A Curvy Ride from Helena to St. Mary, MT

Last night a storm came through our campground.  Afterword, Dave and I saw  a meteorological phenomenon called a virga.  You can click on the name and read all about the science involved, but basically it was rain falling in the distance at the time of sunset. 

Virga at sunset

This morning the sun was out and the wind was gone.  We left the RV park at 8:45 and headed north to St. Mary. 

The mosquitoes weren't quite as bad this morning, but we still managed to get a windshield full of bugs as we made the 200 mile drive to St. Mary.  We saw a variety of scenery along the way.

Pretty trees in the town of Choteau

I didn't know there were oil wells in Montana.

We saw a missile launch control facility (no picture) and about ten miles later, we saw one of the underground missile silos.  The picture isn't too clear since I had to take it through the screened side window.

As we got closer to Glacier, the mountains became more visible at times...

...and not at other times.

The town of Browning is a junction for highways 2 and 89.  We were on highway 89 and continued north. 

St. Mary Lake popped into view.

After a harrowing drive through the narrow curves of Highway 89, we arrived at the East Glacier/St. Mary KOA.  It's a decent KOA, with friendly check-in, a playground, swimming pool, and hot tub, but over-priced at $115 for 2 nights after the KOA discount.

Below are two views from our site at the KOA.

We ate a late lunch in the motorhome and then went into the park to the St. Mary Visitor's Center and drove on the Going-to-the-Sun Road as far as it was open.  I'll write about that trip tomorrow.