Polebridge

I have often wondered where the "middle of nowhere" was.  Today I found out.  I drove to the north western part of the park, to a community called Polebridge.   Polebridge is definitely off-the-grid. With no electricity, power comes from generators and solar panels.  Lights are most often propane, wood-stoves provides heat and pit toilets are your source of plumbing.  Although it is only 29 miles to Polebridge from the main part of the park, it takes two hours to drive.  Hugh potholes and washboards are commonplace; space wide enough for two vehicles to pass are rare. You're definitely off the beaten path on this bumpy trek where speeds top out at 20 mph.   This little town hasn't changed much in 100 years, boasting one bar, the Northern Lights Saloon and the Mercantile.  The red-planked Mercantile was built in 1914 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The interior looks much like it did in the early 1900's.   In addition to a place that will supply you with chain saw oil, rope, power steering fluid, spam and other necessities, the Mercantile has become knowns for it bakery goods that come fresh from the oven.  Sorry Daniel Plan, I had to break down and buy a freshly made huckleberry bear claw.  While the smell of cookies and pastries fills the small room, an old-fashioned cash register clangs up sales.

The saloon next to the mercantile.  Remember to bring your six-shooter.  

Sign outside of the Saloon.  Glad I ordered the trout.