Missoula, Montana

We left the Yellowstone Park area and headed up Rt. 287 towards Whitehall and Rt. 90. We discovered a beautiful river valley that Rt. 287 runs along. The larger part of the river is actually called Hebgen Lake. It was really striking with the clear blue water and the mountains rising above the lake on either side. There was road construction here for several miles so we had a chance to snap this picture through the windshield.

We finally made it to Rt. 90 and took that west towards Missoula. Our RVing friends, Gary and Patsy live just east of Missoula in a town called Clinton. This is where we planned to stay for a week or so at their home. We arrived as a family reunion of sorts was in progress. Fortunately, they knew we were coming and we parked alongside their garage. Gary had the electrician there putting in a 50 amp power receptacle so we can plug in and run our air conditioners. Wow! We didn't expect that. Those are the type of folks Gary and Patsy are. We enjoy their company a lot!

They took us on a scenic ride to Garnet where we drove several miles into the mountainside, at first on a paved road, then the road changed to gravel. At one of the highest points, we stopped at the lookout to check out the scenery and to take advantage of a photo opportunity! We were not just randomly driving. We did have a destination in mind. We were headed to Garnet and the Garnet Ghost Town!!

There is a parking area near Garnet which is a picnic area. We ate a great packed lunch and then hiked into the ghost town. Here is an overview of this interesting little town that was once a bustling place to live in these hills. They mined gold here and in the total time the mine was open, about 950 thousand dollars of gold was extracted by 1917. That price was what the gold was worth then. At todays prices, it would be worth many times more.

We wandered around the town and looked at many of the buildings still standing today. Funny, no one was living there.....OH I forgot, it IS a ghost town!! The general store is still there and they had it stocked with many items that were found in the store in its heyday. It was cool to see all the old buildings, rooms and items housed in the town. We got a quick education on the Garnet Ghost Town as well as a pleasurable walk on a great day in the mountains!!!