Missoula, Montana: We made it

There were no jumps for joy or even spirited hurrahs on Wednesday when it was determined that the motorhome was fixed and ready to go back on the road. We were just too tired.

We drove a short jaunt out of Great Falls to Helena, MT. The campground was on the eastern edge of town and provided an excellent view of the mountain currently suffering from forest fires. At night we could see the flames in the hills. The fires were under control at this point, but apparently it was looking rather threatening to the area not long ago. We were entertained by watching the helicopters drop water bombs on the hot spots.

Because my dad had had a rough last few days, I rode my bike to the corner gas station/market and picked up some local beer for him.

"Happy father's day," I said when I unloaded it onto the picnic table. He'd been drinking typical, watered-down, American beer for the trip, so his taste buds were pleased with the Lewis and Clark Brewing Company Tumbleweed India Pale Ale 6-pack I'd picked up. I was pleased to learn that I can carry a six pack and a bottle of wine on my back a few blocks by bike.

I am really starting to enjoy the freedom and convenience that having my bike was giving me. It's so easy to just hop on and ride for a break, change of scenery, view of the city, or to pick something up. All the towns so far seem to embrace cycling and have pretty decent cycling lanes or paths to use.

Yesterday, after travelling across the Continental Divide and really getting into the mountains, we spent most of afternoon and early evening shopping at Missoula's only mall. It was better than Great Falls, but overall I've been surprised to learn that we actually have really great shopping in little ol' Grand Forks and Fargo ND (I say that like I am a local there. Well, I kind of like to think that they have unofficially adopted me.). What I now have an appreciation for in those small centres is that all the major stores are quite large and well-stocked, in comparison to what I've seen in Montana. They are also all located along one strip, and you can drive that strip in about 7 minutes. Efficient! The towns of Montana seem unnecessarily sprawling in comparison.

Highlight of the mall was department store, Dillard's. They have some beautiful dresses and shoes that I've never seen in Canada, ND or MN before. But I didn't buy anything there. Also impressive was Oil & Vinegar, a shop that has all varieties of flavoured vinegars, oils, rubs and olive oil dipping mixes.

I didn't ride at all yesterday, which felt strange, but I was adamant about exploring today. Missoula boasts that they have a great trail and bike lane system, and indeed I noticed the abundance of bike lanes as we drove around yesterday. However, finding a map of all these trails and routes is not easy. As far as I could tell, there is no comprehensive Missoula cycling map. I found a decent resource online, but for a Canadian who doesn't have a US smartphone, this was only helpful for reviewing the routes before heading out. I ended up using Google Maps to pick a route for me to get to the Kim Williams Nature Trail from our KOA Kampground (I hate it when places do cutesy spellings like that, but this particular one is actually a decent spot for trailers and motorhomes. Not too parking-lot like and right in town.)

I am grateful to Great Falls for their excellent signage along the multi-use trails because Missoula certainly doesn't do this, which is frustrating when so many bridges and paths link up. I got lost a few times but eventually found my way to downtown Missoula where I got off my bike and walked around a bit to check out the shops.

The other highlight of today was visiting Costco! They sell wine. Tax free. Amara, I thought of you when I saw cases of Fat Tire beer. I don't remember how much, but I'm sure it was a bargain.

I'd been snapping pictures on my mom's camera with full intentions of sprinkling them into my blog posts, but she didn't bring her cable and my cable, though they are both little Sony cameras, does not match hers. So it feels rather like the old days when you took pictures on film and had to wait until you got home to see what you captured of your vacation. There are mountains. Some have snow on the tops. Use your imagination.