The Pictures Say It All

After 2 weeks of downtime, we were needing to get back on the road. Our opportunity came with a load we'd have to deadhead for 3 hours to receive. Ellensburg, MT, to Caldwell, Idaho. We had some interesting things happen on the drive, but more than anything else, the views were jaw dropping. I think I'll let them tell most of the story. 

What I liked most about the first leg of the trip was closing in on Seattle. I've watched all of the Frasier episodes multiple times. That's another story. I'll just say that I almost feel like a native sitting in a coffee shop watching the city do its thing. 

From there, I soon sat entranced by the stunning artwork of the world around us. We climbed to snowy heights in Snoqualmie Pass. 

A little saddened to leave the area, mixed with the desire to see what else was ahead, we drove on toward our first destination. Before we could reach it, however, we spotted a large white building with writing on the sides boasting fruits and antiques. Yes!  I wanted to take a peek at both. We strolled inside with the chill on our backs, thinking about coffee. But there was so much to see and try and purchase that I admit I could not make up my mind. I opted for huckleberry tea and fresh Washington apples. 

Further up ahead of us, we saw signs about the Oregon Trail educational center. We’ll have to return to do that soon. But that day we were aiming for the Pendleton Pass. Another breathtaking climb up green rolling hills that grew by leaps and bounds. 

I sent a picture of the scenery to my daughter, who said it looked like the old Windows desktop. She wasn't wrong. 

Stay with me. We're moving fast. We had already picked up and delivered a load of lumber by the time we pulled into busy Boise, Idaho, to load a Chevy Silverado bound for Missoula, MT. 

There seems to be so much to say, but I couldn't do justice to the gorgeous drive from Boise that day. We planned to stop in a quaint little town named Kooskia for the night. Take a look first at what wonders we saw on the way there. 

We went from snowy to sunny to snowy again. 

Before we stopped for the night we came across a historic monument to the Nez Perce tribe of Native Americans. We read how they experienced significant upheaval and hardship, culminating in the Nez Perce War of 1877. The war began as a result of treaty violations, dispossession, and the forced removal of the tribe from their traditional lands. Following a grueling flight across the West, the Nez Perce were eventually forced to surrender, and many were exiled to Oklahoma as prisoners of war. It was very sobering reading about them. 

Upon arriving in Kooskia, we let Jax run around for awhile, and finished off our night ordering a delicious pizza. Early to bed, early to rise. 

Long before the sun came up we were getting onto the highway in the rain. We had quite a road ahead of us to Missoula. 

Soon the rain turned into snow flurries, and we ended up stuck right in the middle of the highway at one point. But we were dazzled by the Winter Wonderland nonetheless. Enjoy the beautiful pics. 👇🏻

Finally Missoula was in sight!  We found our drop off point, which proved to be delightful. It was the private residence of a man who trained wild horses for a government program. Talk about stepping right into your favorite western movie. 

That was not the last herd we encountered that day. After dropping off the pick up we turned further north and began a trip up to Essex, MT, where we were scheduled to load a very large tractor bucket. But first, we were swept away by beautiful Lake Kalispell and the herd of elk whom I just fell in love with.  

Jax was also intrigued! 

We made a night of it by pulling into a truck stop and watching Dances With Wolves while eating a late supper. Afterwards I cried myself to sleep. 

Once again, the marching orders were 'Up with the sun!'  We had a short drive left to get to the top of the mountain. It's a good thing we got a head start. After finally finding the BNSF train yard we found we were stuck in the snow again!!  But, if you're going to get stuck, do it where there's heavy equipment that can pull you right out!  Thank you, sir. 

Jax was questioning whether or not we'd ever get out. 

You'd think I might be finished with this trip, but, Alas! we finally got off the mountain, only to wind up in another hotel. Waiting on another repair job to the truck. We were so tired we couldn't think any more. 

This time we were only out of commission for a few days. Just enough rest to make the final push to drop off that enormous bucket. The tale comes to a close with us visiting our all time favorite truck stop, Sapp Bros., with Jax playing in the sunshine till his heart was content.