Montana Big Sky Country
KALISPELL, MONTANA — “On the road again — just can’t wait to get on the road again”…
And the old adage is so true.
Having moved to this small residential enclave in Northwestern Montana of 22,000 residents in late 2015, the family Ruffolo traversed here from our home in Southern China for the pending arrival from the stork of our newest brood … baby Jeffrey Peter Ruffolo Jr.
He is a perfect child—except when he screams to the High Heavens for food and attention—which is just about always.
So—after numerous childhood vaccinations, work opportunities and endless babysitters in the Flathead Valley, my wife Cris and I agreed it’s time to go back to the Philippines, her hometown Cebu, to breathe and recharge.
Montana rest stop
So—we packed up our SUV with our pride and joy—the twins Nicholas and Antoinette—along with baby Jeffrey—and hit the road, a 2000-kilometer journey to Los Angeles International Airport and a subsequent 14-hour non-stop flight to Cebu.
In our family history of traveling with children, we have learned, relearned and unlearned things.
So–if you too have a hankering to pack up the children, dog, cat, rooster (or two) for an extended road trip, here are some helpful hints to get you south to Utah or wherever your next destination may take you .
Food, Food, Food. In America no one ever seems to go hungry and on the US Interstate Freeway systems there are ample places to stop and fill up your tank with gas and bellies with hot, fresh and so unhealthy fast food. Always make sure you have lots of fresh bananas and apples along for the ride as they are so much better for humans and filled with lots of potassium which settles the young one’s tummies.
Nature Guide. In our initial overnight stop in Butte, Montana on the way south to Utah, we stopped along the way to take lots of pictures for Cris’ blog Reading Ruffolos (www.readingruffolos.com) and play tour guide for the twins. There is plenty to see along the way and we pointed out all of the faces in the clouds. Picking out letters and colors in passing cars on the freeway is also a fun play time for the little ones.
Montana break
Turn It Up. All along the drive from Montana south through Idaho, there were small radio stations that played great 60’s and 70’s music for Cris to jam with and we even got the twins to be-bop in their car seats.
Don’t Forget to Sleep. If you are driving more than four hours, you can bet that your kids will also be passing out from the drive. The wife as well. Well buster, you can’t follow suit or everyone will be wrapped around the nearest tree. When you stop for vittles along the road, be sure to caffeine yourself into a stupor. Look for the road signs that say the next rest stop is 90 kilometers away. You’d best believe it. Take a break yourself and stop to get a 30-minute power nap. You’ll be glad you did.
America’s Montana is the third largest state and is as big as California or Texas.
Which is pretty darn big.
Plan out your overnight trips in advance and book your hotel rooms on the Internet where you can be assured of earning those all-important hotel frequent stay points.
Next: Magnificent, Majestic Utah!
Questions, comments or travel suggestions, write me at theruffolos@readingruffolos.com.