Day 1 - Calgary to Kalispell, Montana
We are extremely excited about this trip. It is the first time since 2017 that we have ventured out for parts unknown. It is also the first time since the Pandemic that we are able to cross the border - and we are finally going to do the Trail of the Ancients. But we have to get there first.
Our excitement didn't help us get out of town any faster. I prepared the sandwiches the night before. I was two blocks away when I realized I forgot to pack them. The good news - only one trip home and I was on my way. Arriving at Karen's, Steve helped us pack the car. Once again, Karen has forgotten to pack "light" and our first re-organization of the trunk took place. Off we went, but had to turn around just before Glenmore Trail. Karen forgot her infamous "straw hat".
Finally we were on our way - and as Steve would predict - it's nearly 11:00 am!!
On the road again
Goin' places that I've never been
Seein' things that I may never see again
And I can't wait to get on the road again
Virtual highways today (starting at Strathmore) were County Road 817 to Caresland, hwys 24 and 23 to hwy 3, then east to Lethbridge. Just to mix things up, we headed south from Lethbridge on hwy 5 through McGrath to Cardston where we turned south on hwy 2 to the US border & onto US hwy 89. State hwy 49 was open so we took it over the mountain connecting with US 2 at East Glacier. We continued west through Columbia Falls on State hwy 40 and finally south to Kalispell on US 93. Google Map
Village Quilts, Lethbridge
It was easy for us to get our fat quarters in Alberta and also stop at one of the nicest shops as a bonus. Village Quilts, thankfully, survived the Covid economic crises. Since our theme this year is southwestern, we were pleased to be able to find some southwestern fabric. It's hard to imagine what kind of quilt we will be making for our travel quilts this year. Hopefully, once we are in the four corners area, we will find some inspiration.
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| Babb-Piegan Border Station c. 1933 |
Piegan-Carway Border Crossing
The Piegan–Carway Border Crossing, was established in 1925 connecting the towns of Babb, Montana and Cardston, Alberta. The name Carway is a blended word of Cardston and Highway.
The small village of Carway, Alberta has all but vanished, with the Carway School closing in 1954.The old US log cabin-style border station was registered on the National Register of Historic Places on April 12, 2006 as #06000252.
St. Mary, Montana
St. Mary is an unincorporated community on the western border of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation adjacent to Glacier National Park. The village is the eastern terminus of the Going-to-the-Sun Road which bisects the park. Fewer than 50 people reside in the village year-round. Several lodges, restaurants and cafés, a small grocery store, two gas stations and campgrounds are located in the village. However, most tourist services are closed during the winter months.
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| Looking Glass Road |
State Highway 49 - The Looking Glass Road
The decision to go over Hwy 49 meant that we would miss the Going to the Sun Road through Glacier National Park but we would get to Kalispell earlier.
Leaving at 11:00 am doesn't give us much time to tour around. Highway 49 is steep, narrow, and winding. It is usually impassable during the winter months. The Looking Glass Road gets its name from the Nez Perce Chief "Looking Glass".
Hungry Horse, Montana
The town sprang up during the construction of Hungry Horse Dam when the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation placed more than one hundred prefabricated buildings at the site to house workers. The name comes from a local legend about two horses, Tex and Jerry, that escaped and almost starved to death in deep snow along the South Fork of the Flathead River. Hungry Horse claims fame as the wild huckleberry capital of the West. This sweet, tart wild berry grows only in moist mountain areas and cannot be commercially grown.
The Huckleberry Patch - Hungry Horse, Montana
We were on our final stretch now, so we took the time to stop at the Huckleberry Patch for huckleberry pie and ice cream. We rarely pass through this area that we don't take the time to stop here. This is where we first discovered Jeff Fleming's Bears. After shopping around for a bit, and stocking up with huckleberry treats for the road, we headed to Kalispell. The Huckleberry Patch
Kalispell, Montana
We arrived in Kalispell in good time. After booking into our hotel, we went to Walmart to grocery shop for our trip. We settled into our room and relaxed for the rest of the night. We don't have far to travel tomorrow, so we will be able to sleep in a bit. We plan to stay in town until Glacier Quilts and Jeff Fleming's Bear Country Gallery open before heading to Coeur d'Alene.
 Post Note - Day One:
Travelling from home to Kalispell is so routine that we don't notice the breathtaking views and other points of interest along the way anymore. Digging around virtually brought to light some new and interesting tidbits of information. I never knew anything about the Carway Border Crossing or that Highway 49 was named "Looking Glass Road" after Nez Perce Chief Looking Glass.
Travelling virtually doesn't really feel much different than driving. I still get stiff as a board from sitting for hours on end, time just whizzes by, my feet swell, and I'm totally exhausted by the time I shut down for the day - which is nearing midnight!
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