We awoke in Coeur D'Alene, Idaho to a beautiful day and all wanted to go back to relax by the river before heading out. As we were walking over to the colorful Adirondack chairs we noticed an osprey nest sitting atop one of the power line poles. We all stood and watched as the mama bird continued to come and go from the nest. It seemed like she was gathering food and bringing it back to her babies. Every time she would get back we would see their tiny heads come up with their necks outstretched.
Unlike yesterday afternoon when people were all about, this morning we had the “beach” to ourselves. It was a very peaceful way to start the day.
We only stayed for a short time because we had to start the 240 mile drive to West Glacier KOA in Montana, a campsite located right outside the west entrance to Glacier National Park. At 8:45am we were on our way.
About 100 miles into the ride we stopped for gas at the St. Regis Travel Center where we got our first introduction to the huckleberry craze in Montana. We had never tasted a huckleberry before and certainly had no clue how wildly popular they were. Over the next few days we would see just about every product you can imagine created with huckleberry flavor or fragrance. The St. Regis Travel Center had billboards on the highway as we approached advertising the best huckleberry milkshakes ever. I went inside to buy us one of these self proclaimed amazing milkshakes but changed my mind when they wanted $7 for a small little cup. I got Adam and I coffee instead. As I was walking back to the car I noticed they had a display of pre-cut and packaged cakes. There was a sign by a Tornado Cake (never heard of that before) saying it was incredible so I decided to get us a piece to try as I was very intrigued by the name.
About 12 miles from the campsite we stopped for gas again. When I went inside to use the restroom I couldn’t help but notice they had a great selection of wine, including huckleberry wine and they had huckleberry beer. As soon as I got back to the truck I excitedly shared my findings with Adam. He then went in to use the bathroom and came back out with both.
With two stops for gas/food and an hour lost as the time zone changed from pacific to mountain we pulled into the KOA at shortly past 3pm. We couldn’t believe how beautiful this campground was. The mountains provided a spectacular backdrop and they had gorgeous flowers in gardens and pots all about. We were not surprised to see a sign that they won 2017 KOA Campground of the Year. It was by far the nicest on our trip yet and we were very happy to call it home for the next 5 nights.
While we unhitched and set up camp the girls went off to play in the field across the path from our spot. They seemed to be having so much fun so we decided to let them stay there.
While they played corn hole Adam and I tried the tornado cake, enjoyed the rest of our coffee and broke open a huckleberry beer to share. All three were delicious.
When the girls finished playing their games we took a walk to explore our new “home”. The girls tried out their new playground. I thoroughly enjoyed sitting and watching them play with the amazing view of the mountains nearby. Adam started giving the girls underdogs and Ella looked like she was having a blast while she was flying high.
Next we checked out the pool and all agreed that would be the perfect way to spend the rest of the afternoon. We quickly walked back to the RV to change and return with our towels. Adam had noticed earlier that the campground store sold some pool toys. He walked over and bought a pack of small water guns and diving sticks. The girls were thrilled to get these and happy to share with some new friends they made at the pool.
This campground was also unique in that it had two pools one of which was adult only and gated off. There were two hot tubs at the adult only pool. Adam and I decided to take turns. He went over and spent some time in the hot tub first.
When it was dinnertime Adam headed back to the RV with the girls to cook. I went over to the adult only pool and spent some time in the hot tub. While I was in the hot tub I got to meet a very nice couple from Michigan who was taking a family vacation with their kids. They had just been to Yellowstone (one of our next destinations) and were telling me all about their fabulous experience there. At dinner I shared what I learned with Adam and the girls.
To continue our new summer addiction, we walked over to Scoops, the campground’s ice cream hut, for dessert. To my surprise the same couple from the hot tub was also having ice cream with their kids. We sat and exchanged stories with them about our vacations so far and all the amazing things we have each seen and done. Adam and I went with the Montana craze and shared huckleberry ice cream, Ella went with vanilla and Lily got cookies & cream that had enormous pieces of Oreos throughout her dish. When we finished our treat we walked back to the RV to end our night.
