Downtown Kalispell-July 30, 2012

As we drove into town last week we made a mental note that we wanted to walk in all the stores when we got time. Today was time. However, once we had parked and started walking we discovered there were actually only a few stores open. The number of vacant storefronts was really sad. We have noticed quite a number of houses and other properties for sale including an RV park just down the street. So, obviously this is a struggling community, not a thriving one as we originally thought. So many parts of this country are hurting. We then drove back to Big Fork but from a different direction. We found a valley that we both really liked a lot. It felt very welcoming. It was really pretty with a fabulous view of the mountains.There were houses for sale there, too, as well as a gigantic nursery (garden center). We had a wonderful lunch in a great place in Big Fork and, once again, were happy to see all the pretty flowers. We will be selecting our next stop tomorrow as we move on west on I-90. I'm so sorry we cannot share these wonderful cherries with you. Today we bought locally grown Ranier cherries. They are delightfully yummy. We may have to buy some more before we leave.