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North America, Travel
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August 12, 2009

Journey to Missoula, MT

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The morning after our second night camping was beautiful…and it was a perfect day.  We packed up the Routan and started making our way out of Yellowstone.  But not before making a few stops at some amazing places.

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We first  stopped at the Mammoth Hot Springs.  We had heard about the hot springs and how wonderful they were, but like everything else up to this point, it’s one of those places you just have to experience for yourself to really appreciate.  It’s a place where the powerful shifts always taking place on Earth are so evident that you feel small and completely powerless just standing there watching what these changes have created and continue to create. I will say, it was a little nerving going with the two little ones, who were constantly wanting to run free, and though we managed to contain them pretty well, I would tell other parents that depending on your own child this may, or may not be, a good place to take little ones, especially if you have more than one to worry about.  We did ok, but it’s worth the mention.

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After taking in the wonders of the hot springs we made our way towards the North exit of Yellowstone National Park. It was sad to be leaving this beautiful place, though I will admit, I had my fill of camping for the next year or two (or three).

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IMG_1097We soon reached Gardiner, MT when we started feeling hungry. As we drove through town we saw a sign for the “Home of the Hateful Hamburger” that really intrigued us and drew us in.  Helen’s Corral Dive-Inn is pretty unassuming, a simple Drive-In, not much to look at, with a few seats on a covered deck outside, and a small shack where you order your burgers through a small window and then prepare yourself for a bit of a wait while they make them. But, despite the warning of the longer wait for our burgers, we stayed.  It has been my experience that often times it is exactly these small, little places that hold the biggest surprises.

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IMG_1110Now the burgers aren’t cheap, we’re talking about an average of $10.00 per burger meal, but they also aren’t your average burger.  When my husband brought out his order of buffalo bacon cheeseburger my jaw almost dropped!  And then the tag line “Home of the Hateful Hamburger” made total sense to me.  This thing was HUGE, and man was it delicious.  Caution to the wind and pleasure to the palate with this one!

IMG_1105It may be a very good thing Gardiner is so far away!  But if you ever find yourself in town, Helen’s Corral Drive-Inn is a must-try.

After that incredible, unexpected, and very filling surprise lunch, we rolled into the Routan and continued on to Missoula.

In Missoula we had an awesome time.  My husband celebrated his 20 year high school reunion, I got to meet some great friends, and a few ex-girlfriends, and had a wonderful time as well.  Even the big city girl in me loved Missoula.  Such a cute town, that offered us tons to do.  In this video I share with you a bit of what our two days there were like.  The song I chose for the video is one that the Missoula radio stations played over and over, and so now, when I hear it, it brings back happy memories of our lovely time there.

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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3 Comments
  • The Walds
    August 12, 2009

    Sure looks like you guys are enjoying your Western Adventure! Thanks for sharing all your pics and continue safe travels!

    Reply
  • Country Inn and Suites, Billings, MT |
    August 18, 2009

    […] Missoula was a wonderful experience.  We had a great time all around.  As we made our way to Billings, MT, I wondered what we could find to do there.  I asked a couple of people who lived there.  I went online and reviewed the Billings city site. However, I was also on my way to *review the Country Inn and Suites in Billings, MT and in checking their website I found that they had several itineraries on their site for those visiting any of the locations.  For Billings, MT, I found an itinerary for the area, called Peaks and Valley Country. It had a list of activities that we were eager to try out once we got there. […]

    Reply
  • Daydreaming of Summer and Road Trips! | NYCity Mama
    June 28, 2010

    […] The first official day of Summer is Monday, June 21, but we have been planning Summer for months! Most of our planning involves our 2010 Road Trip Adventure!  Last year we packed up the kids in a Volkswagon Routan and made our way from NYC to Missoula, MT. […]

    Reply

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Yellowstone National Park: Camping
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A Beautiful Day in Billings, Montana

About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. I’ve been a mom for a really, really long time. As the oldest of all my many, many siblings, caring for littles started very early in my life. I have cared for, changed diapers for, fed, rocked to sleep, booboo-kissed, advised, reprimanded, worried for, been frustrated and given anxiety by more kids than I care to count. Because I started caring for children so young, I was convinced I wouldn’t have any of my own. But I had my three beautiful boys.

I miss the little babies they were, sometimes to the point where it aches, but I love seeing the men they are becoming. I am most grateful to them for the ways in which they continue to help me discover more about myself both as a mom and beyond motherhood. My identity was never fully in being a mom, I never wanted that for myself and they all have respected, accepted, and given me space for that. And I love them unconditionally for it. Because as they start to find their own paths in life, I am not left with an empty anything, instead I find myself with a life fulfilled. Of which being their mom has been the greatest adventure.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mother figures, caregivers, and humans who have provided for another in loving, maternal ways regardless of biology and traditional roles and societal expectations. ♥️ May you find fulfillment, love, and joy in the ways you have tried to give to others who needed it most.
The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS The Village of Monticello is located right off NYS Route 17 (future I-86), mid-way between New York City and Binghamton. It is also the largest community of the Sullivan County Catskills. Like many rural downtowns across the U.S., Monticello has experienced some hardships. However, what I found especially lovely was how there is a vibrant BIPOC community, especially Latino, thriving with their small businesses and eateries keeping Downtown Monticello alive.

Imagine my delight to have seen several Dominican- Puerto Rican eateries serving and sounding like a slice of home. Last night’s treat was had at @nellys_latin_restaurant. 

Roasted pernil, grilled chicken, rice and peas, yuca, sweet plantains, ox tail, goat….the list goes on and on. Right here in Monticello, NY. I ate and washed it all down with a cool papaya shake, just like from the islands.

So, if driving through, be sure to check out downtown Monticello for some good Caribbean eats…and wait till I tell you about breakfast!!! Thanks @nickfingdavis for the find! 🇩🇴🇵🇷

#monticellony #catskills #goodeats @sullivancatskills
Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwine Nothing like the beautiful golden hour in @flxwinecountry.🌞

#myflx
These days you will find me walking in the rain, c These days you will find me walking in the rain, chasing waterfalls, and anything nature filled. Such is spring in the Finger Lakes 🌷

#fingerlakes #lifeinthefingerlakes #cascadillagorge #ithacany
I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in l I sometimes can’t believe how easily I fell in love with this life.

There was a time when my DREAM was to be one of those old NYC ladies living in a 4 story walk-up, and who people would often see pulling around her shopping cart from market to market. And while I long for a NYC that barely exists anymore, I do have to say I am still often surprised at how dramatically that dream has changed.

Now I dream of uninterrupted days spent tending to my garden and growing food and other pretty greenery I never knew I could. Or figuring out new recipes and sitting by the fire with my puppies on my lap.

I crave mornings made foggy by the adjacent lake, and early wake-ups by the sound of the passing horse and buggy on Sunday mornings.

Yeah. The world is big and there is so much I want to see still but I also love this place where it feels like nothing else matters, not even the mud on my hands and boots.

📸 Gardening bliss on a rainy day at @theflxcottage.
Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center Yesterday, we headed to @tanglewood_nature_center to scout a photography location. The focus was work. But as we took the 3 mile hike to the overlook, through the mud, in the rain…and the sun, because spring, and as the birds sung, the woodpeckers pecked, and the deer strutted, I felt myself feel lighter, happier, and at ease. With just a walk, in this beautiful place. Alongside my beautiful partner.

If you call the Finger Lakes home, I hope you can also appreciate it and the gifts it offers, even when we least expect it. And if you need a reminder, just go outside.

#tanglewoodnaturecenter #fingerlakes

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