More of Montana

Western Montana

After spending two nights in Kalispell, we started working our way down toward Yellowstone.  The drive across western Montana lived up to our expectations for scenic beauty, with lush green valleys and snow capped mountains in the distance.  Our first stop was in the state capital, Helena, where we explored the downtown area and enjoyed some Huckelberry ice cream and crepes.  Then we continued on to Butte--a small town known for its copper mining history (it should also be known for its industrial sized mosquitoes).  We camped overnight at the Butte KOA, where I convinced the kids to watch "Caddyshack".  This movie earned an unequivocal eight thumbs down from Natalie and the kids and a quick donation to the movie library at our next RV camp.  In the morning, we stopped by the World Museum of Mining--an interesting place that might have been more interesting if we could have convinced the kids to do the underground mine tour with us.

From Butte, we drove an hour-and-a-half to reach Bozeman.  In contrast to stale, blue collar Butte, Bozeman is a college town with younger crowd and more vibrant atmosphere.  We stopped by the movie theater so the kids (and dad) could see the latest "Transformers" sequel.  Mom was a good sport and endured it for the team.  After the movie, we set up at a great little RV park at the edge of town with the nicest owners we have met.  The wife gave Natalie and me a lift back into town, and we had a date while the kids hung out at the RV park.  We happened to be in Bozeman for "Musicfest".  The downtown area was only open to pedestrian traffic.  A good size crowed of mostly college kids (with a few of us older folk sprinkled in) enjoyed the live music, shopping, and eateries.  Natalie and I had some dinner at a pizzeria (I couldn't talk her in to a bison burger), and I bought her something to remember our time in Bozeman--a large stuffed black bear that she quickly named "Montana".

Musicfest in Bozeman, MT