Day 3: First stop: Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

We were so happy to discover the Visitor Center open. The exhibits were fascinating and educational. I didn’t even know there were different types of lava—or that they all had Hawaiian names.

Even though the sky was hazy from forest fires, we turned left on Highway 93 North to follow the Salmon River along the inside passage of Idaho, headed for Chief Joseph Pass.

I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this drive. Lush green fields, interesting rock formations on both sides of the road, and charming towns with all sorts of claims to fame. Check out Arco.

The town of Mackay offered ghost towns (we didn’t have time but would love to explore these next time) and an interesting history of how the nearby mountain got its name. 😉 The Old West was a dangerous place. 😉 

We stopped for lunch at a cool old bridge, and while doing a little photo shoot, spotted a bald eagle. What a gift!

A short while later, we climbed a steep grade to the road that would take us to our destination: Wisdom, Montana. I’d chosen that road because it went through Chief Joseph Pass (7,264’ elevation) in the Bitterroot National Forest. What I didn’t know is there’d been a wildfire in the area that was still burning in places! Always heartbreaking to see!!!

We arrived in Wisdom at dusk (although it felt later given the smoke) and were welcomed at our granddaughters’ paternal aunt and uncle’s home, where we parked for two nights.

There was so much to see in this part of western Montana, I guess I’m going to have to extend this travelogue another week. But it will include a glimpse of Yellowstone!

Last week's Q&A was: Have you ever seen a lightning strike hit the ground?

I really enjoyed all your answers. Some of you got a lot more up close and personal with lightning than I have—or ever care to be. Thanks for sharing. Since I already posted one video, I’ll spare you my lame attempt to capture a lightning strike in Montana. I discovered pretty quickly that my brain didn’t come close to reacting with enough speed to take a photo on my phone. But we do have a dead tree across the creek to remind us of the power of lightning.

My two randomly selected winners this week are:

Loretta Fields
and
William Harris

(Loretta and William congrats. Please email me your pick of either a $5 Starbucks or a $5 Amazon gift card.)

Q&A

This week’s Q&A: With a whole bunch of birthdays coming up, I’ve been thinking a lot about family—past and present. Have you done your family’s genealogy? Yes or No?

(Two winners will be chosen by random drawing to receive either a $5 Starbucks gift card or a $5 Amazon gift card. Please reply the usual ways:
email or on my DebraSalonenAuthor Facebook page.

Happy birthday Paul…and his “baby” brother, David!

My late mother-in-law was a saint. She had to be to raise five sons. The first three were born just 15 and 14 months apart—Paul was right in the middle. Then, after a ten-year “break,” the last two arrived. David—the youngest--was born on Paul’s 12th birthday. I don’t think a baby brother was the present Paul had been hoping for, but the two are great friends now and we love having Dave and his family nearby (the other three brothers remained in South Dakota.)

Thanks to all who downloaded FOREVER AND EVER, BY GEORGE last week. It will be $1 for the rest of the month.

Here are the details, in case you missed it.

Buy link: Forever and Ever Buy George for 1 bark...er buck!
Use the coupon code (75% off regular price of $4.00): PA6J5FIAXC

Happy reading, my friends.

Deb

Upcoming: Livingston/Marietta, Montana, a glimpse of Yellowstone, then home!