From Spokane to Billings Montana

August 19th, 2011

We had a bright and early start at the campground. We were up, out of bed by 5:30am, and on the road by 7:00. We headed through Spokane crossing the state line into Idaho around 8:00.

We stopped for gas in Post Falls. Extremely friendly people here.

We spent the day doing driving, more driving and even more driving. Passing some interesting places along the way: Idaho Panhandle National Forest, 4th of July Pass etc. (don't know where they come up with these names)

Driving through Idaho was quick and somewhat painless, hit a lot of construction spots, but other than that the drive was beautiful and enjoyable.

For anyone who has never been to Idaho, we were in the Northern part and it looks very similar to B.C. Lots of lush forests, vast lakes and greenery. Once we hit Montana, the scenery changed drastically!

Small brush everywhere, yellow grasses, and major rock out croppings. One of the neatest things we saw along the way was the Crazy Mountains. The mountain range is actually called Crazy Mountains...in case you were wondering. They are completely flat, no tops. They look as if someone came a long and chopped off the tops.

Finally reaching Billings, we started our search for a hotel. We tried 5 different hotels, none of which had rooms available. We finally got lucky and ended up at the Howard Johnson. While here, we made sure to book a hotel room for our next destination in Fargo, North Dakota.

For dinner we walked down the street to the Cracker Barrel General Store and Restaurant. The food was amazing, All homestyle country cooking. Most expensive meal was $10. The general store has amazing merchandise and old style candies / pop. The service was wonderful, and the atmosphere was very friendly. Out front they have a row of rocking chairs for sale, which they encourage you take a seat in and stay to play a game of checkers. We would highly recommend this place to any one planning on visiting Billings Montana, If you won't be making it to Billings any time soon, the Cracker Barrel has a few other locations and a website where you can order their food and merchandise.

Now we are back and settled in our hotel room, finally showered, feeling a little more human and ready for a good night sleep!

We're really enjoying ourselves and had some great laughs along the way!
Will update again tomorrow!