Independance Day Weekend pt.1

So, I have hit the part of the trip where oppourtunity has started to unfold. We hit Portland, Seattle (again), Spokane, and then drove from Spokane after our show straight through to Polebridge, Montana where we met our friend Alan, whom we met during our first passing through Missoula. So going through Montana the first time was quite the experience, though driving up into northern Monatana was something completely different and magical, altogether. We headed north well after sundown, and this was the third of July, mind you, so along certain parts of the road there were people already beginning their Independance day celebrations. We tried stopping in one such town to try and eat, street party set up around one saloon with way too expensive sandwiches (oysters too, of course). A band played all SORTS of Top40 crap through a system that didnt so much push the sound as it did just fizzle the bass all wonky and amplify the otherwise whiskey-soaked voice of the cowboy singer. Nobody seemed to mind the terrible sound, and just kept dancing through it and the fireworks all around. We left promptly, and headed for the junction that would send us north into the unknown and towards a mere suggestion from a guy we'd only just met a week earlier our first time through Montana.

We got our grub at the junction, at a greasy-spoon/casino (they all are, out here), and I took over driving north, dead-set on getting us there before sun-up. I sold the guys into getting there and waking up where we neeeded to be instead of trying to get through on the 4th in all that traffic. I had to stop a few times just to catch a few winks and recharge, and a few hour drive took about seven, though only after Dave finally woke up and decided to drive the rest of the way. So I WOKE up in Polebridge, and the other guys slept while I figured out what this place was about and tried to find Alan, our buddy from Missoula.

Polebridge, Montana. What can I say? The last stop before Glacier National Park. The last stop before Canada. The last stop before utter WILDERNESS. http://adinarich.blogspot.com/2007/08/polebridge-proper.html (this site might offer a better picture of the whole scene). There is a mercantile with a bakery that has easily the best turnovers I've ever had in my entire life. Crazy hot bread pockets also filled with 8 different combinations of hot stuff, some of the best I've ever eaten as well. Mango-jalapeno salsa with Pork, anyone? It all goes fast, and I watched that 4th of July morning as campers, hikers, locals came from MILES and miles around to clear them out of everything they made. Next door, locals and even a couple of visiting wanderers were preparing for the day's festivities, setting up beer tents, getting the grill going. I tried to offer some help, and possibly get to know some people, but there were so many hands just helping out. People were just making it in for the day's party, meeting up and greeting friends they'd made the previous summer. I sat and watched in anticipation of the day's events. I knew it was going to be big. I had no idea.

I have to cut this short. I will write more later.