a native language and were covered in soot. They were heading out to a new fire. The Montana border is at the pass and this sign greeted us
as we started down. It was slow but not troublesome in the beast. We are at a large KOA campground in Missoula and again at a decision point in our travels. The air is very smokey and visibility limited and we can't see the surrounding mountains. And for all you Floridians, the temperature was 46 this morning and is to get near 90. It is very dry and didn't feel so warm yesterday.

And now, more wedding pics. This one was taken at the rehearsal dinner and yes, its the same clothes I wore at the reunion for those of you keeping track. Paul, however, had a bigger wardrobe and was able to find something else.

The bride is so photogenic and beautiful and these pictures should be in a bride's magazine. ( All pics are clickable)

Here is the only pic I've received of the family. Starting from the left....Marybeth, Jon and Andy and Mason in front. Then Mike and Jenna from Colorado, the bridal couple, the new MIL in the purple dress and her handsome husband in his tux and then Travis, our grandson and Jeff's son who lives in Mazatlan Mexico and his very beautiful girlfriend, Tania. The couple left the celebration amid sparklers and cheers. They are loving their time in the Caribbean and hoping the hurricanes stay away.