Missoula, Montana

At first we were disappointed that we couldn't get in at Jim & Mary's RV Park, where we stayed last time.  Turns out the KOA was closer in town and just as nice, just a few less flowers.

Extra parking

Pizza made right before our eyes

Birthday pizza.  My favorite.

Ice cream for dessert.

Of all the places we've been Missoula wins for the best Farmers Market.  Their produce is awesome.

Dinner on the roof top with Lynda

Blue Mountain Recreation Area was originally part of the Fort Missoula Military Reservation.  In 1952,  4,869 acres were transferred to the Lolo National Forest.  Nearly 20 years later the area was a mess.  81 car bodies were removed in 1964.  In 1975, a number of civic groups joined the Forest Service in a major clean up effort. The Blue Mountain Recreation Area you see today is a restoration success story and a very different place than it was in the 1970's and 80's. 

The recreation area includes 41 miles of trails.

We had to visit the Missoula Carousel after having visited the Historic Carousel in Albany Oregon several times we found out their carousel was modeled after the Missoula Carousel.  The folks who carved the Missoula Carousel animals gifted Albany a Bison to celebrate Montana and Native American Heritage.

Missoula Carousel

They had just reopened after a  mechanical problem in July forced the popular carousel to close. 

Unfortunately upon reopening they were temporarily not allowing adults to ride