Monida, Still There, But Just Barely
Monida Pass, passing last settlement in Montana before dropping into Idaho
©Bert Gildart: Monida, a tiny town that takes its name from the fact that it is on the line between Montana (Mon) and Idaho (Ida), is one we stop at every time we head toward the Southwest from our home in Northwestern Montana. Last year we stopped and this year is no exception.
It’s cold country, and yesterday as we passed through it was 17. Not surprising, it is also high country, measuring 6,820 feet, meaning it’s higher than Glacier National Park’s Logan Pass, which claims 6,646 feet.
Once, years ago, I provided the Parade section of the Great Falls Tribune with a story about the most remote mail route in the Lower 48. If the mail carrier is still around, we didn’t see him. In fact, the town looked deserted, but one man did come out from a cabin to wave a questioning arm that asked if we needed any help. I waved back and he returned to his home.
OLD BARN
We also stop to evaluate the degree to which the old barn has deteriorated. Judging from the photos I took here last year, not much has happened.
After Monida, we scurried on, hoping to beat a winter storm that seems to be slowly working its way south. That took us past Salt Lake City to Provo where we’re parked in a snow bank partially plowed by the local KOA manager. No water, no sewage, just a place to park and an electrical hookup.
Blasted by wind, rain, snow and sleet, this Old Barn at Monida diminishes a little each year.
If we’re fortunate we’ll make it to Las Vegas today where we pick up the cut off to Death Valley. I have some work to do there, but mostly we’re there to met Airstream friends-and to get warm.
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LAST YEAR WE WERE CONCERNED ABOUT A DISEASE CARRIED BY MICE
4th ed. Autographed by the Authors
Hiking Shenandoah National Park
Hiking Shenandoah National Park is the 4th edition of a favorite guide book, created by Bert & Janie, a professional husband-wife journalism team. Lots of updates including more waterfall trails, updated descriptions of confusing trail junctions, and new color photographs. New text describes more of the park’s compelling natural history. Often the descriptions are personal as the Gildarts have hiked virtually every single park trail, sometimes repeatedly.
Big Sky Country is beautiful
Montana Icons: 50 Classic Symbols of the Treasure State
Montana Icons is a book for lovers of the western vista. Features photographs of fifty famous landmarks from what many call the “Last Best Place.” The book will make you feel homesick for Montana even if you already live here. Bert Gildart’s varied careers in Montana (Bus driver on an Indian reservation, a teacher, backcountry ranger, as well as a newspaper reporter, and photographer) have given him a special view of Montana, which he shares in this book. Share the view; click here.
$16.95 + Autographed Copy
What makes Glacier, Glacier?
Glacier Icons: 50 Classic Views of the Crown of the Continent
Glacier Icons: What makes Glacier Park so special? In this book you can discover the story behind fifty of this park’s most amazing features. With this entertaining collection of photos, anecdotes and little known facts, Bert Gildart will be your backcountry guide. A former Glacier backcountry ranger turned writer/photographer, his hundreds of stories and images have appeared in literally dozens of periodicals including Time/Life, Smithsonian, and Field & Stream. Take a look at Glacier Icons
$16.95 + Autographed Copy
January 12th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
aaaaand, they’re off!!
April 4th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
I have been taking taking photos of the old barn at Monida for many years from the same position and in all different seasons to document it’s demise. Surprised when I came across your photos.
What are your earliest photos?
Patrick
April 5th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Probably from 20 years back, and ironically, if the weather improves, we’ll see it again either today or tomorrow — on our way back home. Right now it’s snowing and we’re pulling a trailer, and we’re always cautious. Thanks for your interest.