10 Things I Learned on Vacation in Montana/Idaho

1.) If you see cherries at a farmers market or roadside stand, you should always buy (eat) a bag.

2.) Just because it's July, that doesn't mean that there can't be snow/sleet/sub-zero temps at high altitudes—as there was in the Yaak for our inaugural night of camping. Always bring waterproof gloves and layers.

3.) There are few things that I enjoy more than listening to family stories and learning more about places that hold deep rooted meaning.

4.) You can learn a lot about a town by looking at the interior of their grocery store (like this one in Troy, MT).

5.) There's nothing quite like a good parade.

6.) Making big life promises and celebrating love by a gushing river is a fantastic idea.

7.) When your vacation plans are interrupted by the unexpected (like back pain), go to a National Park (Glacier in our case) and starting walking. The scenery will soothe the aching muscles.

8.) It is highly exciting to spend a week of camping during high wildflower season.

9.) Even when you are keeping a look out for wildlife (bear, moose, deer) while hiking, don't forget to look down and take in the details.

10.) Spending two weeks enjoying this sort of scenery (this was taken in the Selway Bitterroot wilderness area), reading books, embroidering and enjoying loved ones is the perfect recipe for refreshment. If you can take a break from multitasking, do it.