I’ve been telling you for two weeks that I would share photos from our recent vacation, and here they are! Matt wanted to take a trip out west to one of the areas where he used to go on the wheat harvesting crew every year, so that’s what we did.
We started our trip by spending some time in Great Falls, Montana seeing his old sights and even meeting with one of the families he harvested for. Here’s the duck pond they always visited when the kids were little. They’re not quite as small (or cute) anymore!
A little fun on the playground.
As we drove through the countryside outside of Great Falls, there were a couple of areas where we could stop down by the river. It was so pretty! It seems like on every vacation we take, one of the kids favorite things to do is just play in the water in a creek or river…lol. We’re simple people 😉 This stop had some fantastic mud, excellent skipping rocks, the biggest dandelions ever to blow the seeds from, neat cactus, and a rattlesnake rattle. Hey, why pay big money to see exciting things, when this is really what makes kids happy?!
Here we are in front of some of the falls that Great Falls was name for.
I’m not sure I had ever seen an antelope run before. Oh my gosh this might be one of my favorite things in life. It was the cutest thing I’ve seen in a while, just frolicking through the field.
We left Great Falls and headed to Glacier National Park. The first day there we went horseback riding and rafting.
And Matt always requests mini golf.
The next morning we got up bright and early to get into the national park. You have to have a ticket this year to get in between 6 am and 5 pm, and we didn’t have a ticket, so we needed to get in before 6 am just like everyone else on the planet! It was really busy before 6 am and also after 5 pm. The main road is still closed because they’re plowing snow from it, but we still got to see some beautiful sights.
We decided to avoid the popular area and take the road less traveled, having no idea where we were headed. After a very long, bumpy, trip up a dirt road, we arrived in Polebridge. It was absolutely delightful. It’s an old general store and town that really isn’t a town, more like a stop along the road. They’ve added tiny cabins you can stay in.
Here’s the store. It was definitely a blast from the past.
Hasn’t changed much!
And…the next time you’re in the area, you HAVE to get some of their pastries. I read that they are world-renowned and I believe it. We tried the huckleberry bear claw, cinnamon rolls, huckleberry brownie, and huckleberry bread. They were amazing.
A message from the food truck.
In Polebridge, we asked them for recommendations for what to do and they suggested we keep driving to Bowman Lake. The road got significantly worse, but oh my gosh am I glad we listed to them. I think this is the most peaceful place I have ever been in my life.
Look how clear the water is.
In case you think I stole these photos from the internet, here is proof that we were there.
We enjoyed the lake for a while and then decided to take our usual big hike. We never know quite what we’re about to get ourselves into when we go on these hikes. If we knew, I don’t think we would ever start!
The 4 mile hike to the other lake seemed more like a 400 mile hike up the side of a mountain. Ok I’m being dramatic. More like 40 miles.
We saw a bear track along the way!
We eventually made it and got to see a beautiful lake and river. Then for the 4 (400) mile hike back…but at least it was mostly downhill this time.
After we left Montana we started the long drive home. We visited Mt. Rushore…
…and the Badlands.
It was THIS hot at the badlands. Poor girl doesn’t take heat well!
We stopped at the famous Corn Palace…
…and Wall Drug too.
And then it was just another long drive to make it back home. It was a great week and we made tons of memories. Thanks for stopping in!
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Oh my, Anna. Your pictures are amazingly beautiful, and helped me to take a trip out west and see parts of the country I’v never seen before. Thank you so much for sharing with us. And by the way, your cards are always beautiful. Keep up the good work. Thanks again.
Thank you so much Nancy! I’m glad you could enjoy our trip through the pictures and I’m so glad you enjoy the card projects I share!
Thank you for sharing your vacation. Loved all your pictures and stories.
Wonderful! Thanks for following along Jean!
What awesome pictures. You sure seemed to enjoy this trip. I drove out to see Mt. Rushmore and other sites on my motorcycle several years ago. It was so magical and just breath taking. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us.
You are welcome! The national parks are breathtaking. Thanks for following along here on my blog 🙂
What a great family adventure! The Badlands is like being on another planet. And those pictures of Bowman Lake are just breathtaking!
Thank you! It was definitely an adventure we will remember 🙂
Hi beautiful … as well as your cards thanks.. makes me homesick..we had a mobile home near Mt Rushmore..we camped in every summer. Gorgeous trips and country.. now Texas is home! After a life in beautiful Arizona ..
Called Grandparenting!
Thanks
..
What good memories. Yes it was beautiful around Mt. Rushmore. I’ve never been to Texas but I’ve been wanting to visit San Antonio and maybe some other areas!