Lewiston, Idaho

In Lewiston we camped at Hells Gate State Park. At the south end of the park there is a trail that leads to some fascinating, somewhat symmetrical basaltic lava formations. It is the nature of basaltic lava cooling that allows this to happen. The whole process is called columnar jointing.

The Nez Perce National Historic Park was established to remember the battles between the Nez Perce Indians and the United States government. The Nez Peres War was caused when President Grant opened their homelands to white settlement.  The U.S. government also demanded that all roaming Nez Percé bands move onto the Lapwai reservation in present-day Idaho. Chief Joseph was chosen to meet and discuss this demand with Brigidier General Howard. There was little discussion; Howard delivered a 30-day ultimatum with a threat to comply, or else. This was the beginning of the Nez Peres War.

A dug out canoe.

Honored Nez Peres Chiefs

Banff National Park

As we drove to Banff, the air was thick with smoke
from nearby forest fires.  So happy to see clear blue skies
upon our arrival!

Johnson Lake, our first view of one of
 Banff's many beautiful lakes.

Lake Minnewanka

Happy hikers!

Lake Minnewanka

Johnston Canyon Lower Falls

Johnston Canyon Upper Falls

Fire Weed Flower at Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Castle Mountain on Bow Valley Scenic Drive

Joyce's favorite, Morraine Lake!

What better place for a picnic lunch!

Rock Pile at Morraine Lake

Kayaking Two Jack Lake

Mt. Thompson and Bow Lake

Peyto Lake is a beautiful example of the blue waters 
created by reflecting silt.

Columbia Ice Fields

Athabasca Glacier

 Our last picnic lunch with Mike and Kate :((

Waterton Lakes National Park

Canada, at last!

Wheat fields and mountain tops!

Red Rock Canyon

Blakiston Falls

Break time!

Cameron Lake

Vimy Peak in Waterton Lakes National Park

Missoula Montana

A tour of the Missoula Smokejumper's Base gave us a renewed appreciation of these highly trained professionals. 

Typical gear for a smoke jumper

Typical Locker of a smoke
jumper

Parachute room used for
untangling

Planes used by the  smoke jumpers 

Interactive exhibits at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
 tell the story of elk and their habitat. 

A pretty historic church in Missoula

Fort Missoula was established by the United States Army in 1877 to protect settlers in western Montana from possible threats from Native American Indians, such as the Nez Perce.

Wow! Super human strength!

Steam powered tractor