Pulling out of Osens RV park at 9:30 – great little park with a wonderful view and deer in the field next door last evening – we topped off the fuel and cleaned the windows for our first run on Interstate highway since Salt Lake City.  I put the CC on 60 and just rolled up and down the mountains.  Trucks passed us on the way down and we passed them on the way up.

Downtown Phillipsburg, Montana

About 20 miles past Butt, MT, we left I90 for Montana Scenic Rt1 and took a break at the rest stop there.  We met a group of ladies from the Eagles Auxiliary in nearby Anaconda, MT who wooed us with brownies, carrot sticks and coffee while telling us everything to see in Phillipsburg, MT (our destination for today).

Checking out the flowers

Traveling on MT1, we passed mines and lakes and about an hour later we arrives in Phillipsburg, a town of about 820 that has no real reason to continue to exist (and prosper) than the will of it’s friendly citizens.  A few years ago, they decided that the town either had to attract some revenue or die.  They cleaned up the old buildings and attracted new businesses from potters and brewers to boutique shops and BBQ restaurants.  The established businesses perked themselves up and now the town is a prosperous little place and a great low-key destination for tourists.  They distribute a newspaper throughout the Northwest, have several B&Bs and smiles for all the visitors.

Our campground.

Friday night was their annual all you can eat clam and oyster bake put on by the volunteer fire department.  They take a refrigerator truck to Seattle, fill it with clams and oysters fresh off the boat drive it back and cook it all along with all the trimmings and, of course, craft beer from the town brewery.

Waiting in line.

We walked to the firehouse and waddled back afterwards with some new friends and some wonderful memories – I estimate 2000 showed up – the picture is where we were in line with just as many behind us as in front. 

Inside the firehouse – almost there!