Wisdom & Dinner with Farmers in Dell

Dell, Montana – That Is

Wisdom is a small ranching community in southwestern Montana situated in a broad  green valley (at least in June) surrounded by the Bitterroot, Beaverhead and Pioneer Mountains. Big Hole National Battlefield, a segment of Nez Perce National Historical Park, is about 10 miles to the west. Each time we pass through I hope a bit of Wisdom will rub off.

• Our drive from Spokane, Washington to Idaho Falls, Idaho totaled 530 miles today, mostly under sunny or partly cloudy skies. Rain in the late afternoon along I-15 in southern Montana and Idaho. We later learned that Idaho Falls had lots of rain, some hail and flooding. Glad we arrived late and after that excitement.
• Stop in St. Regis, Montana for a late breakfast at the Huckleberry Patch Restaurant in the St. Regis Travel Center. The huckleberry pancakes were light, fluffy and filled with the sweet/tart berries. Huckleberry fudge and twists were added to the road food collection.
• The road construction between Hamilton and Lolo, Montana that was such a pain last year is complete. It was smooth sailing from Missoula to Hamilton.
• The beautiful Bitterroot Valley and Lost Trail Pass entice us to plan to spend more time exploring the region.
• Big Hole National Battlefield
• Wisdom
• Dinner at Yesterday’s Calf-A in Dell, Montana. Each year thousands come to the little red school house for the homemade meals and one-room school atmosphere. We both wanted chicken fried steak. Fortunately I remember the breakfast portions were huge and asked about size. We ordered an extra salad and split a platter sized piece of tender meat accompanied by mashed potatoes and sliced carrots.
• At last, at rest in the Holiday Inn Express in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

The best laid plans for an interesting return trip to Denver have been scrubbed. We’re on a direct route so that I can fly to Florida for daughter duty.