Hamilton, Montana - August 2 - 8 and Dilon, Montana - August 9-10

Driving from Spokane, WA to Hamilton, MT, we were close enough to see some of the forest fires in Montana.  These were all started from lightening strikes.  We started seeing smoke roll into Spokane during the last few days of July and it plagued us during our entire stay in Hamilton, MT.

While we were in Hamilton we naturally played the Hamilton golf course.  We were jumping up and down on hole number nine when I chipped one in from this location for a birdie!!

 

Speaking of the smoke, here is a photo from the golf course looking directly at the sun.  We could never look directly at the sun like this without all the smoke.  It didn't smell smoky but it did keep the heat down keeping us in the low 80's.  That's not bad for August!!  You can see the outline of mountains in the background.  Normally you can see the detail of the entire mountain range!

 

 

We had to tour the famous Daly Mansion in Hamilton.  Mr. Daly was a cooper magnet.  At one point in his life he was making the equivalent of 17 million dollars a week!!   He started this Mansion as a summer home but died before it was completed.  His wife lived in it until her death.  It was then boarded up and not used for many years. A civic group raised the funds to pay over $600,000 in back taxes to the State.   There are currently no living blood relatives.  The thing that we couldn't figure out is: where did all the money go?

 

We found lots of great restaurants in Hamilton, but our favorite for dinner was Spice of Life.  That's skewed pork top left, stuffed lettuce leaves and tenderloin with garlic mashed potatoes.  We love the appetizers as we get a variety and there is more than enough for both of us for dinner.

 

 

However, the restaurant that was the most fun was BitterRoot Brewing.  They had a 12 taste beer flight.  We split a great sandwich, and dessert was the best. It was a berry shortcake with raspberries that were the size of strawberries. But, we ate it before I got a photo.

 

 

Speaking of BitterRoot, it is the river that goes past our RV park.  You can see from this photo just how clear the water is!

 

It is not very deep but it is a pretty river that winds through Hamilton.

 

It's a short trip to our next stop: Dillon, Montana.  As we only have one full day,  we headed out to Sleepy Hollow Golf course shortly after our arrival.  It was built by a retired couple.  They were dry farmers and land owners.  One day he decided to build a golf course.  It is one tough 10 holes.  We think he adds a hole every year.  We just loved that he had mowed walking paths between the holes!!

 

 

We made the most of our short time in Dillon enjoying lots of interesting restaurants.  Everyone who had been to Dillon before told us you have to go to Sparky's garage. So, on arrival day, we hit Sparky's for dinner.  The food was good but it's even more amazing to see all the auto memorabilia!!

 

 

The next day we went to Mufaletta's for a Grill Cheese Naan Sandwich and a Muffaletta. 

 

 

We had to take a step back in time at The Mercantile for some delicious dessert, -  ice cream for me and a Malt for Mark

 

 

 

We ended the day with dinner at Roper's Longhorn Saloon and Steak House.  Yes, so far we have eaten our way through Montana.  Now its on to Ennis for our last stop in Montana this year.