On The Road to Montana

Several of our last stays were in areas chosen for the location along our route to Montana. They didn’t have much to offer as far as sights to visit. Still I enjoy the travel and days of relaxing, reading and getting my chores done.

Today we are finally passing through Idaho and traveling into Montana. Is there such a thing as traveling too slow?

Several of our last stays were in areas chosen for the location along our route to Montana. They didn’t have much to offer as far as sights to visit. Still I enjoy the travel and days of relaxing, reading and getting my chores done.

Checking In

Our first stop is Thompson Falls State Park (Review-Thompson Falls). One thing you can say about Montana is their State Parks are mostly smaller, but the value for Senior residents is large.

Here at Thompson Falls, I have a nice campsite in the trees, overlooking the Clarks Fork river and at $9 per night (regular price $18). Montana has not only a Senior discount, but also a resident discount.

As I drive into the park through the tall trees, I pull up to the small, well-kept park office on the left. The weather is perfect. Sunny with a few scattered white puffy clouds. The campground host approaches the Workhorse and introduces herself as Sharon. She with her husband have served this campground for seven years.

We finish the formality of checking in, I had reservations and Sharon already had the forms and place cards completed for hanging in the truck. We then visited for a while and I learned of her husband’s passing recently. She is a trooper and said she’s going to continue as the primary host of this small Montana State Park.

After checking in, Sharon directs us to our campsite, #008. Wow this is a nice site Jagger, especially for the price! We have a great view of the river and many trees around us.

Since I bought my Honda 2000 watt generator, I don’t worry about the trees anymore. Sure my 120 watt solar panel does most of the work deep charging the battery and supplies the energy I will need for the basics, including lighting. The generator however, allows me not to worry about the shade or if any rainy-cloudy weather in the forecast. Also I can use a few extras, like television, movies, microwave, tire compressor and yes vacuuming up after Jagger.

Enjoying the Afternoon at Thompson Falls

After setting up our camp for the week, I tie Jagger up between two trees and stretch out on my lounger. Does it get any better than this Jagger? Staring up at the blue sky and being thankful for all I have been given.

Then I bring out my cell phone, opening my latest book and reading about those who wandered this land long before I. The struggles they encountered would have discouraged us beyond hope. They definitely were a much hardier breed of people.

Safe Travels…Gary and Jagger

More Photos: Thompson and Kootenai Falls