Texas,RV's,Travel and Family: Part 2 - Travels in 2022

Wednesday, June 1, 2022 we were on the road by 6:30a headed for Spokane, in eastern Washington. We left early to beat the traffic going across the I205 bridge from Washington to Oregon. We turned off I205 shortly after crossing into Oregon on to I84 east. We followed I84 along the Columbia River past The Dalles and John Day dams before turning north onto I82. Crossing the Columbia River back into Washington, we continued northeast on US395 to Ritzville, WA where, after stopping for fuel, we turned east on I90. Travelling I90 brought us to Spokane and then to the Spokane KOA. This is a nice little KOA located just east of the center of Spokane. This was one of the longest days on the road, logging 375 miles.

Thursday, June 2, 2022 -We started the day by going to Quest Lab Services for Deb’s blood draw. At the Lab, she found out that Quest is unable to complete one of the required blood tests. Quest checked and found that Deaconess Hospital could do the required blood test. We then went to Deaconess Education Center where the Lab is located. Deaconess confirmed that they could complete all required tests and send the results to Deb's Cardiologist. From there we went to Target/CVS to get prescriptions. All of Deb’s were ready, three of my four were ready. Breakfast was at Cottage Café.

Here we found excellent service and great food. Kings Omelet, six eggs with ham, cheese, green pepper and onions,

King's Omelet, Mixed fruit & Toast

was fantastic as was the homemade strawberry jam. The fruit cup contained a large amount of both strawberries and blueberries. Deb’s bacon, eggs and pancakes were equally delicious.

Bacon, eggs and pancakes

We left the Spokane KOA about 12:30 headed to US2 and on to Moyie Springs, ID. Slow drive for the 130 miles that we covered. It seemed that most of the time was spent getting out of Spokane. The Twin Rivers RV park is at the confluence of the Moyie and Kootenai Rivers. Down in a hole with no cell service, no WiFi and limited TV. Five switch backs on a narrow gravel road with at least a 6% grade. What a combination.

I did not see this sign on the way in. So...at the first switchback, the tightest one, I pulled into a small wide spot and unhooked the Jeep and Deb drove it the rest of the way in. The switchbacks were tight, but after that first one the rest were not quite as bad.

With no television, no Internet, no satellite and no wireless phone service, we spent the evening reading. I tried to interest Deb in something from our DVD stock, but she was tired of watching JAG.

Twin Rivers Campground

Confluence of the Moyie and Kootenai Rivers

There is a fish hatchery at this location run by the Kootenai Indians. This hatchery is for White Sturgeon. Earlier in the day they had caught tagged and released an 11 foot Sturgeon.

Friday, June 3, 2022 - I woke up about 4:30a to the sound of rain on the Motor Home. The thought of a gravel road with a six percent grade and four switch backs immediately came to mind. I got dressed and put things away so as to be ready for a quick getaway. About 5a the rain stopped and I laid down and tried to get more sleep. We got up about 6:30, dumped the tanks and secured other things and then left. Deb drove the Jeep in front to warn me of oncoming traffic. No problem going up, the last switchback on the way out (first on the way in) was the tightest and I feared that I might scrape the concrete barriers on the cliff side of the turn. Luckily I made it without any incident. We hooked up the Jeep at the top and continued east on US2.

This portion of the trip would take us through Libby, MT through Kalispell and we would end in St. Mary, MT which is about 35 miles northwest of Browning, MT and 15 miles south of the Canadian border. Deb wanted to stop at the Wal-Mart in Kalispell. That meant driving through a section of the city on US93, and then trying to find a way out of the Wal-Mart parking lot and back to US2. Then there was the issue of fuel. I figured that as big as Kalispell was that finding a large fueling facility like Love’s or Flying J would be easy. Well, not so much. We ended up stopping at Johnson’s Fuel Station in Columbia Falls, a small settlement contiguous with Kalispell. As we pulled in, Deb looked down US2 and saw a Pilot fuel station. Since we were at Johnson’s, I started pumping fuel and because I was using a MasterCard, the pump shut off at $150. Not enough fuel. So, instead of fighting with the credit card, we made an illegal left turn out of Johnson’s Fuel onto US2, across an intersection and into Pilot. We finished fueling there and continued our journey toward Glacier National Park. The trip took us through West Glacier Village, which is also the west entrance to Glacier National Park, along the southern edge of the park, through East Glacier Village, the east entrance to Glacier National Park. Along the way we noted the similarities in the terrain, the flora and fauna, to that of both Washington and Canada. Lots of stretches of US Hwy 2 could be mirror images of the ALCAN or Alaskan Highway.
Just before getting into Browning, MT we turned onto US89 and continued to St. Mary. This is a beautiful drive on good road with sections of construction. The final decent into St. Mary is an unmarked 5-6% grade that is probably three miles long. Brakes got a little hot trying to keep the transmission down shifted enough for the engine brake to work.
Heart of Glacier RV Park is a gravel base affair with wild vegetation growing up in spots. This RV Park is nestled into an area of Cottonwoods. It is an older park with rather recently upgraded electrical and about a dozen “new” RV spots that look like it had been open only a year or so. WiFi was good enough to stream. No OTA TV, and Dish could not find the satellites due to a large cottonwood tree in the signal path.

Heart of Glacier RV Park

"New" section of the Park

Views from inside the RV Park

Saturday, June 4, 2022 - About 10a we headed to the St. Mary’s entrance to Glacier National Park.

Entrance to Glacier NP - Visitor Center background to the right.

Stopping at the visitor Center we confirmed that a small section of the Going to the Sun Road was drivable, and that the Many Glaciers Road was passable to the end. After watching a couple videos about the park and purchasing memorabilia, we headed out on the Going to the Sun Road for a total of five miles.

From the Visitors Center

The road was closed at Rising Sun Boat Launch. Bicycle traffic was allowed beyond this point. We did take many pictures along the way. This section of road is excellent pavement.

Looking SW along Saint Mary Lake

Looking South across Saint Mary Lake

Again looking SW along Saint Mary Lake.

Rising Sun Boat Launch on Saint Mary Lake

After leaving the Park, we headed out West Shore Drive which follows the western shore of Lower Saint Mary Lake. A gravel base road with minimal maintenance, we tried to avoid as many potholes as possible. This road comes out on US89 just prior to Babb, MT. Babb, MT is about 10 miles further up (north) of St. Mary on US89. Nothing much to see along this road as the Cottonwood has grown up along the sides of the road obscuring a view of the lake. We did see a cow Elk crossing the road and that was it. We returned to St. Mary on US89.

Sunday, June 5, 2022 - After getting out of the RV Park, it was a stop at the St. Mary Hotel and Lodge. There, after walking through an impressive lobby area of high ceilings and log construction, we made the gift shop stop and got Huckleberry Jam and Syrup.

From there it was off to Babb and on to the Many Glacier Road into Glacier National Park.

Many Glacier Entrance along Lake Sherburne

Looking SW along Lake Sherburne

Looking SW on the Many Glacier Road

This road is paved for all but about a two mile section of gravel. This road ends at Swiftcurrent Motor Inn and Restaurant. There is also a sign on the building stating Nells Glacier National Park. The business was closed with a sign stating that it would open on June 7. A stop was made along the road coming in due to a cow Moose in a clearing that stopped many cars. We were lucky enough to get a photo before a Park Ranger herded the cars on up the road.

Cow Elk - along Many Glacier Road

Looking NE along Many Glacier Road

Looking west along Many Glacier Road

We also stopped at Many Glacier Hotel, which was built in 1914-1915. It was a show piece for Great Northern Railway’s many Chalets and Hotels. This hotel sits on the banks of Swiftcurrent Lake. This development of the Hotels and Chalets in Glacier National Park reminded us a lot of the similar development of the south rim of the Grand Canyon by the Harvey House group.

Many Glacier Hotel

Many Glacier Hotel on Swiftcurrent Lake

End of the road - Swiftcurrent Motor Inn

Sign on the wall of Swiftcurrent Motor Inn - may be another business

Another stop on the way out was to take photos of a bear way down in a meadow. Full extension of a 200mm telephoto lens, plus magnification on a computer helps us see what it was. It was in fact a Grizzly Bear.

Grizzly Bear along Lake Sherburne

We then set out to MT-17 (Chief Mountain International Highway) off of US89 just north of Babb. This road was to take us to the NE corner of Glacier National Park, and then across the Canadian Border, through Chief Mountain Port of Entry. The original goal was to continue through the Waterton Lakes National Park on Canada 6, to the junction of Canada 5, where we would turn east to Cardston, Alberta, and then south on Canada 2 to the US Border, crossing through the Carway Port of Entry and then onto Babb and St. Mary. All this was dashed when we found that contrary to what the Internet stated, the crossing was closed.

Chief Mountain Port of Entry

Located at the Border on MT17

Chief Mountain

We returned to St. Mary and procured a wood fire cooked pizza at Kip’s Beer Garden. It was actually very good.

Monday, June 6, 2022 - Today was laundry day at the Heart of Glacier RV Park. They have two washers and two dryers, but only one of the washers worked. Needless to say it took a while to get laundry done.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022 - Late start about 12 noon. Decided to check out MT464 from US89 to Browning, MT. This is the route that both GPS units have listed. MT464 takes off of US89 about halfway between St. Mary and Babb, MT. MT464 turned out to be a great road, good two lane, relatively straight. Arrived in Browning, not a large town, but has all the essentials. Fueled the Jeep, gas is $1.00 per gallon cheaper than in St. Mary. Left Browning headed west on US2. Arrived in East Glacier Village. Not much along US2. Turned north on MT49, a suggested route by the GPS. Found that there is a railroad trestle that is only about 12 feet high. This would have stopped the Motor Home, and caused tremendous damage. We decided to pay a visit to East Glacier Park Lodge. This is one built by Great Northern back in the early 1900s. A beautiful setting and a well maintained lodge. they have a seating area that looks out over the mountains with views of some of the glaciers. A musician plays a piano in the lobby area, creating a very serene environment.

AKA - East Glacier Lodge

Old and older - famous Red Bus Tours

Interior of East Glacier Lodge

Continuing up MT49 and came across Brownie’s Bakery. Went in and found out that it was the seasonal grand opening. The owner was training about four new employees. We picked up a couple ice cream cones, (wonderful huckleberry ice cream) some apple strudel and a huckleberry turnover. We also purchased a sweatshirt. Continuing up MT49 we turned on to Two Medicine Lake Road. This is a nice paved road that travels to Two Medicine Lake. It passes also passes Two Medicine Lake Lodge. This is another lodge built during the same time period as the other lodges in the park. It has magnificent views of the lake. At the end of the road you find the Two Medicine Lake General Store. Also here there is a boat tour of the lake and rentals of canoes and kayaks. A very beautiful drive and scenic area.

Along Two Medicine Lake Road

Approaching Two Medicine Lake Store

Looking across Two Medicine Lake

Two Medicine (Lake) General Store

Canoe, Kayak rentals and Tour Boat on Two Medicine Lake

Upon returning to the Motor Home I got into a conversation with a "volunteer" at the RV Park. She stated that she was raised in St. Mary and that with an exception of travelling with her husband to various military bases in his career, St Mary had been home. Her husband retired from the military and she had worked in St Mary driving school bus. I asked about the winter weather and she stated that it did snow there. She recalled a time while she was driving school bus in the winter that she had to have a D8 Cat pulling her bus while a D8 Cat pushed her. She said that they did cancel school that day. We started packing for our travel to Havre.

Wednesday, June 8, 2022 - On the road about 8:30A. Leaving the park, we took the nice easy route of MT464 into Browning, MT and then on to US2. US2 changed from the narrow lane asphalt to wide lanes and mostly straight. Travelling across rolling plains and vast meadows, the miles and the small towns flew by. We arrived at the Havre Travel Center about 1PM. Pulling in our assigned spot, a parallel spot next to a center island, hoses and power cords were passed under the Motor Home to electrical pedestal and water spigot. We disconnected the Jeep, and after I completed a load of laundry, we headed for the Guadalajara Restaurant for dinner. Food was OK, but nothing special. From here we headed for Wal-Mart to stock up on supplies. We returned to the RV Park, which did not have WiFi, we could not get a satellite signal, nor could we get OTA TV. A quiet evening reading books. Also there was no AT&T Cell service, but there was Verizon service.

Havre RV Park and Travel Emporium

Thursday, June 9, 2022 - On the road by 9:30 continuing east on US2. This after getting fuel at the Havre Travel Emporium. Again a good relatively consistently wide road, light winds and we arrived in Glasgow shortly after 12 noon. We checked into the Cottonwood Inn, Suites and RV Park, getting a 60 foot long back in site. This is a gravel base lot, but well maintained with relatively new looking water, power and sewer hookups. Coincidently, there was a gentleman staying at the park with Texas license plates and was a Ham Radio Operator. He stated that his home was in Flower Mound, but grew up in Montana. After getting things setup, getting the TV receiving 36 OTA channels, we headed for Albertson’s to get a few last minute items. Once back home, we settled for a evening of OTA TV and walks amongst the mosquitoes with the dog.

Friday, June 10, 2022 - Today was a trip to Fort Peck Dam. This is the highest Dam on the Missouri River and the largest hydraulically filled Dam in the United States.

Fort Peck Dam - thanks to Billings Gazette

At the Interpretive Center, we found a wealth of information on dinosaurs and some on the construction of the Fort Peck Dam. After viewing a video on the construction of the dam, we decided to check some of the historical records. In them, Deb found a listing showing her Uncle Glenn as a waiter at the hospital and another of her Grandfather as he was listed on the distribution center staff. Looking in a High School Yearbook, Deb also found a notation about another uncle named Cletus. From there we headed into old Fort Peck and viewed the war memorial. We returned to Glasgow and toured Old Town Glasgow. Not a lot here as most of the businesses moved to the “other side of the tracks” along US2. After completing another load or two of laundry it was settling in for another night of OTA TV.

Saturday, June 11, 2022 - After the emptying and flushing the tanks, we were on the road by 9:30a. We had another relatively easy drive today. We continued east on US2 to Wolf Point, MT where we turned south onto MT25/MT13 to Circle, MT and then onto Glendive. Reservations were booked at Small Towne RV Park in Terry, MT, which we found was 33 miles west of Glendive, not the ¼ inch that it shows on the map. About ½ way to Terry, we pulled off the road and Deb located an RV Park in Glendive. She called and reserved a site for that night and the next night. Turning around we headed back east to Glendive. Arriving at Blue Sky RV Park, we found a nicely maintained seven space RV Park. The electrical appears new and the water and sewer connections are hidden under fake rocks. The park has a good gravel base with grass and trees that help separate the individual sites. There were two other RVs in the park when we arrived, but it filled completely during the evening. No OTA TV here, do have Internet access and good AT&T and Verizon wireless phone service. The Dish went up and locked onto the required satellites. Then I had to reactivate the receiver as it had been off line for more than 30 days. I was unable to reactivate it remotely, so a call to Dish was required. Once it was activated we had all of our channels. Dinner was take out from a local pizza place. Rain tonight with thunder and lighting.

Sunday, June 12, 2022 - Today we toured Laundromats and picked one to use for our laundry. Returning from that, we had a nice conversation with the owner, who explained how the RV Park came about and his future plans. After putting the laundry away it was a trip to Makoshika State Park. "Makoshika State Park ("ma-KO-sh(ih)kuh" from the Lakota Maco sica, meaning 'bad land' or 'land of bad spirits' is a nature preserve and public recreation area located on the southeast side of Glendive." Driving through this we found an area that reminded us more of Palo Duro Canyon in Texas and some of the National Parks in Utah.

Makoshika State Park

We found a blend of canyons, hoodoos and balanced rocks, all in the middle of the plains of Montana. The Park has a number of camping areas. The RV areas are in the lower section of the Park with vehicle or trail access to others through out the park.

Next up was a self guided tour through Glendive. It appears to be a nice small town with a population between three and four thousand people. A hard rain with thunder and lighting during the night.

Monday, June 13, 2022 - After breakfast at CC’s Family Restaurant – a nice local eatery where local farmers and cowboys gather for breakfast, coffee and solving the world’s problems. On the road, we back tracked a couple miles on I-94 to a Pilot/Flying J for fuel. Then it was east on I-94 to the junction of I-94 and US85 where we turned south headed to Bowman, ND. Along I94, west of Belfield, ND we stopped at a Rest Area that happened to be the Visitor Center for the Painted Canyon in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. An interesting scenic area.

T. Roosevelt NP, Painted Canyon

In Bowman we travel a short distance north on US12 and arrived at Butte View Campground. According to information gleaned from numerous sources, this park at one time was Butte View State Park.

Bowman, ND Campground

It was apparently taken over by the City of Bowman who now runs and maintains it. It is a large grass and gravel base park with more than 50 sites. Some of the sites had Full Service Hookups and the majority with just electricity. We noticed the every site in the park had electricity. The Camp Host and City workers were working hard to cut the grass, which was almost a foot tall in most places, before the next rain. Guess what, tonight we had a thunderstorm with lighting and lots of rain. The rain continued through the night and into the early morning hours. According to the Hosts, last year at this time everything was brown.

Tuesday, June 14, 2022 - With the rain all night, it was a good thing we were on high ground. All the water ran to lower ground, but the ground was still wet and soft. We pulled out about 9A and drove the Motor Home into town with Deb following in the Jeep. In a small street that ran parallel with US85, we hooked up the Jeep and were under way. We followed US85 the entire day. Straight, but not flat good road.

US85 Bowman, ND to Spearfish, SD

About 12 noon we pulled into the Spearfish/Black Hills KOA in Spearfish, SD. This is a Holiday rated KOA Park which means they have a few more amenities than a Journey level KOA. The Park is gravel based with lots of grass. So much that they had a crew mow the grass on both sides of our site so we did not have to wade through 12 inch wet grass. Yes, it rain here last night as much as it did in Bowman, ND.