July 21

We arrived at our next reserved spot, an r.v. park on Flathead Lake just 3 miles south of the cute town of Big Fork. We’ve decided that if we are going to be traveling to some of the busier places like this, a reservation is key to avoid the same thing that happened at Yellowstone. We got set up then set out to see Big Fork, a charming downtown with all of the expected touristy shops but with a bent on art galleries. We walked over to the Swan River area too that feeds into Flathead Lake. My favorite part of this day was being mistaken for a local when we were getting supplies at the regular store when a lady approached me in the parking lot asked if I knew how to get downtown for the aforementioned shops.

22

We spent the whole day at one spot on Flathead Lake. We arrived at the beach area early, were the only ones there save for a local passing through on his morning workout. Always ask the locals what their favorite things to do are, they’ll most certainly indulge you with great tips. Montana folk are particularly friendly and conversational. The kids got out on the paddle board early and we all rotated turns several times. The water was chilly and crystal clear. The beach slowly started filling with other patrons but we were all able to stay socially distant. Boats would buzz by, sending out their fun wakes, and we enjoyed a beachside picnic lunch.

23 Have you ever heard of Flathead cherries? They are the most prominent fruit in this region with orchards all around the south and west sides of the lake. They are highly sought after and we were lucky to be there at peak season to go to a u-pick farm. And you’d be hard pressed to beat the price of $1/lb

These cherries have sustained our fruit fix for a solid week!, nobody is tired of them, and we’ll be sad when they’re gone. (After: In fact, they are done and we are sad). After picking 8+lbs of cherries we drove the long way home around the whole lake. We are loving the sights of small rural towns, farms and rolling hills. Taking in all the greenery and blue water is restoring to the city-dweller’s soul.