Leaving Missoula, Montana on July 21, we wind our way south on Hwy 93, surrounded by mountains, rivers and trees….all of which calm my spirit. Even without watching TV or listening to the radio, I am aware of all the various news of late, and my spirit feels wounded by it.
It’s good to be out here where nature still rules. Nature can be a lot of things, but right now for me it is a healing balm.
Our destination is in Idaho. To the east the Bitterroot Mountains rise.
The Bitterroot Mountains are named for a little pink flower. Long before Lewis and Clark wrote about this flower in their journals, the native people were using it’s long taproot for a major food source.
To the west, on our right, the Salmon River flows by.
We arrive at our destination early in the afternoon. We get a site between some trees, with the river in our back yard.
It’s hot here, but we have the AC, the awning, and the dogs can soak in the river whenever they get the urge.
Across a small footbridge is an island where dogs are allowed to run free. For me, that was the deciding factor in choosing this RV park.
Freedom!
We are relaxed, content, and I’m glad for a place where I can sit quietly and watch the river flow by.
Wandering Spirit 
Your beautiful pictures bring me calm. See the dogs happy with not a care in the world is a refreshing site. Thank you!
Hi Claudia, it makes me happy that these pictures bring you calm. Calm is much needed in these days. Much needed.
I especially love the picture of the sunflowers with the river in the background. I’m curious about the teepee, is someone camping in it or is it a fixture at the campground? The leash free dog area is wonderful, I’m adding this place to my “someday” list, it seems very peaceful and rejuvenating.
Hi Anne, I love the sunflower pictures too! I took quite a few of them so you may see some more crop up on another post. 😊
There are 2 teepees here for people to camp in. Since I’ve been here one has been used for one night. This is Wagonhammer RV Park, a nice family owned place. The area I’m in is for small rigs and tenters. The sites are long but narrow, and when someone is camped in the site next to me, it feels very close. Since I’ve been here, that site has only been used for one night. I like this much better than where the big rigs are parked, though some of those sites are on the river too, and that’s nice.
Lovely spot Micky! Happy dogs!!
We’re having another bad fire, starting in Garrapata State Park, heading north, Palo Colorado evacuated, Carmel Highlands on alert, steep terrain & hard to fight! No word on how it started in Soberanes canyon.
Heading south Tues, awaiting birth of our 2nd grand daughter, I think I mentioned when we last visited.
Hi Patty, you must be getting very excited about the upcoming birth! Congratulations in advance!
I heard about the Big Sur Fire. Very frightening that it is still 0% contained and so close to so many homes. It is truly still, “A Wild Coast And Lonely”. ( name of one of my favorite books).
It looks like the perfect spot for you three to be right now!
Yes Marcia, it really is. It just feels right.
Looks great, what elevation are you at there?
About 3665 feet Rick.
Many years ago when we were van campers we stayed at Wagonhammer. After a long day’s travel, it was a wonderful oasis for us. I thought the photos looked familiar, we actually stayed in the same site or very close by!
One interesting memory was the family from Australia who’s son had a real bull whip and could crack it perfectly. It sounded like a huge gunshot – incredibly loud. He was very considerate of others and only showed it off once or twice. Very impressive.
May you have a restful and enjoyable stay!
Hi Kitt, how cool is that! Yes, one of these spots by me would be the best place for a van camper. I thought they had been here for a good many years. Having explored the area, I’m glad I picked this RV park, too.
Nice to have you here, welcome!
Adding this RV park to my list for next year. I love areas where dogs can run free, that’s important to me. The pictures are great, have a peaceful time.
Yes Janice, and they are few and far between, it seems! There is a nice RV Park in St Regis, MT where I stayed, that has a huge open area where dogs can run free also. No water access, but lots of trails and open area too. It’s called The Nugget RV Park.
Glad you enjoyed the pictures!
I so envy you! I pray that I can someday visit these magnificent places you visit. So beautiful, serene and peaceful. God is surely an artist as these pictures look like paintings! Thanks for posting and sharing these pictures with us.
I hope your day will come when you can have your own beautiful adventure Callie. I could hardly imagine that it would really happen for me, but here I am, and I treasure every day I’m given.
Yes God is an artist for sure. I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures!