To Whitefish, MT

​My night at Bobcat Gulch along the Salmon River was complete perfection. It was wonderful spending a night here again, in this very spot, as I did three years ago. I decided to get an early start. I traveled for several hours with rain on and off. Including that part of Idaho, that climbs up into the mountains where there was a flashing sign, recommending snow chains. Oh, dear, I have no chains, but I do have all-terrain tires and, for sure, I take it slow. I didn’t stop, but there were plenty of snow patches along the road as the fog suddenly thickened. Travel was slow. It’s not a vast area, so I got through back down to moderate elevations. I enjoyed the view of Flathead Lake, and saw all the cherry farm stands, obviously closed up. This is known for Flathead cherries, which I enjoyed three years ago. Next was Kalispell, then upscale looking Whitefish, with plenty of ski resorts, and new shoreline home construction. My iOverlander app took me to a site near the lake, which I could not find. My heart always stinks when I think I’m done driving and the location for camp does not transpire. On to plan B. I kept driving and located a spot near Smith Lake, on state lands. I drove down the dirt road for a couple of miles and found a spot where I was completely isolated. I don’t normally get creeped out, but the sign at entry warned of grizzly bears in this area. Yikes. I have been in the area of black bear, but not grizzly… yet. I certainly better get used to the idea as I’m heading up to Canada into Alaska. I got my bear spray out handy, and will carry it with me when I’m out in these places with eyes wide open!







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