I left Glacier National Park on Wednesday, June 21. I had scheduled to visit old friends from Alaska, Karen and Jack, at their lake cabin between Kalispell and Libby Montana this day. It was not far to drive, so I took some time to explore Whitefish, which I had last visited in the 1970's on a crazy adventure I took hitchhiking across Canada in December. I'd traveled down to Whitefish to try to get a job at the ski area, but was unable to find a place to live. I spent 3 nights at the Cadillac Hotel before heading back to Banff where I'd started from. Whitefish has grown and looks much more prosperous now than it did back then. It has a charming downtown area where I parallel parked with Waddles! (full disclosure, this was the two spaces at the end of the block, so it was pretty easy to get in and out).
Then I wandered around Kalispell for a bit before driving out Hwy 2 toward Libby. (I'd been driving on Hwy 2 since the east side of North Dakota!)
I arrived at the cabin on Crystal Lake early afternoon. What a beautiful spot! Another friend from Alaska, Gail, drove up from Bozeman for the occasion and we had a great time reminiscing and catching up. It had been 30 years since I left Seward Alaska, the last time I saw Gail and at least 20 years since I'd seen Karen and Jack. We took a boat ride around the lake and did some exploring in the car the next day. This is a string of lakes that are beside Hwy 2. They are glorious!
I don't think we've aged a bit in 30 years!
We were treated to an amazing sunset!
I spent two nights at Crystal Lake and left early on Friday for Spokane. My trip was getting down to the wire. I have to be home for a class Tuesday-Friday next week and have house guests arriving on Monday.
The drive from the cabin, up through Libby and Troy Montana, and Bonners Ferry and Priest River Idaho, is spectacular. I took my time and enjoyed the scenery. I arrived in Spokane to a ducky welcome!
With friends, I spent the day visiting quilt stores, running errands, eating a lovely dinner and visiting.
Again, I was up early and on the road by 6am for my very last day of traveling. Tonight I'll be sleeping in my house, in my bed, and with my kitties.
Congratulations on a successful adventure! I have enjoyed joining you vicariously. Glad to have you back in the state of OR. :)
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