Long Road Adventure Day 1

The long awaited trip to New England and fall color got underway Thursday, Sept.9th. Eastern Washington was sunny, bookended by rain in both sets of mountains. It was an uneventful drive. We arrived in Missoula in time to meet our neice, Marie, for pizza. She has rehersals for Hair so it was a brief visit, but great to see her always.
This morning we left Missoula and took Highway 200 through Lincoln. More rain until we over Rodgers Pass then it was sunny for most of the time. The forest between Lincoln and Rodgers Pass is in terrible shape. There must be some sort of disease or insect. Many trees are gray standing and about as many have all red needles and maybe 1/3-1/2 are in good condition. The area is one good lightning strike from going up in flames.
Had to stop and take some pictures of the long straight road--that stretch of road has always amazed me.
Alan wasn't going to be home until around 2 so we stopped in Fort Benton for lunch and to walk along the waterfront. They have many historical signs to read and old buildings to look at. We walked across the river bridge that was built in 1886 and was used until 1963. Fort Benton was a hub for trade and for people going further west.
Will be with Alan into early next week. Have a great weekend everyone.