Day 11 The Ride to Coeur d'Alene

Day 11 – Al and Ray’s Excellent Adventure. 

Today was supposed to be all about touring Coeur d’Alenel, but the universe had other plans.

We didn’t even make it to our hotel until 3:00 a.m. Why? Let’s rewind.

Somewhere in the pitch-black wilderness of Montana, I'm driving along when I see three deer off to the side of the road. I think, “Wow!” Then, boom, two deer right into the middle of the road. I slammed the brakes, but still… thud. Pretty sure we hit at least one. It was so dark! 

Let me be clear, I go out of my way to avoid squirrels. So, this was rough. We were both pretty shaken up, but we were okay.  We were both pretty shocked that the airbags did not deploy. We both thank God he was not for situation and we were both okay. We are truly blessed that it was not much worse.

The car seemed fine at first, except the acoustic warning system (you know, the futuristic “hum” that lets people know a silent hybrid is nearby) started acting weird. We made it to Idaho and stopped for gas, only to realize the front of the car looked like it went ten rounds with a buffalo.

After we restarted the car, things went downhill—literally and figuratively. It started to overheat, and the ride got rough. If I stayed in EV mode and drove real slow, it was okay. But the second I needed real power, the car shook  too.

Then came the terrifying part: one lane, no shoulder, and a car acting like it had a nervous breakdown. We finally found a safe shoulder and called AAA.

They sent the tow truck to some hotel that I have no clue what that was about. They also did not tell him I was on the highway 90 West near mile marker 30. Thirdly, they told him it was a car accident, that I hit a deer. In Montana it is okay to hit a deer and continue. In Idaho if you hit it again, the police have to get it well. Thank God we hit it in Montana.

The car was towed to the hotel. This afternoon I got a rental car, but have to wait until Monday morning to get the car towed to the body shop.

We had a bit of a lazy late afternoon, medicine friends of Bill, and then had an amazing seafood dinner.

It's going to be an early night of sleep hopefully. Then we'll see what happens in the morning with the car. The plan is to go to Seattle tomorrow, and then on Tuesday head to Vancouver. That is the whole plan right now, until I can find out more information on my car.

Day 10 Glacier National Park

Day 10 – Al and Ray Conquer Glacier National Park (Well, Most of It)

We kicked off the day at The Lodge at St. Mary, which was absolutely gorgeous. The view from our room? Straight out of a postcard, with beautiful mountains and a nice stream. 

Then we took a ride along the Going-to-the-Sun Road. This drive was breathtaking—scenic, winding, and for once, I wasn't the one white-knuckling the steering wheel. 😎 (Thanks, tour guide!)

We hit up all the postcard-worthy spots:

Two Dog Flats (although we never saw the dogs),

St. Mary Lake (shimmering like a Hollywood filter),

Lake McDonald (no fries with that),

McDonald Falls (again, not a fast-food tie-in),

Hidden Lake Overlook (not so hidden after all),

and finally made it to Logan Pass—the highest point you can drive in the park without needing a helicopter.

In a brilliant moment of backtracking (and because maps are merely suggestions), we drove back up the Going-to-the-Sun Road. It was then I learned that the whole timed entry gate thing only applies to the west side. Naturally, we were on the east.

Next, we hit Many Glacier—which ironically only has some glaciers, but many jaw-dropping views.

After soaking in all that natural beauty, it was time to chase down some calories. On the way to Coeur d'Alene, we stumbled upon a fantastic Mediterranean place. It was excellent and very surprised to give this gem in this location. 

But the true climax? Huckleberry ice cream. 

Only problem? No huckleberry pie.  Ray is still talking about it like a man who lost a lifelong companion. A huckleberry heartbreak, if you will.

All in all, Glacier National Park was stunning. We’re still not sure if it was the most scenic park of the trip—but it was definitely the prettiest one we didn’t get lost in.

I was cruising down the road when I noticed people pulling over like there was a moose doing cartwheels. Naturally, I assumed it was some kind of important wildlife moment—maybe a bear juggling trout or something. But nope… it was a double rainbow!

So I pulled over to check it out, and just then, Ray woke up from his nap like a confused bear coming out of hibernation.  It was pretty cool, nature showing off again.

Day 10 pics 3