No Bears

This morning signaled the end of our Yellowstone adventure. On the drive out of the park we saw (more) Bison, Elk, Swans, Pelicans, Deer, and a Grey Fox (I had such high hopes that it was a wolf). Though bears were spotted in our campgrounds more than once, we never got to see any (the missus claims not to feel slighted by this).

The long drive out of Yellowstone led us to Earthquake Lake in Montana. It's an interesting/heart-breaking story (thanks to Debbie M for the suggestion).

The afternoon drive saw us cross a couple milestones on our journey: between Butte and Missoula we went over 2000 miles; we've been on vacation for exactly one week today (1 down, 3 to go). When was the last time you drove 2000 miles in a week - and still had a smile on your face?

We had plans to stay with friends in Missoula, but found out en route that their youngest had the stomach bug. Not wanting to flirt with disaster, we decided to take it easy and spend a night in the hotel. The kids and I actually convinced the Missus to pick up a swimsuit at the local Target and we enjoyed a swim (+ soak in the hot tub) at the hotel pool.

It seems funny to say this considering we drove 320+ miles today, but it was a bit like a 'zero day' that hikers take. We did laundry, hung around at the hotel, and took it easy. Which reminds me that there's no time like the present for a shameless plug of the trail journal for my brother-in-law and nephew's (my oldest sister's husband and son). They're on the final leg of the 'triple crown' of long-distance trails (Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail). My nephew, who will turn 15 in November, will be the youngest person (that we know of) to have completed all 3.

Keeping in the vein of taking things easy, we've decided not to push on all 475 miles to Seattle tomorrow. Instead, we'll break up the drive by spending tomorrow night in Spokane (another 'zero'? perhaps).

Until then, thanks for reading.