Day 14, Steptoe Butte

We awoke early in the morning and ate our breakfast quickly in order to get over to Steptoe Butte SP in time for some good sunlight. The drive to the park was incredible – field after field of golden wheat and hay patched the ground like a giant quilt. Steptoe Butte was just a large, rocky hill that seemed very out of place as it emerged upwards in the middle of all these farm fields. There was a paved road that spiraled all the way to the top, so we were able to have yet another break from hiking. There were several other people at the top too, taking in and admiring the view just as we were, but within after awhile they all cleared out and we had the park to ourselves. The view was even better at the top of Steptoe. Though the sky was a little hazy off in the distance, we could still see for at least 30 miles in every direction. We probably spent the better part of an hour in the park, taking tons of pictures and walking over to the giant boulders that were scattered alongside the mountainside. It was so quiet and peaceful – the perfect place to just sit on a rock, gaze out over the fields and enjoy the tranquility of it all.

With Steptoe being the only thing on our to-do list we began the long drive to our hotel in Kalispell (haha the name makes it sound like a magical place). The 360-mile drive to Kalispell took awhile, and by the time we arrived in the town, checked into our hotel and got settle in it was about time for dinner. We decided to eat at a local pizza place, known as the Mackenzie River Pizza Company. The ordered some delicious chips and salsa along with a family sized pizza that really hit the spot.

While looking for a place to eat, we had passed a theatre and looked into seeing Toy Story 3. I was originally going to see the film with my friends back in Sycamore before we left, and now that we had the opportunity to see the 3D movie in a newly opened theatre in Montana I was all for it. We had heard nothing but good reviews about the movie and after seeing it, I agreed with all those positives remarks. Pixar did an excellent job creating this movie and I would say it’s a MUST SEE for everyone – even if you’re not into animated films. Jessie was even a little skeptical at first, but as we walked out of the theatre, still holding our 3D glasses and our giant bag of popcorn leftovers, even she couldn’t think of one negative thing to say against it. I absolutely loved Toy Story 3 and can’t wait for it to come out on DVD, because then Dad will be able to see it on our Netflix. Since he was extremely tired, and didn’t want to risk falling asleep in the theatre after buying a ticket, he decided to go back to the hotel and pick us up when the movie ended. The whole car ride back Jessie and I were going on and on about how much we loved the movie. It was a great and easy-going day, one I can say with confidence that we all enjoyed.