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*Travel Log* – Montana & Idaho – June 26, 2009

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Wisdom & Dinner with Farmers in Dell

Dell, Montana – That Is

Wisdom is a small ranching community in southwestern Montana sWisdom Sign for Blogituated 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 latBitterroots for Bloge 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. Big Hole National BattlefieldThe 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.
  • Wisdom
  • Calf-A 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.

*Travel Log* – Cannon Beach, Oregon – June 16, 2009

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Tidepools, Cheese and Ice Cream

  • Pig ’n Pancake – After discovering both the Cannon Beach Bakery and Lazy Susan’s are closed on Tuesdays we chow down at Pig ‘n Pancake, a busy, popular chain along the Oregon coast. My thin, crispy Swedish pancakes and generous serving of lingonberries were a real treat.
  • Sea Star Beach walk with tide pools and cormorants – To work off those pancakes we took a long beach walk  south from Tolovana Inn. It was nearing low tide so we could explore tide pools around the sea stacks. Snap, snap – lots of photos.
  • Tillamook County Creamery Association – High on Bob’s list was a visit to the cheese factory  Tillamook, about 40 miles south of Cannon Beach. The drive hugs the coast through Arch Cape and Oswald West State Park with spectacular viewpoints.  Between Garibaldi and Rocka38 Flavorsway Beach we stop for photos of the little steam engine that could on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad. We join a throng of visitors at the 100-year-old Tillamook Creamery, an average of 3,000-5,000 each summer day. It seems everyone leaving is either carrying a bag of  cheese or licking an ice cream cones– or, both. We order grilled cheese sandwiches on sourdough for lunch – better than any I make at home – followed by the self- guided tour to watch the cheese making process from vats to packaging. Pounds and pounds of cheCannon Beach Dinnerese. The tour ends with samples. We cap our visit with creamy dips of caramel toffee crunch and caramel butter pecan.
  • After multiple calls dealing with Mother issues we decide to stay in for dinner. With views of the incoming surf, a fire in the gas fireplace, apples, cheese, crackers, popcorn and a bottle of wine we end the evening.

*Travel Log* – Cannon Beach, Oregon – June 15, 2009

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To the Sea, To the Sea

“Ocian in view! O! the joy.” Wrote Capt. William Clark in his journal on November 7, 1805. I know that joy today as we arrive in Cannon Beach after several years absence.

  • We drive along the Washington side of the Columbia River from Longview to Cathlamet.
  • Columbia River from Ferry A spur of the moment decision finds us waiting on the Puget Island Ferry, the last ferry operating on the Lower Columbia. The ferry departs Puget Island on the Washington side of the river on the hour. Stopping to absorb the surroundings is a nice alternative to rushing down the highway.
  • We listen to local conversation as the ferry operators chat with the regulars and tease the children. We overhear the lady in the pickup next to us on her cell phone; she’s asking if someone was in Denver when they had the 4” of rain and hail. Our eyebrows shoot up, knowing we need to check this out.
  • Nine cars and trucks make the 11am crossing. Ten minutes and $3 brings us to Westport, Oregon.Fort Clatsop
  • The sun shines on Astoria, Oregon today. On previous visits, under grey, wet skies I’ve always thought of Astoria as rather forlorn. The town seems much cheerier under bright blue skies.
  • Lunch at the Gunderson’s Cannery Cafe on the dock of the Sixth Street viewing tower. I order crab cakes, Bob salmon cakes and we share. To my amazement I preferred the salmon.
  • Lewis and Clark National Park encompasses seven national historic sites plus state parks in Oregon and Washington, all significantly tied to the Lewis and Clark  Corps of Discovery. The corps spent the winter of 1805-06 at the quickly erected Fort Clatsop. It was a forlorn 106-day stay with rain all but 12 days, illness and scant supplies.
  • We browse museum displays, watch an orientation movie, visit the replica fort and walk trails through the thick forests. Unfortunately the ranger programs don’t start  until next week.
  • Cannon Beach Sunset Arriving in Cannon Beach we check into our oceanfront accommodations at Tolovana Inn.
  • Happily nested, we decide to eat on the property at Mo’s. Famous for their clam chowder, Mo’s Seafood Restaurants dot the Oregon coast.
  • What better way to end the day than a sunset beach walk?

*Travel Log* – Portland, Oregon – June, 14, 2009

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History, Gardens and Noodle BGrant Houseowls

We each had a couple of things we really wanted to do with our one day in Portland, to complete a full list we would need a week. Bob wanted a mushroom cheesesteak sandwich at Philadelphia’s and a noodle bowl at Pho Van’s. Nancy wanted to re-visit Fort Vancouver National Historic Reserve and one of Portland’s beautiful gardens. Both agreed on a shopping trip to Trader Joe’s being a Furs - Fort Vancouvernecessity; and, to forego the Pride Day Parade and the Naked Bike Ride.

  •  Officers Row in the Vancouver National Historic Reserve transports us back to a more genteel time. Stately old trees shade the former homes of officers overlooking the parade grounds. The restored structures now house businesses, Hudson Bay Blanketscommunity groups, a restaurant and private residences.
  •  Fort Vancouver National Historic Site was the 19th-century Hudson Bay Company outpost for trade with fur trappers, Native Americans and settlers. Knowledgeable guides unfold the history in the Chief Factor’s Residence, Fur Warehouse and Indian Trade House.
  •  Philadelphia’s Steaks & Hoagies in the Sellwood Neighborhood (S.E. Milwaukie Ave.) was our lunch Rose Arbor - Fort Vancouverdestination. The mushroom cheesesteak was exactly as Bob remembered and longed for.
  • The Columbia Outlet Store in Lake Oswego has always offered good buys on Columbia sportswear. We have a closet full of rainwear, parkas and fleece but wanted to check for current bargains.
  • The Washington Park area west of Blue Flowers = Fort Vancouverdowntown is filled with options; on this June Sunday they were all busy with curious families. We planned to visit the Japanese and International Rose Test Gardens but gave up when we saw the crowds and parking situation.  Other options include the Oregon Zoo, Portland Children’s Museum, Hoyt Arboretum and the World Forestry Center Discovery Museum.
  • Driving around the city to our varied destinations Pink Flower - Fort Vancouvergave time for reminiscing  about our numerous trips when we had family living in Portland. We love the big trees, lush greenery and urban parks.
  • Trader Joe’s has yet to come to Colorado so we  need to stock up on nuts and gingersnaps whenever we can. Just seeing the sign causes a rush of excitement. Steven tells us we will love the new Thai spice and lime cashews.
  • Pho Van Vietnamese Restaurant on 82nd Avenue creates Bob’s favorite noodle bowl. We Pho Van Noodle Bowlboth finish every bite of Bún Thit Cha Giò (honey, lemongrass, pork and crispy rolls). I can’t seem to enjoy a noodle bowl without slurp spots on my shirt – tonight was no exception.

Happy birthday to good friend Vicki, and may more!

*Travel Log* – Portland, Oregon – June 13, 2009

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Road Trip to the Pacific Northwest

After a week long visit with family in Spokane and an expensive new clutch in the car we set off for a few days in Portland and Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast.

  • A long but interesting drive from Spokane to Portland via I-90 to Ellensburg, south to Yakima then, US97 down to Goldendale and the Columbia River. We cross the river to I-84 on the Oregon side at Rufus.
  • Just when I was wondering what was growing in the field ahead a sign said that for the next 14 miles crops would be identified in the fence lines. In those few miles east of Moses Lake we saw alfalfa, timothy, wheat, sweet corn, peas, potatoes and peppermint.
  • Columbia River - The Dallas Driving down the Columbia we realize what a major transportation route we’re following. Large barges of grain head downriver. Trains haul freight across the country along railroad tracks on both sides of the river. Car and truck traffic hums along I-84; on the Washington side a scenic two-lane highway threads down the gorge.
  • A late lunch at the Windseeker Restaurant in The Dallas, Oregon. Off the beaten path, the Windseeker sits amidst beautiful gardens above the Columbia River. Seafood chowder and halibut sandwiches fuel our afternoon adventures.
  • The Columbia River Gorge is a must-do American road trip. The geography changes from high dessert and lava fields to thundering waterfalls and towering forests, all with views of Mt. Hood, Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens.
  • A quick check-in and bag drop at the Staybridge Suites-Portland Airport.
  • Totem at Lelooska Cultural Center Afternoon treat of a triple-berry smoothie and late night halibut sandwich at Burgerville in Woodland, Washington.
  • Visit to the museum and gallery at the Lelooska Cultural Center in Ariel, Washington plus the privilege of attending an evening living history program. The Lelooska family shares the traditional masks, stories, songs and dances of the Sewide lineage of the Kwakwaka’wakw. The evening in the cedar ceremonial house  lit with flickering firelight never ceases to educate, entertain and inspire.

Huckleberry Patch Restaurant – St. Regis, Montana

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All Things Huckleberry

Huckleberry oatmeal, huckleberry milkshake, huckleberry BBQ chicken – the menu highlights all things Huckleberry at the Huckleberry (What else?) Patch Huckleberry LemonadeRestaurant in the St. Regis Travel Center. A family tradition has been established; we have to stop at exit 33 when traveling on I90 between Missoula, Montana and Spokane, Washington. At the very least we need a huckleberry lemonade to go.

Our recent visit was well timed for a lunch break starting with a tall glass of the special lemonade. The chilly, rainy day called for hot soup, a rich beef, mushroom, barley. We chose to split a buffalo cheeseburger in an effort to save room for dessert – a crock bubbling over with warm huckleberry rhubarb crisp topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream. YUM! Not a bite was left.

Huckelberry Patch Dessert The menu tells us, “Sweet, tart wild huckleberries grow only in moist mountain areas and cannot be commercially grown. Wild berries are not sprayed with chemicals or fertilizers.” Regional residents tell me natives are very secretive about huckleberry patch locations; they tend to be as territorial as the local bears. Residents, visitors and bears consider the berries a delicacy.

At the Huckleberry Patch, breakfast choices (served all day) include huckleberry flapjacks and huckleberry cream cheese french toast topped with huckleberry syrup, of course. Opt for a huckleberry muffin or bowl of huckleberry oatmeal accompanied by hot huckleberry tea or a huckleberry latte.

At lunch one can enjoy a crisp garden salad with huckleberry vinaigrette dressing and a huckleberry BBQ burger. Dessert selections include pie, ice cream, sundaes, cheesecake, rhubarb and apple crisp – all with huckleberries.

Huckleberry Patch Merchandise If you need something huckleberry for the road Dolly V’s in the gift shop makes homemade huckleberry fudge. One can also purchase huckleberry oatmeal, muffin, cookie and flapjack mixes. Huckleberry candies come in the form of Jelly Bellies, cordials, twists and taffy. For liquid refreshment take along a case of Jackson Hole High Mountain Huckleberry soda.

Looking for gift items? There’s huckleberry lotion, lip balm, bath tea and body spray, probably guaranteed to attract members of the bear family. The extensive gift shop offers a wide selection, especially of Montana souvenirs. How about a Huckleberry Patch mug?

The travel center also houses a convenience store, gas station and Montana-style casino. Make a stop in St. Regis for a huckleberry good time.

St. Regis Travel Center - Huckleberry Patch Restaurant, Montana
St. Regis Travel Center – Huckleberry Patch Restaurant, Montana

*Travel Log* – Spokane, Washington – June 6, 2009

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Helena, Montana – Spokane, Washington

  • Wet and cold – morning in Helena  was chilly and rainy, Bob said he observed occasional snowflakes in the air. Wanting to deny the possibility I called them white raindrops. Climbing MacDonald Pass those white drops accumulated on the windshield but fortunately not on the highway. The rest of the way across Montana and most of the Idaho panhandle we saw rain from light mist to Huckleberry Patch Merchandiseheavy downpours. West of Coeur ‘d Alene we finally began to see patches of blue sky – the first in a couple of days.
  • The Huckleberry Patch in the St. Regis Travel Center at I90 – exit 33 – has become a family tradition. It’s a must stop for Yackels. Everything huckleberry one can image is on the menu and gift shelves. Watch for a posting on the Huckleberry Patch soon.
  • Smiles and hugs greeted our safe arrival in Spokane.

*Travel Log* – Dubois, Wyoming – June 3, 2009

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Centennial, Colorado – Dubois, Wyoming

  • We had to slow down for miles of thick fog between Fort Collins and Laramie.
  • Early June is ideal for crossing Wyoming – recent rains have turned everything green.
  • National Bighorn Sheep Interpretive Center – Dubois, worth the stop.
  • Sheri Howe – Go Togwotee Trail Public Involvement Specialist – learned about the Togwotee Trail Poject, major improvements to 38 miles of US26/287, a major and scenic route to Yellowstone and Grand Tetons National Parks.
  • Sundance Cafe – Exceptional food, chef/staff and atmosphere, loved this place.
  • Twin Pines Lodge & Cabins – #23, Kitten Creek, cozy and comfortable.

Painted Ladies

 

Being easily entertained I found this sign interesting. Perhaps they don’t make cowboys like they used to, can you imagine John Wayne being caught at the Painted Ladies Salon?

Nick’s Tomatoe Pie – Jupiter, Florida

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Nick’s Summer Stimulus Package

Nick's Tomato Pie Sign

The Friday Palm Beach Post overflowed with restaurant ads, most of them announcing special pricing – sunset dinners, week night specials, free desserts, etc. One that caught our attention was the summer stimulus special at Nick’s Tomatoe Pie on Indiantown Road in Jupiter.

We’ve stopped at Nick’s once before with positive results so decided to stimulate our appetites. We’d skipped lunch plus it was our last evening in Florida; we were ready to sit back and exhale. Cold drinks were served along with a loaf of bread accompanied with roasted garlic cloves in olive oil. The bread is in a white paper sack, no knife for cutting, the tear off a chunk method is used here. A bowl of the Joe “Mow the Lawn”  green salad served family style soon arrives.

Nick's Tomato Pie Judy and I often share entrees. On this evening we choose shrimp parmigiana served with penne pasta and marinara sauce and rigatoni with prosciutto and peas in a vodka sauce. I don’t think I’ve ever seen shrimp parmigiana on a menu before. There were jumbo shrimp lightly breaded and sautéed in olive oil – absolutely delicious. We also loved the vodka sauce, tearing off additional pieces of bread to soak up every last drop.

For future reference I confirmed with our waitress that next time we could order the shrimp parmigiana with the rigatoni and vodka sauce. I consider that a plan.

Full of bread and pasta we skipped dessert. On our last visit I ordered cannoli to go – well worth the calories.

The dining room wears lots of red, white and green and Sinatra posters with matching music. Booth and table seating with white paper table covering – the easiest way to clean up all those bread crumbs.

Service was efficient but indifferent. I very much dislike a service person slapping something down on the table as if it’s a huge bother and they have better things to do. Our waitress was guilty of little or no eye contact and a minimum of communications. We’re use to friendlier Western hospitality.

Nick’s shrimp parmigiana and the  summer stimulus gives plenty of reason to return.

When You Go: Nick’s Tomatoe Pie, 1697 W. Indiantown Rd. (at Maplewood Dr.), Jupiter, Florida, 561-744-8935.

Nick's Tomatoe Pie - Jupiter, Florida
Nick’s Tomatoe Pie – Jupiter, Florida

Culinary Rafting Adventure – Gunnison, Colorado

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Dinner Float Trip

Three Rivers Outfitters – Garlic Mike’s

Rafting Taylor River Combine a scenic float down the Gunnison River with a tasty dinner at Garlic Mike’s for a memorable summer excursion. Begin the adventure from Three Rivers Resort in  Almont at 4pm.

After a 10-mile trip downriver you’ll arrive at the riverside restaurant approximately 5:30 for a feast including focaccia bread with garlic spread, soup or salad, choice of entree from a special menu, dessert and non-alcoholic drink.

Garlic Mike's Logo The dinner float trip is available any night of the week with 24-hour notice and a minimum of four people. Cost is $53 per person, $33 for ages 10 and under. The float trip is perfect for multi-generational family groups.

Garlic Mike Accolades for Garlic Mike’s include awards for best waiter and chef to best restaurant, date place and wedding reception. Owner/chef Mike Busse proclaims this the best Italian food west of Jersey – from which he hails. The restaurant is open for dinner seven nights a week with indoor and outside dining available in summer. For more than a decade Garlic Mike’s has been a family favorite whenever we’re in the Crested Butte/Gunnison area.

Located at the confluence of the Taylor River and East River forming the Gunnison, Three Rivers Resort offers cabin and jeep rentals in addition to outfitting services for fishing, rafting and kayaking. For more adventure they’ll book horseback rides, rock climbing instruction, hot air ballooning, mountain bike and hiking guides or offer trail suggestions for the more independent outdoor enthusiast.

Book your dinner float trip by calling either Three River Resort at 888-761-3474 or 970-641-1303, or Garlic Mike’s at 970-641-2493.

Gunnison & Almont, Colorado


Gunnison & Almont, Colorado