Goodbye Montana

Our last day as work campers was on September 6th so we had one more day to do some sight seeing before packing up and moving toward the west coast.  The National Bison Range was only a few miles away so we made that our last day trip while in Montana.  We considered ourselves pretty lucky at the amount of wildlife we saw while driving the range.

Just as we entered the park dark clouds emerged over the mountain range.  As we continued to move deeper into the park the storm brewing caught up with us.  First rain, then hail fell all over Joe's truck.  Thankfully it did not damage his truck.  It was interesting to watch the animals as they moved for cover while the storm rolled by.

It was hard to believe that we had spent 7 weeks in Rollins, Montana.  How could we stop the wheels on our motorhome for such a long period of time?  Simply put - we fell in love with Montana!  One might ask what is it about Montana that we love.  I would answer everything.  The weather was a nice change for us, the simple way of life, the people were so friendly and made us feel so welcomed, huckleberry shakes and sweet cream pancakes with homemade caramel syrup were real treats. The most impressive thing about Montana was seeing nature as it was intended to be seen.

Saying good-bye to all of our friends at Rollins RV Park the morning of Thursday, September 8th was met with mixed emotions.  Sad to leave but happy to continue our journey to the west coast with Joe and Cricket.  The summer of 2016 in Rollins, Montana will be one we will never forget and hope to return next year.

There were 3 big bucks like this one hanging out together.  That is one huge deer.
 Having a deer hunter in the truck with us I think we could all feel his heart pounding. 

Antler collection at the visitor center

Flathead River can be seen as the road begins to climb the hills and mountains.

Keeping an eye on the storm over the Salish Mountain Range.

That is a bison laying down.  We saw many herds of bison but they kept their distance from the road which was not favorable for taking pictures.

Bighorn sheep was not intimidated by the vehicles on the road or our cameras.

It takes over 2 hours to drive the 24 mile loop through the park.

Bighorn sheep were seen in several different portions of the park.

Antelope

Elk

Herd of antelope and deer on the move

The storm dumped snow on the mountains.

Views of the mountain range from the visitors center were beautiful.



Wayne Newton's home on Flathead Lake in Rollins, MT.

Very unique gazebo in the yard at Wayne Newton's home.

These trees were everywhere.  I think they are mountain ash.

This shot is for all our camping buddies that can appreciate
 well maintained interior roads in a campground.
  What you see is what you get at Rollins RV Park.

The park is tiered and offers community fire pits for the guest to use.
The best part is the fire wood is furnished by the park.

Enjoy views like this from the swings throughout the park.

Packing up to hit the road again.

Meet Shanna Felts - she knows how to make a great huckleberry shake.

Cindy and Lori chatting. Here is Jeff aka PBDB (Pillsbury Dough Boy) photo booming
with his shadow.

PBDB and his bride Cindy in front of their home on wheels.



Farewell Dinner
Group picture after we enjoyed prime rib roast Pat provided.  There was never a shortage
of good food with this crew.  We did introduce them to Cajun cooking and French music.
 

Alpenglow over the Mission Mountains
Joe was fortunate enough to catch the rosy glow of the sun setting in the west while we were having dinner in Polson.
Just one more reason to love Montana.