June 16 More Montana, Big Fork, Devil's Creek

Saturday, June 16

A balmy 52 degrees this morning as we head back to 83N.  Several deer in the first few minutes.
We pass Summit Lake and continue to Holland Lake  in the Flathead National Forest.

  It is down  Road #44, a 3 mile dirt/gravel road.  The trailhead to the falls is easy to find and we set off in a light misty rain.   We follow the shore of Holland Lake for a while, then begin to climb on a wet, rocky trail.

 At one point the trail becomes a small stream and we are glad we've worn our hiking boots today.   The sound of rushing water tells us when we are near.

Soon we arrive at the base of a multi-tiered waterfall.  Again, the water moves with force and determination through the rocky terrain.

 We rest and take photos for a while, then head back.  We saw no one on our way in, but pass two couples on our way out.  The flowers and plants are all so clean and bright!

Hot oatmeal warms us up before we continue north to the town of Big Fork at the North end of Flathead Lake.   Lots of deer and two elk along the way. They are so naturally graceful!

At 12:30 we arrive at Big Fork.  I'm sure it was located at a fork on the Flathead River, and is now a popular spot for activity on Flathead Lake.  We find the  Library,  which shares a building with 2 art galleries.  Imagine IF is the theme for all the Montana Public Libraries.  It is small, but friendly, and we spend a bit of time there working on the computer and catching up on news.

 We then walk the 2 block Electric Avenue main street and browse in some of the shops.

 Some cute shops, one of which had a chalkboard table runner which I may look into.
Greg found some cute little bootie/socks and we bought a pair for the new baby that will be arriving in December.

Super1 Foods in nearby Columbia Falls is the next quick stop, as we need supplies for the coming week.  Selection isn't bad and prices are less than in Canada, more than in Texas. The rain has gotten heavier as we take route 2 around to another stop at Devil's Creek National Forest Campground and Sandi.

Chinese veggies and rice dinner, then Beth goes down to visit Sandi and see some of her art work.  Her RV is cozy and we sit and chat a bit as she shows me some lovely painted feathers and miniature paintings. She and her hubby, who chimes in on the conversation now and then, and two dogs seem quite comfortable here.  They have satellite service, as well as a land line, plus a small outside shed. I purchase a small painting of an elk.  Amazing how detailed her works are and she doesn't use glasses or magnifiers of any kind. She is 77 remember.

She talks about interesting campers she has met, like the 55 year old woman last night who is cycling from Seattle to Bar Harbor by herself, with a tent.  Some pretty amazing people out there.