Montana is by far the most scenic drive we have had of any state to-date. Mountain peaks in every direction — and shimmering creeks & rivers wedged between the roadway and mountains — made for a new and awe-inspiring scene reminiscent of Ansel Adams at every single turn.
Booking our stay in Bozeman was a bit of a last minute ordeal, but Adam successfully reserved a spot at Bozeman Hot Springs Campground & RV Park. We both chuckled at the name, sounding so fancy but is probably super ghetto. That said, it had good reviews and was honestly our only option in that area.
We had purposely headed in this particular direction so we could meet up with my old college buddy, Tauna. They were going to bring their pup, Rupert, but ran into some transportation issues (let’s just say the universe gave them many obstacles/signs to prevent the 3-hour trip from Missoula to Bozeman). I was bummed, but knew that since we will be closer now that we’re moving to Tahoe, we’ll probably have the chance to visit more often in the near future.
Meanwhile, Adam was attempting to check in, but due to an administrative error, our spot was unavailable. So, they refunded us completely and upgraded us to a snug 2-bedroom cabin at no charge. Score!
As happy as I was to not sleep in the RV, it was beginning to be a bit cumbersome to haul all our belongings (clothes, toys, bed rails, etc) for the night. Plus with no bathroom in the cabin, we had to take a short walk to either the facilities or the RV a little ways away. Nevertheless, I was just grateful to have a warm place to sleep and a roof over our heads.
While Maia & I explored the playground and gravel (this kid is obsessed with rocks and dirt), Adam cooked up a Pinterest meal that I found the day before. The final product didn’t look all too appetizing, but it was delicious and perfect — ground turkey hash with potatoes, onions and garlic. Maia loved it too.
After warming ourselves at the cozy campfire, Maia & I cuddled up on the porch swing and watched a movie on the tablet. The wind was really starting to pick up as we wrapped up some birthday FaceTime calls.
Once I put Maia down, the first half of the night involved me jolting awake to banging and hissing noises in the cabin. I sent Adam out in the freezing cold in his “gitch” to investigate; he found out it was a window that wasn’t sealed shut. The hissing noise wasn’t a rattlesnake but instead a dry bush outside the front door. It wasn’t until morning that we realized the restless window wasn’t latched from the inside. Whoops. At least it didn’t wake the babe.
(Sappy paragraph alert!) I want to make a side note here to just say how proud I am of Maia. This much travel, on the road, different “home” every night, new molars coming in… it’s a LOT for a 2.5-year old. While we try to make things consistent for her (same bedtime routine, sound machine for sleep, pacifier for naps), she has proven to be so resilient thus far and understands that our end point is Lake Tahoe. With this sentiment in mind, Adam and I both had a proud parent moment today 🙂
We rose to a warm, blinding sun and cool breeze. Adam & Maia steamrolled down the hill in our “front yard” and lots of laughter filled the air.
We stopped at a local coffee shop, The Coffee Pot Bakery Cafe, on the way out of Bozeman for some hot beverages and sweet treats. The coffee was excellent and the staff was super friendly.
We crossed into Idaho and broke up the 4-hour drive with a stop halfway at another high-rated American Restaurant called Trouthunter, the Buffalo River flowing gracefully out back. Fly fishing is big in Montana and Idaho, and a couple of guys were out there casting their lines, being fully present, enjoying the day.
We had a short visit with the riverbank after lunch before I hustled back to the rv shivering cold.
The Welshs Voyage West! 