Adventures of Beth and Dan: Our Old Stomping Grounds

In 1971 Dan and I came west to go to the University of Montana. Even then it was a fairly large town and the sprawling had already started toward Lolo, Alberton and Hamilton. Rent was high and to buy was very expensive. The only part of that that has changed is that there are twice as many people and more and more buildings and stores. We got married here in the Methodist Church on December 31st, 1971 as we were trying to pool our money together so we could stay in school. Dan was avoiding the draft and trying to finish his Wildlife Biology Degree in Big Game Management. I was a freshman and thought I was headed toward a teaching degree in music. That didn’t really work for me but we did stay in school and eventually we both got our degrees even though we left Montana.

The trip from Darby to Missoula is relatively short compared to sone of our days. We got a site at Jim and Marys RV Park outside of town off the freeway headed west. It was really a very nice park and one I highly recommend. The sites are large and grassy and there is plenty of shade. They have their own greenhouses and grow their own annuals!! Each flowering section is unique and well manicured. There is a nice laundry, a cute store with ice cream and gifts and a dog park. Most of those parked there seemed to be older folks rather than families. There is no pool or playground but the park was full every night we were there.

The first day we set up our camp amd did a little grocery shopping. Day two we toured the Bison Range and packed a picnic lunch. The last day we did laundry and Dan fixed a few things that needed attention. We stayed three nights before heading over to Idaho to Todds place in Pinehurst.

This is the backside of the laundry. Lots of cute artistic things they have made out of recycled items!

Another interesting flower pot!!

The old barrel with petunias from their green houses.

This gives you an idea of the spaces , grassy areas and another unique flower station

More flowers mixed in with interesting paraphernalia!

We also toured the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation exhibits and offices. There’s a trail too that we walked along the creek side.

Lots of wonderful taxidermy and information.

The next day on to the Bison Range. These are wildlife crossings they have constructed to help wild animals go back and forth without harm. They are very costly to build but have made a difference in mortality rates.

We took the red road which was over two hours.

The visitor center here had wonderful exhibits also and information about the tribes and their efforts to reacquire their lands and protect the natural resources and wildlife.