Tuesday in Idaho (& Montana)

Well, we headed out this morning about 9:45 - filled the hungry car and used our free car wash token - part of the motel deal - then took a look around Hamilton and drove by a house I had seen on the net and wound up looking at the one next door because the guy was home. Nice land, about 5 acres but it does not snow in Hamilton so when I heard that if they "gave" me a house it would be useless. South to Darby and visited a sporting goods store which we found out was for sale along with the gas station, casino and convenience center. I have not told you but in Montana casinos are everywhere. They are based on how many people are in an area and the license costs about $300,000. Anyway, it was interesting. He told us some of the best hunting is in the valley around Hamilton and Darby. If you are interested this was Mr T's Mercantile.
We wound our way down to Salmon, Idaho losing trees as we went. Great fishing streams/cricks/rivers everywhere! Anyway, gas and Burger King in Salmon - no snow there either. We went to Tendoy and turned east heading up a gravel narrow road to travel the Lenhi Pass (7458 feet). It was close to the path that Lewis and Clark traveled and that most of the gold seeking wagons traveled - hard to believe when you see it! At the top is a marker (see pic) and with one foot on each side of the Great Divide well the view was amazing. The wind had picked up some and it was an awe inspiring moment to see so far and know how difficult it had been to actually settle the west. (http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/lewisandclark/site3.htm) if you want more history on this specific point on the divide.
As you come out on the east side there is a Bar Double T Ranch that has been in existence since 1883 - there are 3 old cabins on the property which they have fenced and were from the earlier generations. This place is the way a ranch should be! The buildings are all log with red metal roofs and their view is spectacular. The older barn is the one in the photo.
We saw one doe and some prairie dogs but no other real wildlife. So glad we took this route off the beaten path!
We made it to Dillon and staying at the Sundowner Inn - nice and simple. We ate on the office's suggestion at Sparky's Garage.
We had their honey cornbread which was darn good. The napkins are mechanics towels and they had very cute antiques decor and friendly service. Ric had Pulled pork sandwich and beans and I had ribs and sweet potato fries. If you like Kansas City BBQ you would like this.
The Dairy Queen in town was having a collector's car show and over 25 cars were there - we followed one to Sparkys - a corvair convertible, white with a weenie dog riding on the back of the drivers seat. Couldn't catch a picture but you can imagine how cute this was!
Tomorrow we head to Yellowstone to see if we can find a bear or two. Hope everyone there is well - take care and write soon.
The Wandering Gypsies