We got up at 6am, a brief breakfast, and last minute packing, said our goodbye to Mary, and departed Richland at 8:20 on a cool, clear, beautiful morning. Heading east, Karen drove the first leg. At about Cheney WA we got a call from Carol Ann asking us to stop in for a last goodbye with her, Nancy, and Kyle. It was a pleasant stop that took about an hour. Temperature was in mid 60’s and sunny.
We departed Spokane about 11:30, and got back on the freeway. While it was getting close to lunchtime, we decided to avoid the lunchtime “crowds” and keep going. At about 1:30 we stopped in Wallace ID for lunch at Jameson Saloon for a sandwich, which was a little slow in service, then got gas. Before getting back on the freeway, Karen made a few calls to see what was available for our nights stay in Bozeman MT and found that everything was booked up because of a football game and back-to-school, so we checked Livingston(same) and then tried Butte a few miles earlier, and found a room easily. That was good because it was 7:20(MT) when we got here. By the time we got settled it and had dinner, it was 9pm and time for bed.
The trip to Butte otherwise was uneventful, only one rest stop needed, and the weather continued in mid 70’s. A brief rain welcomed us to Butte, and saved me the job of washing the windshield. We plan to arise at 5:30, with the Hampton Inn breakfast starting at 6, then hit the road as soon as we’re ready. Our next stop will be Rawlins, WY after a trip thru Yellowstone. Looking forward to that.