Oh, Montana!

 Wade Lake, Montana

With the heat of summer in full effect, the Westside TeNgaios were looking for an escape that involved swimming, adventure, cooler temps and ample fun – and we found it in Montana.

Our main objective for the camp trip was to visit Lewis and Clark Caverns. I didn't want our family to stay at the Caverns campground because there is really no shade and it's pretty bleak as far as a campgrounds go. We prefer camping in the pines where the air is cooler, shade is in abundance and the campsites aren't sandwiched together, (i.e. RV parks). Beaver Cr. campground on Quake Lake fit the bill perfectly. Plus, it's within easy driving distance to the caverns.

 Beaver Cr. Campground

A content pooch

For some reason I hadn't been back to this campground since I visited Idaho way back in 1984. I know my Aunt Barbara and Uncle Roger used to frequent the site before they built their cabin near Wade Lake (more about the lake later) so there must be a reason they always went back.

When we arrived at the campground we noticed a sign saying a bear had been sighted in the campground the day before and they had a bear trap set up. Not sure if it was a grizzly or just a black bear, we were a bit nervous. However, as we drove around the loop we noticed a few other families camping in the area in tents so we figured it can't be that bad. Plus, it'll keep the crowds away! We found out a few minutes later from the camp host that it was just a small black bear so we were cool with it. Camp on!

With camp set up, the temps in the 90's in the valley below and the whole afternoon to play we set off to see what all the hub bub was about in regards to Wade and Cliff Lakes.

 

Paddling on Wade Lake

 

 One stoked little girl

  

Big Brother showing Little Sister the art of stone skipping

  

Britt chillaxin' and soaking up the sun on Wade Lake

We were pleasantly surprised with Wade Lake – what a gem! I can't believe we've never been to this lake as it's not that far from I.F. It's a great place to swim and chill. We rented a canoe and it was awesome to see the kids fight over who got to paddle. I think everyone except Izzy dog were having fun out in the middle of the lake. After ample sunshine and water shenanigans, we called it a day and headed back to camp and an early bedtime.

The following day we jetted for Lewis and Clark Caverns to the north beyond Ennis and Norris. This was another destination that my uncle Roger had taken me to back in '84 (on the back of his Silverwing…it was awesome, thanks Roger!) and I had been waiting until the kids were old enough to hike it on their own and enjoy it.

Photo caption not needed

Britt and Rewi in da' cave

Madi & Ethan at Lewis & Clark Caverns, Montana

Despite the commercialization of the caverns and all the people lead by park guides and packed into the holes in the mountain, it's a unique and visually stunning experience. The caverns are mostly lit up and there are railings for the many steps throughout (use them, as the floors can be quite slick I found out). Plus, watch your head in some spots. The smell isn't as musty as I remember and the guide told me that the cave is actually drying out so the damp, musty smell has lessened. Interesting.

Being a climber I couldn't help but notice awesome looking features, holds, futuristic routes – just crank those lights up some more, let me put some bolts/anchors in and we'd have a kick ass crag!

Spawns of TeNgaio

Anyhow, the kids thought it was really cool and Britt thought so too. It's about a 2 hour round trip and being the middle of July, you really get to experience the temperature variables of the outside air versus the inside of the caves. Another good thing about the caverns is that they have shaded kennels in the parking lot for pooches. Izzy wasn't too stoked about it though but we made it up to her later.

Ethan shows us how it's done

On our way back just before turning into our campground Britt yelled "bear!". Sure enough there was our little black bear running across the road, scrambling up the hillside, you beat the system once again little dude. A quick dip in Quake Lake for the kids and then it was back to camp for dinner.

Fixin' for a grubbin'

Back at camp it was time to try out dutch oven enchiladas – they rocked! Especially when served with a fine, cold craft brew. I could do this every day.

Day 3 found us pigging out on heart-clogging meat products and such for breakfast before breaking camp. It's funny – I'm usually ready to get home after some of the these camp trips, but not this time – I could've stayed up there at Beaver Cr. much longer.

One worn out Isabella who is glad to be home

We made one more trip over to Wade Lake before heading home and were pleased to see hardly anyone there. I guess it helped being Monday and all. Oh, and we saw a badger…it may have even been a Honey Badger.

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