As we entered the Wyoming and Montana area (July, 17), two factors dictated how and where we traveled. First, temperatures in this whole area are hot, often exceeding 100 degrees. Thus, we continue to venture on for high ground and cooler temperatures. The other factor has to do with water flow. When we began planning our trip earlier this year, we wanted to return to fish the St. Joe River area in Idaho. We loved this area when we visited it last year. However, we were not able to fish the river then because it was “blown out” (this means the water level is too high and swift for us to wade…very dangerous so we don’t take any chances). Well, it was worse this year. Apparently (according to the locals), this was the 100+ year of excessive snow melt! So, goodbye to the St. Joe and hello further north!

For the entire trip, we have made only two reservations. One in West Glacier National Park and the other at Lake Louise in Canada. Unfortunately, because of the hotter temperatures, we are about 6 days ahead of our schedule (and our reservations in West Glacier). Not too worry, we decided to forge ahead there anyway. Much to our disdain, the road to our intended campground was the worst we have encountered in all our travels, 25 miles of unbelievable “washboard” gravel! Although we were early for our reservations, we were able to secure a site. We stayed one night along the North Platte River and then moved on to Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada (one of our all-time favorite spots).

Along the way, we stopped at a wild life refuge.

An iconic view of Lake McDonald at Glacier National Park

After leaving Glacier, we stopped for an incredibly refreshing soak at the natural hot springs of the Canadian National Park at Radium, British Columbia.