Day 15 Friday 21st September

Got up and had breakfast at 8.30.another lively conversation with our host who wondered why we did not stop last night for drinks. Breakfast was fruit and eggs benedict. He is a great chef. The weather was frosty first thing but is heating up quick. By 11 we had sorted all our luggage and Said goodbye to Butte and started the journey to Missoula.

En route we saw the town of Anaconda which was the founding corporation of Butte and owned all the land below before going bust. In the mountains they still managed to destroy the environment with huge spoil heaps.

Stopped at Phillips berg which is a small town just off Highway One. this was truly delightful. Essentially one Main Street but with houses and buildings that date back to the early 1900’s. Old by USA standards. There were some lovely gift shops selling Montana made gifts, antique shops, the consignment stores and of course an ice cream shop. There was also a shop billed as the best sweet shop in the world. It has to be the largest pick and mix shop with the largest selection of sweetest all sold by weight. There was a separate fudge counter and chocolate counter, There was sweet is had never seen such as liquorice cats and chocolate gummy bears. We pick some of the more unusual flavours all costing just over $5.

Feeling a bit peckish having travelled for some miles we stopped and got the usual ice cream. Very nice. We were told that there would shortly be a homecoming parade for the senior football team. All the schools were out and it was a carnival atmosphere. The team were riding on a bright yellow fire truck. Other years followed behind in various vehicles and the processi9n ended with the sheriffs car. After the oprocession travelled onward to Missoula.

Got to Missoula which now looked large and busy compared to the other towns. Parked up and had a walk around. Had some lunch/ dinner at a brew pub. Usual fare but quite nice. Travelled to airport as catching 9pm plane to Seattle. Very easy through the checks. Despite all we have bought still 3 kegs left on luggage allowance. We have found some unusual items to buy. The plane was half full and took off for an hour and half flight. Flight very bumpy and I fe,t very queesy despite travel pill. Landed in Seattle to rain. It is known for rain. As internal flight no custom or passport checks. Got a taxi and went to air B and B . This was a small chalet builf in the grounds of a house. We are very close to university and public transport. Seattle is known for big traffic queues so we have decided not to hire a car.

The air B and B was delightful with all expected amenities. Tired went to sleep. The next part if the holiday begins.