Silverwood theme park

Today we woke up a stones throw from Lake Coeur d'Alene.

We had a lazy morning and I had a beautiful run. 

Just before lunch we headed North to Silverwood for the rest of day. We grabbed sandwiches for the road and we were set.

We decided to hit the dry side of the park first. It seemed like a good idea at the time. For a while it was working out great. We were having a blast on some of the chill rides...

And the intense rides too...

Then we decided to hit one more before going to the water park. This ride was actually a water ride on the "dry" side.

Needless to say we were dry no longer!

We sloshed our way over to the water park to change into our suits and hit the waterslides. We had to leave all our street clothes out on chairs to dry. Too bad it wasn't the warmest of days. Only 68-70 degrees and mostly cloudy.

Again we had a blast with the rides...

but when we were finished my jean shorts weren't even close to dry. I, of course, got the most drenched in the dry park. Rob's shorts were pretty dry so I put those on and we headed for somewhere warm. We opted for the Red Lobster close to the freeway. It was the perfect fix.

With full bellies we headed back to the RV park. Just as we were getting off of the freeway I spotted something large and dark in this beautiful marshy area and I thought, "is that a bear?!" As we got closer it's head rose up and we saw it was a moose!!! I lost my shit, I was so excited!

Independence Day

Our independence day was spent on the road. The night before we did get in a weenie roast to celebrate a little early.

We had a long day in the car, but along the way we had our patriotic moments, for purple mountains majesty above the fruited plains.

Whose broad stripes and bright stars, through the perilous fight...

I'm not sure if you're aware of this phenomenon in Montana, but you can't even spit without hitting a Lucky Lil's casino. This one was at the truckstop we hit for diesel in Missoula.

Again, Rob was the hero of the day. He drove the entire way through 3 mountain passes and strong side winds that still have him rattled.

The Rocky Mountains and the continental divide.

If you can believe it, we even went over Fourth of July pass on the Fourth of July.

We arrived at the wolf lodge campground just outside of Coeur d'Alene around 6:30. Rob quickly set up the trailer and grabbed a beer. I was just happy that he was happy. It was also nice to be in a place where there would be no fireworks!

Rittierodt and Miklich together again

Rob's family reunions come around every couple years, but we haven't been to one since 2007. The dates always seem to fall at a time when we all ready have a different adventure planned for the summer. This time our adventure is happening around the reunion.

With the passing of so much time, I had forgotten how much fun these Montana folk can be. I love hanging out with Rob's cousins.

Rob is very close to his family, especially since his father passed away in 2000. It's always great to have his dad's siblings in one place together.

It's also a drinkers paradise when the cousins get together. The drinking starts early and goes late into the night and wee hours of the morning.

You never know what you are going to get for food at these reunions. My very first R-M reunion, before Rob and I were even married they served road kill. Granted it was a cow that had been hit in the road nearby, then butchered, but still. At the time I was a vegetarian, and not amused. This year the main attraction was pitch fork fondue. The picture says it all.

I still don't eat beef, but I heard it was delicious. The sides sure were fantastic, as was the berry cobbler for dessert.

I don't think I've been to one reunion where a puzzle didn't make its way out. It somehow always got completed by the last day. 

The reunion is almost always in some cool little Montana town. This might be the smallest yet. Reed Point is home to Bob and Terri Rittierodt. They offered their home and property to the family this year. Reed Point looks like a cool old west town. Don't let those old buildings fool you, that saloon is open for business!

Road to the reunion

We parted ways with the Lucas girls at our camp site in West Glacier.

The next leg of our trip takes us south through the back roads of Montana to Billings. The Montana landscape is so beautiful, but different as you drive along.

Sprawling farmland 

Rolling meadows 

and rocky hills 

You might see all these in a couple mile stretch.

We also came across lots of animals on our travels today. Sheep, horses and of course, slow moving Montana beef.

We had a long drive today. Rob is a champ to drive the whole way with the trailer. I fall asleep like a baby in the car on the open road.

I did manage to stay awake most of this leg to work on some library homework.

Since I had my eyes open I caught some cool things along the way.

Montana is trying to bring down their yearly vehicle death rate. Last year it was 226 total.

I always love to see alternative power solutions.

Random sign in a random town. I wonder if the people there are happy.

Once we reached Billings and unhooked the trailer we headed to Reed Point to uncle Bob's and the family reunion.

Without the trailer on the truck we take the opportunity to give Skylar some drive time.

The first night of the reunion is full of hugs and "how have you been?" 

We also get to belly up to the tasting bar at "White Beaver Creek Winery" uncle Bob's very own brand.

The reunion got its own special label.

Glacier National Park, Montana

We hit "going to the sun" road today. It's the windy, narrow road that takes you from west Glacier to east Glacier. The things you see along the way will amaze you!

Cindi- there are not enough adjectives to describe how cool this place is.

Logan Pass is a major attraction point along the way and at the Continental Divide. We got out to hit the visitors center and do a short 3 mile hike.

Right away we spotted mountain goats! 

Goat selfies!

Before long we figured out our short hike was going to take us straight up and over glacial snow.

Gracie- I don't like this snow hiking.

Cindi- hang on while I put a snowball down my underwear to cool down.

Joani- I can't believe someone is out here smoking in this pristine air.

Rob- I wonder what she is going to do with the butt.

Joani- The bitch should have to eat it.

Gracie- I'll go on another hike, as long as it's not in snow.

20 minutes later...

Gracie- I don't want to go on anymore hikes!

Joani- Every time I slip, I pee a little.

Skylar- Going downhill is fun.

We stuck it out to the end and it was worth it. The Hidden Lake was beautiful!

Cindi had a Sound of Music moment.

The scenery did nothing to get in the way of Gracie's fun.

Cindi-I can't believe how cool it is that we are doing this.

More cool shots on the way down "going to the sun" road.

For Cindi, a Nut Roll was the perfect treat to top off the day.