...Where the Buffalo Roam, and the Deer and the Antelope Play...

Sunday, May 18, 2014--Kalispell to Missoula

After a leisurely morning, we departed Kalispell around 10:30 headed southward along a roadway passing through the Flathead Indian Reservation where it was fascinating to see the highway signs written in the Salishan language.  The views were spectacular with Flathead Lake to our right and the Mission Mountains rising up from the opposite side of it.

Around noon, we arrived at the National Bison Range, a reserve for American bison, antelope, deer, elk, and other animals.  There is a 19-mile long loop drive, and we spent 3 hours exploring it.  The experience was wonderful.  The scenery was unbelievable.  Within the loop were green, wildflower-covered hills; forests; native-grass plains; and rivers and creek beds.  The first animals we saw were two bison just past the visitors' center.  One was standing while the other was wallowing in the dust on its back.  Next came two antelope which were casually eating the grasses.  At the end of a quarter-mile (0.4 km) hiking trail, we saw our first herds of bison totaling maybe 100 separated into two groups--one scattered around and near a watering hole, and the other grazing on the grass.  As we continued the loop, we saw more bison, more antelope, a deer, and an elk.  But just as wonderful to see were the views.  The green hills covered in yellow wildflowers were magnificent.  And in the distance in two directions were high mountain ranges with snow-capped peeks.

It was late afternoon when we reached Missoula, our stopping point for the night.  We checked into our hotel and went exploring.  First, we headed to the old Ft. Missoula to see its buildings and the old neighborhood nearby.  From there, we went to the University of Montana campus.  It's near downtown and has a nice mixture of modern and older buildings.  Unfortunately, while walking the campus, it began to rain with small pellets of hail.  We had to rush back to our car and drive around its perimeter to finish the tour.  Finally, we drove the streets of downtown Missoula.  It's a large, lively one just a few blocks from the campus.  It's obvious that most of the businesses appeal to the student population.  There are galleries, restaurants, clubs, and unique shops.

The rain stopped about the time we arrived back at our hotel.  As we got out of the car, we could see a beautiful double rainbow in the sky.  It was a perfect end to a very nice day.