Home for the winter

September 15, 2013

More work on the lot, it's now 12:18 and we are inside.   Will be glad when we get used to this heat or it stops.   Think getting used to it will come first....lol.

Susan and I will hit the pool later this afternoon.   We have a wonderful time just floating around and discussing the worlds problems!

September 14, 2013

Went to town to run errands and look at the house.   Our renters have moved out but they left it in excellent condition.   Hopefully we'll find new tenants ASAP.

Worked on the lot until around 12:30, to hot, so will spend the afternoon in the air conditioned coach.

Susan cooked spagetti for us.  Ate outside, yes it was hot but beautiful and oh so peaceful!   We are the only two couples in the lower section!

September 13, 2013

Left St George around 8:30 and headed to Las Vegas.  Stopped at Costco just long enough to get our supplies and then headed to Havasu.

Stopped at an overlook east of Hoover Dam for lunch.  The rains have helped but still Lake Mead is low.

We arrived on the lot around 3, Susan & Dan where surprised to see us, we had told them we'd be here tomorrow!   It's good to be home but it's mighty hot!!!!

Started to clean the place up, then around 5, we went to Chili Charlie's for dinner with Brian, Shirley, Susan & Danny.   Great catching up on everything.   We got home around 6:30 and the pool was calling our name.  It was so nice!  I'll be spending lots of time in this over the next few weeks!

Utah 2013

September 12, 2013

Rain finally stopped, in fact we were able to get in 9 holes at the Dixie Red Hills course, which is just below the Elks Lodge.

After lunch, we had a few errands to run, which included me going to Cracker Barrell and K-Mart.   This town has so many more stores than Havasu, so I had to get my fix!  LOL.

September 11, 2013

It rained all day...tired of this rain, all though this area like so much of the USA needs it.  However they don't need the flash floods that these storms have brought.   We know Zion got hit really hard.

After breakfast we did some shopping...IZOD, Home Goods, etc.  Love these stores and Havasu doesn't have them.   Bought a few items, Bobby probably thinks we are broke...lol.

September 10, 2013

It's pouring, we will wait until 11:00 to decide whether we can stay here or move to the NP campground.  It's raining so hard, that our jacks (on 3" thick boards) have sunk into the ground.   Not sure the NP campground will be better.

We decided rains won't quit for several days so we'll head to St George in hopes the weather is better.   Left around 11:30.

Guess what, it's just as bad, hopefully we'll see sun tomorrow

We are staying at the St George Elks Lodge, we've stayed here before.   Nice place, has electric with water and sewer available.   We'll tour town tomorrow

September 9, 2013

Our first hike in many months....that's a long hike.  Today we did the Queens Garden and Navajo Loop.   It's about 3 miles round trip and you go down 747 ft....believe me, it seems more like 2,000 ft when you are climbing back up.    We started at an elevation of 8,000 ft
....seems like there is very little oxygen when you are climbing back out.  Having said that, the views are spectacular!   I never get tired of seeing the Fins, Windows & Hoodoo's.   The weather was perfect, not to cool or warm, although it got hot at the ended, sure that was because my butt was dragging!   It is only 64 but they say it feels like 70 and it's 2:30 PM.

We finished the hike around 11:30, came home for lunch and then went over to Ruby's Inn to look around.  They have a huge store, grocery, etc.  All the things that visitors want to look at and buy!  Across the hwy is an old town replica, so we walked thru the few shops.   We did buy two Christmas items, one for the golf
cart parade and one for our yard.

Came back home around 2:15, will stay in for the afternoon as the skies are dark and thunder is off in the distance.   Sure it will be close before the afternoon is over.   Tomorrow we move to the National Park campground for two night.  We are paying $47 a night here and there it's $7.50.  Difference: full hook-ups vs. dry camping, but heck, we are used to dry camping.

September 8, 2013

Muddy waterfall

We had intended to drive to Escalante, UT and spend the night.  When we arrived at the State Campground, the spots had been flood
ed and were covered with 4-6" of mud. It had been raining for the past few days and was pouring today.  So, we decided to look at the visitors center and then continue on to Kodachrome State Park in Cannonville.

We took scenic hwy 12 from Torrey to Byrce, it's a beautiful drive but has some very steep climbs and descends.  The summit is at 9,600' (Capital Reef is at approx 5,800') and we had to go down to steep grades of 14%...yes, 14%!   However the scenery is worth the trip, that's if it's a clear day!

When we arrived at that visitors center in Cannonville, the ranger informed us that more than likely Kodachrome had same problem.  I called Ruby's Inn at Bryce Canyon and they had a spot available, so we knew they'd not be flooded.

Bryce Canyon

Part of the Queen's Court

We stopped at several pullouts, at one in particular we took a hike to Mossy Cave, here we got to see a waterfall.   First waterfall we saw that's the color of mud!   Also took many pics of the hoodoo's.  They are awesome!


We then continued onto Bryce arriving around 2:00 PM.  Got settled in and then drove into the park.  Went to Sunrise point.  Took a short hike, then the rains returned.  Back to the coach, tomorrow we are going to hike around the Queen's court if weather allows.  Suppose to rain all week!!!

September 7, 2013

Playing around the rocks

Standing on top of the world

A quiet day for us…we drove to the Gooseneck and looked around.   It’s amazing that you can’t see this from hwy 24.   Afterwards we headed to the twin rocks and played around them for awhile.   It was getting hot, so we headed to the visitors center and watched a movie called Watermark.   It explains how Capital Reef got its name.

Came home and played cards, took a walk to the Gillord House, otherwise it was an easy afternoon.  

Tonight we cooked steaks for dinner and now are watching a movie.   Our last night at Capital Reef.

September 6, 2013

 

Twin Rocks

Chimney Rock

Road trip today, went to Boulder, UT (approx 40 miles away), to see the south side of Capital Reef NP.  First stop was to see Chimney Rock and the Twin Rocks...they are on hwy 24 about 4 miles from the park.   

We  then took hwy 12 towards Boulder, it’s a steep road but we’ll also travel it when we leave on Sunday to head to Escalante.   The summit was at 9,600’…hope the old girl can make it up and down this pass…..I know she will.

Once in Boulder, we stopped at Anasazi State Park Museum to look at the old Indian ruins.  Not much left of them, but still interesting.   We then headed down Burr Trail….it’s a beautiful drive thru the red rock canyon.   While there we walked thru a short slot canyon…love slot canyons.

Having a great time

slot canyon

We then drove back to Boulder and then home. 

At 8:00 PM went to the amphitheater and listen to world renowned Dennis Young talk about the stars.  He lives in Sedona and came here for this weekends Starfest.   He had lots to show and it was very interesting.   Afterwards they brought out 4 very large telescopes and we had the opportunity to view the stars.   That was really cool!

September 5, 2013

Rock formations in park

Old school house

Left park around 9:00 and drove towards Hanksville, UT.   Along this route, you get to see the Petroglyphs, Capital Dome, etc.   We were hoping to see Hickman Bridge, but back in March they had a major landslide and the trail has been closed since.   

We took a side road about ½ way there, and found some crystals.   Very cool….I have them in a bucket soaking, will try and get rid of the red dirt.   These are different crystals than I see before, they are fairly flat.

Came back to coach around 1:00 PM, had lunch, then I worked on some family photos.   After that, Bobby and I played cribbage….no internet and we are dry camping!   Unusual for us not to have internet, so we have to play games to entertain ourselves….lol.    

Giles Farm sign

Capital Dome

Around 4, we went to walked to see the Gillord house…it’s approx 3 blocks away.   It’s an old house that was built back in the 1800’s.   They have things for sale…jams, jellies, etc.  We bought to small dishes of homemade ice cream for a $1.00 each.  Yummy!!

Bobby fixed dinner…chili dogs.  They were excellent!   Now we’ll watch a movie.

September 4, 2013

 Left Jordanelle State Park around 9:30 and drove to Capital Reef NP, approx 200 miles.  We had rain showers off and on, once we hit hwy 28 & 24.  Hwy 24 is rough at times, so we had to go slower than planned.   Once you get on this hwy, it is truly beautiful as you get nearer and nearer to the NP.    You get to see the red rocks that UT is so famous for long before you get to the NP. 

 

The nearest town is Torrey, which is about 10 miles west.  Not much there…the usual, grocery store, rv park, etc, won’t spend much time in this town.   We arrived at the visitors center around 2:00 PM.  Got the information I wanted and headed to the NP campground, it only cost us $5 a night for dry camping.

Once we found a site, we took a 10 mile scenic drive that runs thru the campground.   What beautiful scenery we saw!   Makes you want to live here but NO...way to cold in winter.   We drove to Capital Grove where you can see petroglyphs but the weather was coming and we needed to get out of this canyon.   On the drive in we could see the damage from the rain fall a few days ago and don’t want to be caught in a canyon.

 

Arrived back at coach around 5:30, walked over to the apple and pear orchard and picked a few of each.   You are allowed to pick as much fruit as you want.   If you take it out of the park, then it’s a $1.00 a lb.   Great deal.

Fixed dinner and then watched TV….no internet service, so can’t communicate with friends…ugh!

September 3, 2013
 

Inside the crater

Memorial in Midway, UT

Left the RV park in Thayne, WY around 8:30.   It took us about 4 hours to reach Jordanelle State Park in Ut, partially because of the heavy fog we had in several places along our route.   The other two couples decided to continue on toward Provo, as they want to be in Havasu by Friday.
 We'll spend the night here at the state park.

We have a great view of the lake and the earthen dam.   The lake is low, like every other reservoir we seen the past few weeks.

Inside the crater...see the scuba divers behind us?

Went into Heber to look around....pretty little town although not much to do.

On the way to Midway, UT we stopped at their Veteran's Memorial, they have names on the plaques from 1812...very impressive.

On top of the crater

We continued on into Midway, where I found a store to look in.   It's sort of like a Hobby Lobby but cooler stuff.   I bought two things for Haloween.

Next stop was the Homestead Crater,which is a 55" high calcite dome located on the Homestead resort in Midway, UT (about 4 miles west of Heber).  The water averages 95 and it's deep enough that they offer scuba diving.   It's approx 65' deep!  We did not take a dip, it's starting to rain and need to get back to the coach.

Took the river road home....beautiful drive through the mountain side.    Tomorrow we'll probably head for Capital Reef National Park 

Wyoming 2013

September 2, 2013

It's raining cats and dogs so we'll do laundry and watch TV today.  Tomorrow we head to Heber, UT.

September 1, 2013

First it's hard to believe it's already September....where have these four months gone?

Sunset from the park

We played golf with Bob & Gail at Aspen Hills....it's a nine hole course designed by Johnny Miller...yes, it was very tough!   Glad we had carts, as this was a very steep course.   At this altiude, it would have been very tough to walk.

Sun was beautiful because of the smoke

Went to lunch in town at Juan Taco House....it was just ok.   We then came home and did a few things.

I could dinner for the gang...pasta dish.   It's amazing how fresh air makes everything taste so much better!

There new forest fires in Idaho and the last two days we've smelled the smoke.   Will be glad to leave on Tuesday and get out of this smoky area.


August 31, 2013

We drove to Afton, WY so we could hike to Intermittent Falls, this is the one of three in the world.   It's very impressive to see a waterfall turn off and on for what seems an unknown reason.   This water source is the water source for the city of Thayne.   It is crystal clear and cold!  I'd highly recommend if you ever get into this area to see this waterfall.  If nothing else, the drive up the canyon is beautiful!

We came home and went to the Oktoberfest that the park w

as putting on.  For $10 we got brats, sauerkraut, German potato salad and apple strudel for dessert!   We worth the entry fee!   While there we saw John
& Sally and Deano & his wife.   They both are from our park in Havasu.   It sure is a small world.   Sally told me Brent and Sharon just left two days ago, which we had seen them.  




August 30, 2013

Today was a golf game with Bob & Gail Sims, we played Cedar Creek, which is approx 3 miles away.   Hard course, we all shot horrible but it's a tough course.   Not an excuse but I'm using it anyway!!!

August 29, 2013

Don, Bobby, Bob & Kitty

We left Colter Bay around 9:30 and drove to Thayne, Wy.  We are staying at Star Valley Ranch RV Resort for the next 4 days.   Our friends Bob & Gail along with their friends Don & Kitty will be joining us.  

Bobby and I took a drive to locate the golf course as we are playing with Bob & Gail tomorrow.  We also took a trip into town to do a little grocery shopping.

Gail cooked an enchilada casserole for all of us for dinner, it was wonderful.  

August 28, 2013

Elk on a ridge

Buffalo herd

Today we drove to Jackson, WY, it’s about 40 miles south.  We left around 9:40 and stopped at Moron to see the most photographed ranch in the world.    It’s beautiful with the Tetons in the background.  

We then continued onto Jackson, arriving around noon.  Gail called and we found them in town, they have Kitty & Don Petersen with them but Don was home sick.  

Moron Ranch

Bobby & Gail in Jackson

Had lunch at the Bunny café, it was just OK!  We then walked around town and looked through most of the shops.  Bob, Gail & Kitty left us around 2:00 but we looked around for about another 1 ½ hours.   On the way home, we stopped at the Mountain Art Center, it’s about 3 miles North of town.  It has really cool art work….we only looked at the outside stuff, as we could see the weather coming and wanted to get home before it hit!

Just after we passed Moron Junction, we saw a large herd of Elk on the hillside.  Only thing left for me to see is that elusive moose!!!!

Tomorrow we are heading to Thayne with the other two couples, so we can play some golf with Bob & Gail for a couple of days.

August 27, 2013

Today we took the lower road through Tetons National Park, left at 8.   Our first stop was the Jackson Lake Lodge…it has 60’ panoramic picture windows so you get an awesome view of the Tetons…however, I like taking them outside.  We also had breakfast here….at at the café…much like an old dinner.  The food was excellent…I had huckleberry pancakes!

 Just as we pulled out onto the road, we saw Sandhill Cranes…they are huge and beautiful.   Our first wildlife in the park.

We then follow the road towards Signal Mountain Lodge, again I take more pics of the Tetons.  We continue to follow the road and stop at every pullout that we can.   

On the way to Jenny Lake we there’s a one way lane that you should take, it a beautiful drive.   At Jenny Lake we walked around the lake a little, but elected not to take the boat ride across the lake.  Today we are exploring the area…we might come back on Thursday if time allows.

Between Jenny Lake and Moose, we went to Menors Ferry.  This is an old town that Mr. Menor used to transport people across the Snake River.  They usually have it operating but do to the current from the high water, it was not in operation.   Apparently Idaho farmers need the water and own the top 39’ of the lake so it’s being diverted to them.

Next we took the road to the LSR Refuge.  This road also leads to Teton Village, which we continued onto it.   We’ll see the refuge on our way back.   You drive down this road 8 miles (part is dirt/gravel) and you arrive at Teton Village.   While traveling down this road, we saw people stopped and asked what they were looking at….a black bear.   As we drove past, we got to see it but the pic did not turn out.  Teton Village is the ski area of Jackson Hole!   We looked around and had lunch but did not take the tram.   We still have a lot to explore and time is going by fast!

Back to LSR Refuge…this is the newest facility in the park (2008).  Laurance Rockefeller gave it to the park in honor of his father.   This is the youngest son of Mr. Rockefeller.  While walking to the center, we saw a red fox….he looked thirsty but we found out he’s a resident of the center!   The center is very nice.

Next stop was Moose, here we visited the Craig Thomas Discovery Center.  It’s got a lot of stuffed animals, etc.   Tomorrow we’ll come back and may watch a movie.

At Moose we took the outside route back to the coach, along the way we saw buffalo, prohorns, coyote and bald eagles.   Now all I need to see is a moose!

Once we arrived at the coach, we rec. a text that our friends Bob & Gail Sims would be in the park around 6:00 PM.   We drove over to see them (it was raining plus thunder), we visited for about an hour or so.   Learned that they had an electrical problem in Cody which took out there refrigerator, microwave, satellite box, etc.   It cost $730 to fix….we are not the only ones having issues on this trip.

August 26, 2013

Old Faithful

Damage done by EQ in 1959

We left Ennis around 9:00 and headed to Yellowstone.  Along the route to Old Faithful, we saw an elk and a buffalo.  Once at Old Faithful we had lunch and then headed to see her.  We had about 10 minutes.   She is still as amazing as she was 3 years ago when we saw her.  It was unbelievable how many people were there…doesn't anyone work!  Lol.  We then went to the visitor’s center and looked around.   Once back at the coach, we headed to Tetons.

Along the way we stopped at several pullouts to take pics…..one of my favorites was Lewis Creek….the falls looked like a miniature Niagara Falls.

Lewis Falls inside Yellowstone NP

We've arrived

We arrived at Coulter Bay Campground around 3, just in time to set up the coach before the thunderstorms hit.  Around 4, we went to the local store, looked around and then went to the boat launch.  It’s awful to see the slips so far out of the water!   More thunder and lighting, so back to the coach.

Montana 2013

 August 25, 2013

Panning for garnets

Train in Nevada City

We spent the day touring the towns of Virginia City & Nevada City.  Decided to take the train that takes you between the two cities, you learn about the history of the area.  While in Nevada City we toured the old buildings and watch individuals make rugs, sewing clothing, etc.   Very interesting.

We took the train back to Virginia City and walked up and down the main street.  It’s a very old western town.   Afterwards, I wanted to dig for garnets, so we drove to a place near Nevada City and bought a bucket of dirt for $15.  They taught us how to wash it and collect our jewels.  Yes, we did find a few small pieces, enough to fill a small vial…nothing big enough to make jewelry though.

 August 24, 2013 

at entrance to cavern

Inside cavern

Left Butte around 9:30 as we had to get propane and gas.   Decided we take a different route and go to Lewis & Clark Caverns...glad we did.   Even though we've seen many caverns, this is a great one.   You have to walk 1/2 mile up a steep trail (you gain 300' in elevation), then you climb up 100 steps to get to entrance.  While in the cavern, you climb or go down over 500 steps.   Some of the passageways are very tight and Bobby had to go through them backwards, so not to hit his head.  I had no problems.

We then headed onto Ennis, arrived around 3:00.   Got set up and then went into to town to get a movie....not much TV reception.

Tomorrow we'll go to Virgina City.


August 23, 2013 

Lady of the Rockies

Bobby with our tour guide

First stop was the Chev dealer, need to change oil in the truck.   Made an appt for 1:15, then we headed to the Lady of the Rockies tour building, where we watched a 20 min. video on how it was made.  We then loaded into 2 vans for our 45 min ride to the statue.   It's a private road, so you must take the tour to see it.  Believe me, it worth the cost to see the 2nd tallest statue in the USA..statue of Liberty is #1.   The other tour guide actually worked on the roads and building of the statue, so it was interesting hearing him tell his stories.    We were there about an hour, then then brought us back to the mall.

Miners Memorial

We took the truck to the Chev dealer, then walked to the coach for lunch.   They called around 2:15 and said it was done but it was raining so Bobby waited another hour.  Once he got home, we headed to see the mining memorial that's located near the Berkley pit.  They did a great job at displaying this memorial.

27 oz piece of gold

We then headed to the mining museum, I wanted to see the largest piece of gold ever found in this area...it weighs over 27 oz.

It was after 5 when we left the museum, so we drove around town looking at the houses, etc.  We'll have to see the inside of the mansions next time.



August 22, 2013

First thing you see in Butte

Mat brings pigs to shop

 Left Helena around 11:00, waited for Mat to return from Butte so we could say goodbye.   Once we arrived in Butte, we went to the Lady of the Rockies tour office and made arrangements to take the tour at 10:00 AM.  Then we headed into town to look around.   First stop was the Berkley pit...it's a huge copper mining pit that is no longer being used.  In fact, it's a lake filled with acidic water that kills everything that gets near it.  Thankfully, birds don't land in it.
 

Berkley Pit in Butte

Copper King Mansion

We then drove past the college and went to the Mining museum but it was closed for a private function.  We then went to find the "copper kings" Mansion.   Along the way we found the Charles Chateau....it's the house the copper king built for his wife.  It was also closed.   Finally found the Copper King mansion but it was 3:30 and it closed at 4.  It's a bed and breakfast, so they only show tours at giving hours.  It started raining just as we drove up to the mansion, so we headed back to the coach....once again, left windows open.

Spent the evening watching movies.

August 21, 2013

Last Chance Tour Train

Decided we'd take the train tour around downtown, first one is at 11:00 so we sat around and had a leisure breakfast....wonderful!   Arrived downtown around 9:40, boarded train and waited for the conductor.  She gave a very informative tour of the downtown area, Last Chance Gulch, many of the mansions, 1874 lookout station, etc.

1874 lookout station

We then headed to the walking mall in downtown.  The train is able to drive on it but otherwise it's a walking mall.  Our train ticket allowed us to get a few free things....soda and ice cream to name a few.   We then head back to the coach, as as soon as Mat gets off work, we are going to take the Gates of the Mountains tour.

art work in downtown

Mat informed us at 2:25 that the last tour is at 3:00, we thought it was at 4.  By the time we get there, the boat is just pulling away from the dock...yes, we missed it.   So, Mat took us on a scenic tour of the area.

We arrived back at the house around 5:30, sat around and BS for a while, then the four of us headed to dinner.   They treated us to Chubby's, it's about 12 miles south of Helena, yhey are famous for their gizzards.   They were a little chewy for us but flavor was excellent.  For dinner, the three of them had deep fried pork chop sandwiches.  Bobby said it was wonderful...I had a chicken salad.

Have not decided if we'll leave tomorrow or spend one more day....tomorrow, we'll decide.


August 20, 2013

Catholic Church

Inside the church

Woke up to lots of smoke in the air, learned later in the day it's from the Idaho Fire.

We left around 7:45 to take coach to Les Schwab.   Left Max out in Anita's yard, cooler than being in truck.
Next stop was the Cathedral of Helena....it magnificent.   You won't believe the stain glass work inside.  The outside is nice but not as impressive as the inside.

Wanted to take the train tour of downtown, but it did not start until 11:00, so we drove back to Les Schwab.   Coach was done, apparently value stem came loose.   Hope it's fixed.  Took the coach back to Mat's, let Max inside...happy to see us.   Decided we'd drive to Deer Lodge, MT and see the sites there

Grant-Kohr Ranch house

On the ranch...gave us coffee cooked on the fire

First stop, the Grant-Kohr ranch.   This was a 1,000,000 acre cattle farm in it's hay day.   You get a guided tour thru the house but you are allowed to wonder around the remaining buildings by yourself.   Along with cattle, they also had Clydesdale horses (these belong to Mr. Kohr's grandson).   It's a great opportunity to see how important the cattle industry was to us.

We then headed into  town to have some lunch...ate at the local casino.   Not many choices in this town!  Next we went to the Old Montana State Prison, only option is the self-guided tour.  They give you a map and it walks you thru the buildings, the main building was destroyed in the 1959 Earthquake.  It's kind of spooky walk thru the cells, can't imagine the living conditions these inmates had.   Not something I'd every want to experience!

Bobby's future car...must win lottery 1st

Prison

Connected to the prision is a wonder auto museum, which we toured, along with 4 others on the opposite side of the street.  Those covered the history of Montana, Cottonwood City (name before changed to Deer Lodge), Ragged Ann & Andy collection, doll collections plus others.

Got home around 5:30, fixed dinner and will just catch up my blog, etc. tonight.

  August 19, 2013

Common sighting in town

capital of MT

First stop, Les Schwab...got an appt for tomorrow at 8:00.  We then drove to the visitor center (along the way, we saw 5 bucks crossing the street....still in velvet...apparently this is common), picked up several brochures and then headed to the capital.  We took the tour, the gentleman was very imforative.  They had just completed a major renovation in 2002.   They took it back to the original (or best they could).  We learned about the paintings, strained glass, etc.  The most interesting facts I recall are that the road house appraisal company came in and appraised the stained glass, some of it was appraised at over $2,000,000.  The pink glass is the most expensive...didn't know that.  Also they have an original Charlie Russell's painting in the House of Representatives...it's value is over $60,000,000....yes, this figure is correct.

Charlie Russel painting

Next stop was the Historical Museum, which is next door to the capital.  It has very interesting items plus a huge collect of Charlie Russell's.

Skull at museum

We then decided to go to Walmart for cat food...Max won't be happy unless I come home with food.

Decided to make spagetti for Mat & Anita....pretty simple dinner for us...they loved it.  Anita works for Blue Cross/Blue Shield, as was happy not to have to cook.

Watched a show called Longmire with them, then came back to coach around 9.

 August 18, 2013


Got up and got the coach ready to travel, however when we went out side to check the outside, I noticed the right rear tire was flat...here we go again, I said to myself!  Bobby pumped air into it, since it's Sunday, everything is closed.   We decided it was a slow leak and we could make it to our next stop, Helena.

Swan Lake

We took hwy 83, what a beautiful drive, you go alongside 3-4 lakes.  The road was good but a little windy.  When stopped at a pull off near Lincoln, MT and unhooked the car.  Left the motorhome parked in the shade and headed into Lincoln.  At the Ranger Station there is a 830 LB grizzle that a pickup hit in 2007.   It was very impressive thru the window, yes, it's Sunday and it's closed!   Thank goodness we had a window to peak thru.   Drove back to the coach and continued onto Helena.

830 lb grizzly

We arrived in Helena around 2:30, we drove to Tizer Meats, the owners Mat & Anita (they are best friends with Ron & Deb).   They are allowing us to stay on their property while we are here in Helena.  Their home is next door to the meat processing business.  Ron came over also (drove separately), to help Mat with his refrigeration units.

We sat around the rest of the afternoon talking until around 7, when they took us to Brewery House to have dinner.   Excellent food, especially the coconut covered onion rings.  They were to die for!


August 17, 2014
 

Conrad Mansion

Parlor at Conrad Mansion

Ron & Deb picked us up around 10:00 and we headed to Kalispell.  First thing on our agenda, drop their car off at Les Schwab, the tire stem needs to be repaired on one of their tires.   We then headed to the Conrad Mansion, got their about 11:10, the tour had already started, so we drove to Woodland park and walked around.   Arrived back at the mansion around 11:50, as tour starts on the hour.

The guide we had was very informative and what a beautiful house they had.  You get to tour the main three floors, of which have 90% of the original furnishings.  The Conrad's youngest daughter, Alicia, gave the house to the state in 1974, along with all it's furnishings.

It cost $10 to take the tour but well worth it....however, no pictures are allowed.  Learned this after I took these pics.

Whitefish Ski Resort

View from Summit

We then went to lunch at Panda Express.  After lunch, Ron drove us to Whitefish to see the ski area.  Took the ride to the summit.  We were at the top about an hour and then took the ride down.  Ron got us a great deal with his military discount...thanks Ron!   Riley and I decided to do the Alpine Slide ride, had a blast.  Ron, Deb & Bobby took a lift ride to the the lower lodge, while we took the ride.  This area also has zip lines, tree houses, etc.   Next time think we'll try the zip line!

Went back to Les Schwab and got their car around 6:00 and then headed home.  Deb made turkey sandwiches.   After dinner Riley and I took one last swim in the lake, he also leaves to go home tomorrow.   Tomorrow we'll head for Helena.

August 16, 2013

Ron cooked breakfast for everyone today.  Had eggs, ham, hashbrowns and toast.  These two have spoiled us with all the cooking they've done this week.  Guess we have to stopping telling everyone Deb can't cook....lol.

Decided to rest today.....so we came back to the motorhome to catch up on a few things.  Bobby did laundry and worked on the seals around the slideouts, etc.   I did a little cleaning, worked on my insurance women's bulletin and of course this blog.  Hope you've enjoyed reading it so far!

August 15, 2013

Hiking (Riley, Jo & Chris)

Ram

Deb picked me up around 8:00 AM and we drove for approx 1 hr to get to her friend Chris' home on the east side of Flathead Lake.  Chris gave us red velvet cupcakes to eat and then we headed out on a 3 mile walk.  Walked around their 6 acre property.....was hoping to see a bear, but only saw it's droppings....darn!

On the walk back down the hill, we stopped at her friends Rod & Janice's home, Rod gave us a tour.   He's a huge collector of stuff....very interesting to see his collections.

Dinner at Many Springs

Tom & Chris on the boat

Once we arrived back at Chris' home, we picked cherries....they are so good, picked about 4 buckets worth.   They have about 300 commercial trees....a small farm for this area.

We then drove back to Deb's house, the boys were back from their day of helping Ron's friend Joe fix some problem at the hospital....had to do with their refrigeration units.

Later in the afternoon, Riley & I went swimming, while everyone else rested inside, has become a daily ritual with us.  Around 4:00 PM, Chris and Tom came over and we loaded in the boat.  Ron took us on tour around Wild Horse island, we had the opportunity to see rams and deer.  Very cool!

trying to scare bears away

Sunset on the lake

We then drove the boat to the east shore of the lake and had dinner at Many Springs Restaurant.   It was expensive but good.

Came back to Ron and Deb's at dark.  Deb feed us her Cherry Pie...delicious.  We then called it a night and came home

August 14, 2013


Arrived at their house at 7:00, Riley could not get out of bed, so he'll not being playing golf with us.   We loaded up the truck and headed to Polson to play golf at Polson Country Club.  Very nice course.  Bobby beat me by 3 stokes...he did not play well, but I played much better than I have been....happy with my 93.

Ron cooking a turkey

Ron did OK, Deb hasn't played since leaving Havasu, so she struggled but we had a great time and laughed our way around the course.

Took them back home around 1:30 and then came home.  I forgot my swimsuit.   Got home and Bobby decided to wash the truck.  I cleaned the coach and then we left to return to Ron & Deb's around 4:00 PM.

Doe near their house

Ron deep fried a turkey for dinner...amazing.  We'd had these years ago and had forgotten how wonderful it is.   Deb made a marinaded salad and I brought a macaroni salad.  One of their friends (Joe) who used to work with Ron joined us for dinner.  We had enough food to feed an army, little alone six of us.   For dessert, Deb made a Flathead Cherry Pie....it was a frozen pie, reminds you of Cherry Garcia Ice Cream.

We left around 9:00, about 2 houses down the lane, we saw a doe in the road.   Also just before we got to the hwy, we saw three laying in a field.   Love them!

August 13, 2013

Ron showing us the lake (Ron, Bobby & Riley)

 Met up with Ron & Deb around 10:00 AM at their house.  We left the house around 11:00 and head out in the boat for a ride towards the North end of the lake.  Ron took us along the west shoreline and showed us many houses owned by famous people.  Some of these homes are magnificent.

On the boat

We then crossed the lake and headed to Bigfork.  Quaint little town on the east side of the lake.  We moored the boat and then walked about a block, where we arrived at main street.  We poked around in the shops, ate cookies, cupcakes and ice cream.  Fun way to spend a couple of hours.

Jack Hanna's home

We returned to the boat and took a leisure tour down the east side.  Along the way we passed Jack Hanna's home...magnificent.  It's a huge home.  Shortly afterwards the storm clouds started to form, so we headed for home.

Preparing bike for the water

Upon arriving at the house, we could see that the thunderstorm was going to go around us, so Riley and I decided to go swimming.  We have a blast jumping off the dock, time and time again.   Deb even did it twice with us!

Ron cooked elk hamburgers for dinner....delicious!

On Deb's deck

After dinner, back to the lake for more swimming.   Riley wanted to ride his bike off the dock into the lake.  Deb helped him secure a life jacket to it, so it would float.   What a kick it was to watch him.

 I was exhausted from all the swimming, so we headed home around 9:00.  We have to get up early tomorrow, as we are playing golf at 8:00, means we'll pick them up at 7:00

August 12, 2013

St Mary Lake

Donald Lake

 Started the morning by driving to west entrance to Glacier National Park.  Looked around the visitor center and then head out on the "road to the sun".  It's a 52 mile long drive from West Glacier to St May.  We made numerous stops at the pullouts, Logans Pass, etc.  You have many opportunities to view the glaciers, waterfalls, valleys, etc.   It's a beautiful drive that takes about 3 hrs.

Touching a glacier

One of many waterfalls

Once we got to St Mary, we took hwy 89 to the 49 and then hwy 2 back to West Glacier.  Along this route, you go by the east entrance to the  NP.   This took us about 3 hrs also to come back home.  It was a long drive, drove about 250 miles but well worth the trip.

After we arrived back home, Ron & Riley stopped by, the were out grocery shopping for Deb.  We'll meet up with them later this evening to go out to dinner.



August 11, 2013

Ron & Deb's house

We arrived at Lakeside, Mt around 2:30 (we are now in Mountain Time).   Got settled in at Edgewater RV Park, had lunch and then headed to Ron & Deb's place.  They live about 10 miles south of Lakeside in Rollins, MT.

On flathead Lake

They have a home on one of the inlets on Flat Head Lake.  It's beautiful, has a boat dock and all.   We were there about an hour and then they took us for a boat ride on the lake.  We got to see Wayne Newton's home, which is fairly close to theirs.  We also got to see the castle house as it called, it's on an island and is up for sale for $65 Million.....want to buy it?   We stopped and floated two times, so Deb and I could jump in the lake .  Must say, first time was a little tough getting into the lake...at 70 degrees, a little cool.

Jumping off the dock (Jo & Riley)

We then came back to their house, their grandson Riley is staying with them, so him and I went for a dagger ride around the bay they live on.   After we arrived back at the house, we decided to jump of the dock and play in the water.  

Deb & Ron cooked steaks for dinner....they were excellent.  By the time dinner was over, I was exhausted, so we came home.