Missoula: An Introduction

Rather than post only photos, I thought you might like some action. Here's what's happening today in Missoula:

If you want to see a bit more of my view from Caras Park, just outside my hotel in downtown Missoula, click on the video below. This river is called the Clark Fork, and it bisects Missoula. Clark Fork originates near Butte and flows northwest through Idaho. Its waters eventually end up in the Columbia River. Had it originated five miles east of its source, the water would have flowed the other way on the eastern side of the continental divide.

Highlights from Idaho

We covered some miles on Tuesday after leaving Salt Lake and heading up the Interstate 15 to Idaho Falls. We arrived about lunchtime and dined on amazing burgers at the Snake Bite. After lunch, we strolled along the Snake River and, of course, admired the falls.

Although John was eager to get a lot more highway behind him (because he has to get to North Dakota by Thursday night), we couldn't resist our usual meanderings off the beaten path, so we left the interstate and headed west on Highway 28 to follow the route of Sacajewea and Lewis and Clark.

 As you can see, taking the backroads was the right decision.

We stopped in Salmon, Idaho, on the Salmon River, which is one of our favorite waterways and the river where Lo caught her first trout. There's not much in Salmon, but we enjoyed the scenery and the low-key vibe.

 Heading up over the mountains and into Montana.

 Next time: Missoula

Rider (and Steve)

Playing catch-up on the trip postings today. As planned, we left San Diego a little after noon on Sunday and headed to Laguna Beach to drop off Hannah. After a brief stop to say hello to Ma and Pa, we headed east yet again. Night one was spent in Primm, the casino town owned by Terrible Herbst on the California/Nevada border. The room was $20, the steaks were plentiful, and Lo won $8.38 in the two-cent slot machines.

Day two: Head outta Primm at sun-up to avoid the hottest part of the day. Still, we hit 100-plus temps as we drove across the barren wasteland of Nevada, northern Arizona and southern Utah. The good news is that we made it to Steve Prior's house near Salt Lake with plenty of time to relax, have a great dinner, watch the sunset and listen to him regale us with stories of paragliding and Harley-tripping with Rider.

Prior is one of John's paramedic buddies from Minnesota. Rider is canine extraordinaire.