GRA Episode 5: Western Adventure Part 2 Epic Fails & Epic Sites

Join us through some major ups and downs as we narrowly escape a nasty winter storm, remedy our failed heater, discover an epic lake spot, shovel a ton of snow, witness some amazing wildlife, and get turned around...twice due to more snow!
This short video actually covers Days 7 through 12 of our trip. From Morrison Lake, MT we made our way to an overnight at a hotel in Butte as a nasty winter storm rolled in. Between a dead heater and not wanting to get stuck in a possible 9" of snow, we abandoned the trail. From there it was an early departure to west of Missoula where Peak Thermo King saved the day by unclogging our heater and bypassing the muffler with a rerouted exhaust.
Three days at our AirBnB and we were ready for dirt under our feet, again. With iOverlander I discovered what turned out to be one of our favorite sites anywhere on Lake Koocanusa. Havoc eschewed all survival instinct and swam, shivered, and swam some more in the electric blue waters.
From there Mother Nature just kept throwing snow at us, forcing us to turn around in the Whitefish Mountains not once, but twice; finally holing up in the Upper Whitefish Lake Campground. We'd have to save Polebridge for the morning. That was, absolutely, the worst day of the trip. Not only were we frustrated, but physically drained after recovering the truck from some snow and a long day in the saddle. Tempers flared, and April's difficulties were only amplified the more tired she got.
It was a key reminder to rest early, rest often, and accept that plans don't always work out. It's been nearly 5 years since her surgery, but we seem to need reminders once and a while that greater limitations exist. But we're so thankful with each new day as it's an opportunity to get it right!
This is the second part of our trip up to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to pick up our new Arkto G12 trailer, ultimately returning back through Montana into Wyoming where we hope to complete a huge milestone in our goal to head to the West! Join us as we experience trials and joys, visit old haunts and add sites to our best-of list, get up close and very personal with some grizzlies, and experience loss while the beauty around us provides levity.
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