Missoula, Montana

Day 6: Yellowstone to Missoula

Today we hiked out of our beautiful riverside campsite back to the car and civilization.  Incredible landscapes all the way.  Baby ground squirrels who posed as we took their pictures.  Steep elevation gain at the end of the hike as we came out of the river valley --- but not nearly as bad as it looked.  We felt strong.  Sandwiches at the car before we began our drive to Missoula.

We love Missoula.  It's a lovely mountain town, with a lot of spirit because of Grizzly loyalties (U. of M. is located here).  We checked in at the Family Inn and ordered a pizza and salad for dinner from Mackenzie River Pizza Co.  

Amazing to shower again!  Though in rather cramped conditions here at the Family Inn.  The bed is also just about as comfortable as our camping pads --- maybe slightly less.  We might not go so budget next time. :)

Day 7: Missoula

We decided to stay here one more day, we like the town so much!  First thing in the morning we attended church here at the Missoula 4th ward, where we were warmly welcomed.

In the afternoon we walked around the University of Montana campus, which has some very beautiful buildings and landscaping.  We lay on the grass for a while, until we realized we were getting very sticky.  Only then did we notice the signs everywhere warning us that it had been treated for pests that morning!

A walk through the surrounding neighborhoods took us past one beautiful little house after another.  It is a very beautiful place, in the heart of the mountains.  Cameron said he would like to live there if they don't get too much snow in the winter.

We checked into a different hotel tonight, postponing our plans to drive to Glacier because we both got such a bad sleep last night.  With just about the coziest beds this side of the Mississippi, we think we'll sleep well.

Beautiful U. of Montana campus.  Sticky sticky grass.