Moscow, Idaho to Missoula, Montana

On the road again finally! 

Boy, it has been around two months since last leaving Moscow.  I truly enjoy the lifestyle in this little farm town; my days are busy and predictable, Thursdays at The Plantation are the funnest thing around, and the surrounding landscape is dynamic and stunning in its own muted way.  But it's no surprise that for the past four weeks I have been itching for a roadtrip...anywhere, just out of Moscow.  When my good friend, Andrea, asked if I'd like to join her for Thanksgiving in Wyoming, I jumped at the chance.  

We packed up the car, and headed north toward Coeur d'Alene, enjoying the fresh snowfall on the golden Palouse hills. 

 Along I-95 North lies The Nature Conservancy's Cougar Bay Preserve.  Andrea soakin it up.

Upon reaching Coeur d'Alene, interstate 95 meets interstate 90, offering far reaching options: West to Seattle, or East to New York.  We headed east with the days ending point being Missoula, Montana.

Headed east toward Missoula, along Fourth of July Pass

Headed east toward Missoula, along Fourth of July Pass

Twilight, low lying valley fog, and a cloudy sky-  near Cataldo, Idaho.

The drive was gorgeous.  Snow had blanketed the high reaching trees; making everything that much more festive. At one point I looked behind me, out West, and was greeted with the most dramatic sunset and dark clouds.

Sunset, looking West- near Cataldo, Idaho

We arrived in Missoula and headed straight toward The Kettlehouse, one of the regions finest brewerys, to meet Andrea's friends. Lee and Ariel are our classmates at the University of Idaho, and we had a great time visiting them out of the context of Moscow. 

We woke early Saturday morning, and drove to the Nine Mile Historic Forest Service Ranger District to see Andrea's stock.  She is a wilderness manager based out of Pinedale, Wyoming, and her district leases land on which to board their stock through the winter.  We entered a frosty, open meadow filled with over 250 horses and mules.  We hopped the gate and walked toward the animals, and soon enough we had small herds following us up through the meadow. 

Nine Mile Historic Forest Service Ranger District

We easily could have enjoyed more time in Missoula, but Wyoming weighed heavy.  We were faced with the realization that the region was experiencing one of the largest weather systems in quite a while, so we hit the road, cautious and anxious to reach Ten Sleep that same evening.