Beartooth Pass Scenic Loop

We took the scenic loop drive from Red Lodge MT over the top of Beartooth pass and back via the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway. This has to be one of the most beautiful drives in the area. The road up Beartooth pass is very steep with lots of switchbacks. We wouldn’t recommend it for any type of large RV. Around every corner are amazing views of the snow-capped peaks and the green valley below.

 At the top of the pass which is just below 11,000 ft there was lots of snow left and we were even able to build a small snowman. The temperature was in the mid 50’s which was nice. A few years ago, we made this loop and it was below freezing and a driving snowstorm at the top. We were also lucky to spot a herd of mountain goats near the summit which was awesome.

Right now, we are staying in a city park in Zurich MT and plan to cross the border tomorrow. Once in Canada we will have several days of driving as we make our way into upper BC and Yukon. The trip through lower Canada is always a long drive but well worth the effort once we get into the more remote areas of BC and Yukon.

Didn’t expect to see a mountain goat

Lots of snow on the summit

Our little snowman

Lots of switchbacks

Track Logs:

Day 6 (227 miles) - July 13, 2019 – To Bridger MT

Day 7 (171 miles) - July 14, 2019 – Beartooth Pass Loop

Day 8 (188 miles) - July 15, 2019 – To CM Russell National Wildlife Refuge

Day 9 (83 miles) - July 16, 2019 – To Zurich MT

Northward Bound

We are off on our annual northward adventure. This year is a little different in that we don’t have a firm destination or plan. All we know is we are heading north…. could be to Montana, Northern BC/Yukon, or to Alaska. Ultimately, we like to go to Alaska but given the number of fires in Alaska and BC/Yukon we are remaining flexible. Last year we drove in smoke for nearly 3000 miles from Yukon all the way to southern Utah and we don’t want to repeat that experience. Therefore, our plan is to start heading north and spend some time in Flaming Gorge and then continue up to the Yellowstone area to drive the beautiful Beartooth Pass north of the park. After that we will continue to upper Montana where we will decide if we cross the border and continue north or turn west and spend more time exploring Montana and Idaho.

A pronghorn in southern WY

Yum!

Found this cave about 100 ft. up a rock wall.  Not sure how anyone got up there to stack the rocks across the entrance.

Day 1 (433 miles) - July 8, 2019 – AZ to Deval Canyon Campground

Day 3 (321 miles) - July 10, 2019 – To Lodgepole at Flaming Gorge

Day 5 (206 miles) - July 12, 2019 – To Lander, WY

Bora Bora French Polynesia

Our last island to visit in French Polynesia was Bora Bora which is located about 160 miles north west of Tahiti.  Bora Bora is very similar to Moorea in terms of beauty but much smaller with a population of about 9,000 people.  This island is unique in that it is almost completely surrounded by a tall reef and between the main island and the reef are many small islands called motu's.  Many of the fancy hotels are located on these small motu’s which can only be reached by water taxi.

One of the many hotels on the moto's surrounding the main island

Like Moorea the ocean bottom is covered in white sand

There are lots of road side stands selling local fruit

Yes they still have phone booths…