Class A??

May 16, 2024

I am starting to think about our trip home and the inevitable reality that life on the road is coming to an end.

The cats are growing short on patience, tired of being cooped up inside. Autumn has become rather adept at opening the screen door, with several successful escapes, often Beans following in his tracks. The park issued cougar warning and confirmed sighting create a "next level" sense of caution and, an abrupt end to my solo walks around the campground which I had just started to get comfortable with.

Banff and the Bow Valley might just be the most beautiful place in North American but, my goodness, wildlife is no joke here. Even the seemingly innocent ground squirrels are reported to be quite aggressive when there is food around.

Before arriving at Banff National Park, we had travelled through a total of 12 states. Montana was our last and favourite.

Our first night in Montana we stayed at a Harvest Host golf course located in the small town of Anaconda, previously home to one of the worlds largest but now defunct Copper smelting operations. The 585 ft smokestack still stands today and is clearly visible from anywhere in town. Montana is full of similar historic small towns set among mountains ranges and low sweeping valleys. With no clubs and a fierce cool wind we decided to enjoy the atmosphere and warmth of the glowing fire tables inside the screened in porch of the clubhouse. After an excellent meal and some great wine, we slept very well in our parking lot accommodation. There was one other fellow RV’er staying overnight, a nice couple from BC. Always a good feeling to have company in these situations.

Old Works Golf Course excellent food, drink and view!

Saving the best of Montana for last, we booked into a high end, Class A only, RV resort in Polson. Polson is an unassuming lakeside community, enveloped by the snowed tipped Mission mountain range and the massive and beautiful crystal clear Flat Head lake. It was absolutely superb and our home for 3 nights.

Class "A" is a type of RV also referred to as a Diesel Pusher, Coach or Bus.

Class A, Diesel Pusher, Coach, Bus, its home on wheels.

 Funny story, I was once telling a friend about our place in Florida and happen to mentioned that it was Class A only. She very innocently, and in a hushed tone, asked, “how do they determine you are Class A”? “Do you need to provide financial statements?” Horrified, I immediately explained the different classes of RV’s and yes ours was on the larger and more expensive end but, we were not part of an elitist RV club determined by financial means and extensive vetting! We had a good laugh and later I am sure I did a bit of inward reflection about my “class situation”

Overlooking Flat Head lake and majestic mountain views, the Polson Motorcoach resort really is premiere outdoor living. Tiered manicured sites meant your views of the lake, mountains and adjacent private airstrip are never compromised. Each site is decked out with unique lush landscaping, paved and stone patios, plush lounging furniture, fire pits and chef inspired outdoor kitchens. Still too early for most travellers, especially those not willing to white knuckle the mountain passes to get here, we practically had the place to ourselves. It was a real contrast to our Florida home where Tikis and Palm trees are the norm. We had a few discussions about whether a second RV spot might be in our future?

The camera does not show just how steep some of these roads were.

Isn’t that the way when you are travelling?  Imagining yourself staying, not just a passing tourist, wondering if you would really love it or are you simply taken by the place in the moment?? For now, we are sticking with the moment. 

Montana is a beautiful state as is the trifecta of Colorado, Wyoming and Montana. A wonderful couple of weeks for sure. 

Interesting facts, the population of Montana is just a smidge over 1million. Wyoming just 500,000! Small in population but larger than life in natural beauty.

Bidding adieu to the great United States of America and crossing the boarder into BC we were convinced it couldn’t get much better. 

No "Italian" restaurant in sight, so some "scenes" from a Montana Motorcoach Resort instead!

Until I write again, Cheers!