Pictures of Montana at Long last

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I Have Never Liked Green People

Home at last and still alive, but I would not like to drive back to Montana or Micanopy, not for a while. Tomorrow I am going to write about how much I dislike water restricters in hotel shower heads and my bias toward people with green skin. Well tomorrow came and went and as usual, I procrastinated. Man I wish I could spell or that this blog had spell check. Political correctness is the plague of this country. We are caught up in so many lies told by charlatans as well as some well meaning do-gooders that I hesitate to ever tell anyone the truth. Is that stupid or what? But, who wants to be thought of as small minded, or heaven forbid, a bigot. Bull! I can differ politically without being a fire breathing hate filled redneck and if you don't think so, well that's fine, no problem, just allow me to do the same. If you are reading this, don't lose heart, I will post more everyday. well, almost everyday.

"Poorboys and Pilgrims with Families

And we are going to Graceland." Paul Simon lyrics to "Graceland" Always liked that song don't know why, catchy South African rhythm with eclectic lyrics that mean whatever you think they do. Want more proof? try these words: "And she said losing love, is like a window in your heart, everybody knows you're blown apart, everybody sees the wind blow." Paul Simon is one more talented guy. But back to me. I have been to Graceland three or four times, no I had quite enough the first time but there is always someone with me that just has to see the house that Elvis bought for his Mama. You know me, I'm always accomodating, well almost always. I won't be going this trip and doubt I shall ever see his "Jungle Room" again. But I grew up with the sounds of the boy from Tupelo and he will always be the greatest entertainer of my lifetime. No one else is even close. Today was a day of road work and accidents, thankfully we were't involed in the accidents, other than sitting in traffic for three hours. We ended up having to detour over half of Arkansas trying to rejoin I-40 and find Memphis. The morning did not start well, breakfast was a disaster. I do not know if the owner was from India or Pakistan, but he was not from anywhere hospitality or culinary skills were taught. First they ran out of coffee, scrambled eggs amd sausage with two hours left in the breakfast period. Then they put out what he claimed was sausage gravy and biscuits, the gravy resembled nothing more than khaki colored water and the biscuits were servicable only as hockey pucks, all completely inedible. Beautiful hotel, poor service, and even worse judgement on how to save a few dollars. It was a fairly quick drive from Wichita to Oklahoma and on into Arkansas. But from the get go we encountered delays due to road construction, repeatedly we drove for 25 to 30 miles in one lane of traffic where the orange cones were placed by workers in training for a demolition derby. I do not know how semi-tractor trailer trucks negotiated the slalom courses that was laid out. About 30 miles east of Little Rock we saw a sign indicating an accident ahead. Traffic came to a stand still and after not moving more than 100 feet in an hour and a half, I turned onto the shoulder of the road, backtracked until I found a place to cross over the median, went back to the last exit and began exploring the untamed regions of the land of Razorbacks. There were trucks bumper to bemper for miles passing thru small country towns, the vehicles were all seeking to rejoin the Interstate. We passed two different junctions with I-40 where the police had the on-ramps blocked. Traffic was backed up in both directions for forty miles. Finally we made it to Memphis, but three hours behind our scheduled time. You will recall how excited I was yesterday about going to the Rendezvous for BBQ ribs. To do so, I would have had to go another twenty miles into the city and then back out to the hotel. I just couldn't face more time in the car. So we opted for another of the reknown "Big Three" rib places in Memphis. Neeley's Bar-B-Que. If you watch the Food Channel you know who the Neeleys are, if not suffice it to say they have been in the restaraunt business in Memphis for over 60 years. They are a delightful African-American couple who specialize in real, southern, down home cooking. I stopped in with high expectaions. But, I must have caught them on a bad night. As much as I wanted to like it, I just wasn't impressed. The BBQ sauce was too sweet, Jeannnie described it as "cloying' and I think that is a good description. Anyhow, all in all a tough day, I stopped in ravenous with hunger and ready for some good chow, didn't happen. Maybe next time, but it'll be a long time. Finally the GPS went nuts and dropped us off at the wrong end of a long road to the hotel. Instead of pulling right into the parking lot we had an eight mile drive across town through traffic and red lights. We were on the right road but at the wrong place. Just wasn't our day for driving. However, we have driven about 5,600 miles so far, and we are safe, that is really all that matters. One day left, if the good Lord is willing, we will be in Gaineville sometime tomorrow night. It has been fun, I would not have missed the trip but I am looking forward to home. I have decided to keep writing on the blog, but no more travel news. I think I am going to write about how I see the world. Just my thoughts, and no moderation at all. Fair warning, I am an alien on this planet. But for now how about another Paul Simon song. "You just slip out the back Jack, Make a new plan Stan, you don't need to be coy Roy, Just Get yourself free."

Wednesday, July 18, 2012, Caught Up (I think)

We left Longmont around 7:45 AM this morning and pointed the car south. Driving through Denver is not the challenge it used to be. Now there is a beltway to the airport and it allows drivers to completely avoid the congested morning commuter traffic. When I lived in Boulder, driving to Denver meant facing the morning sun and it is blindingly bright. (just like Jeannie. *She made me say it) Anyway, we had none of that, just an easy drive around the metro area and we were Kansas bound. Let me tell you about Kansas. I have driven through the state several times. Each and every time, when I buy gas, I ask the clerk if, he or she, knows that the highway, Interstate-70, can lead them out of Kansas? If so why not get on the road and go some place else, anyplace else? Kansas is brown, flat, windy, hot and goes on forever and ever. Heat shimmers off the road, the wind blows the Honda from side to side and even with 75 MPH speed limits, the state never seems to end. Wanna see the tractor museum? A barbed wire museum? The biggest ball of twine in the world? It is all here for you. Right here in the Sunflower State. Oh yeah, now they have our old football coach, Charlie Weiss, I feel better already, Charlie is exiled to Kansas, how perfect is that? You gonna need to sit on that ice cooler big boy. After an eternity on I-70, we turned south to Wichita and our stop for the day. Wichita has the largest western wear store in the world, so if you are ever wondering where it is, now you know. Hey, I find something good about anyplace, well almost. There is also a large cowboy hat store called Hatman Jack's. They boast they can fit any head. Really? Wanna bet? Left him in tears. Always searching for a unique culinary experience we went to "Hog Wild Barbeque." It was unique, I'll give'em that. Out of brisket, ribs and pulled pork the best part of our meal was the side dish, and it was canned corn. Enough said about Hog Wild BBQ. Tomorrow the goal is Memphis. Now in Memphis there is a Bar-B-Que place and it named "Charlie Vergo's Rendezvous Charcoal Ribs." What Einstein was to math and Van Gogh to art, the Rendezvous is to ribs. Ask anyone that has ever eaten there. For you folks in Gainesville, ask our friend Jim Strawn. I have eaten there numerous times and it just keeps getting better. The house special is dry rub ribs. You don't need sauce, just an appetite. I am looking forward to it. The plan for tomorrow is to overnight a little south of Memphis and then see about a last, long day all the way in to Gainesville. We shall see how it goes.

Driving South, Days One and Two

We left the lake and were retracing our path from Finley Point, through Polson, and down through Livingston, Montana and on to Pocatello, Idaho. All through the mountains I had trouble breathing, particularly as we were coming into Northern Utah. The more I thought about continuing to Durango and Silverton, Colorado and their corresponding higher elevations the more I doubted the wisdom of the idea. Finally we decided to forego the train ride and to take a more direct route home. Our first night on the return trip was in Salt lake City. We had been there three years earlier and visited a place recommended by the Food Network's Guy Fieri on his program, Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. The place was a Mexican taco joint called Lone Star Taqueria. The speciality of the house is a fish taco. The last time we were there neither of us had the fish taco and I have been hearing about it ever since. So, no matter what, one of us was having the fish and it wasn't going to be me. I had a chili verde taco and Jeannie finally had the object of her three year longing, a FISH TACO! Guess what, it was just so-so! I loved it, for three years I have heard about the taco, but it is in Salt Lake City! We live in Florida! Hello! it is fish! rather have it in Florida or Utah? Ohhh, how sweet it is. My chili verde was muy buena! The moral of the story? dont buy green chili in Florida and don't order a fish taco in Utah. The next day we were up bright and early and off to lower altitudes, can you say Denver? Actually a suburb a few miles north of Denver, Longmont, Colorado. On the trip coming out we made about 700 miles a day and completed the trip in four long days. We have decided to curtail the number of hours we drive each day and have opted for a five day return and about 500 miles or so each day. So far so good. In Longmont we found a local Mexican place called "Efrains III." We had a great meal, Jeannie had a Chimichanga (what else) and I had the best chicken enchilada I have ever eaten. Two Tecate Cervezas and a large bowl of salsa and we were set. I was eating a chili verde sauce that was so hot that I had one elbow on the table, tears rolling down my cheeks and yet kept dipping into the salsa again and again. Jeannie was laughing and said her dad used to do the same thing. Eating food so hot it brought tears to his eyes but tasted so good he couldn't stop. Man it was good. Later that night I recalled a saying by the late Lewis Grizzard, "Chili Dogs Howl At Night" Well Lewis, old boy they ain't the only thing.

Leaving the Lake of the Laughing Stars

On Monday we were up early and packing the car. Dave and Janine have been boon travel companions. Just love the word "boon" it is just so ostentatious, or is it pretentious? Either way, I like it a lot. We said our goodbyes and closed the car doors, all set? Not quite. You see the drive way leading down to the house is steep, as in very steep. The directions we received before coming had told us that if it rained, only a four wheel drive vehicle would be able to climb the drive. You will recall it had rained all day on Sunday. Now there was a small ditch washed out of the center of the drive, the remainder consisted of loose gravel. As I made my initial attempt, I made it about 10 feet then the tires started to smoke as they spun out. I mean smoking like a forest fire, filled the cab of the car. I backed up, Dave was outside and helped me to get as far back as possible. He encouraged me to get a running start and then keep it going. The car rocketed forward (as much as a Honda 4 cylinder can rocket, which ain't much) tires spun, gripped, spun some more and we were out of the drive and on our way. Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire! Home is 3,000 miles away. I have been to Montana several times and leaving is always hard. There is something about the place that is special. This time as I leave, I doubt I will ever see it again. I am so glad that I came back. I have lived in Alaska,Colorado and Florida, I love them all, but Montana is somehow different, it really is "The Last Best Place."

Some Posts May Appear to be Out of Sequence

If you are think I am posting some things out of sequence, you win the prize. You are 100% correct. For several days we did not have any cell phone or WI-FI capability. I would try to write everyday but could not publish onto the blog. When we did have service, some things went out, others did not. I do not know why. I hope to catch up today. (Better make that tonight) We have driven several thousand miles and it is taking it's toll on me. Tired of hearing me whine? Me to. While we were in Montana I mentioned to the group that on the fourth day of driving, I hit the metaphorical "wall." I attributed it to my age, weight, lack of physical condition and age. We had driven a bit over 2,700 miles in four days, the average temperature had been 105, and I was thoroughly whipped. Janine said, "Larry, I am forty seven years old, that's over twenty years younger than you and that drive would have kicked my butt, you have every reason to be exhausted." She kind of put it in perspective for me. I bet you thought I was serious about not whining anymore? It is 7:05 PM, the temperature is 106. The wind is 20 knots. More later, I promise.

Sunday it Rained All Day

We slept a little later than usual on Sunday. The boat trip, complete with all of the fresh mountain air, had ensured no one had any problem falling asleep. Still Dave and I were up and about by 8 AM and the ladies only a shortwhile later. Coffee has proven to be a work in progress. Upon arrival, Janine was a bit taken aback because the house did not have a coffee bean grinder, she had bought along coffee beans. We had purchased some ground Starbucks and we used that the first day. Janine used a blender to grind some of her beans and that was our breakfast beverage on the second day. Then a discussion ensued as to the proper strength of coffee. Is it tea colored or is it capable of dissolving metal? Find a middle ground you think? Why? It is much more fun to debate the taste, or lack thereof, of those with whom we differ. It has taken more time to type this, than we spent on the discussion but then I never know why I include or exclude anything. All of our meals have been noteworthy, none more so than the breakfasts. Jeannie and Janine make an awesome team in the kitchen, while Dave and I make awesome eaters. Everyone has their role to play. Ours no less difficult than theirs. Janine and Jeannie, have a different opinion but, as the author, I choose not to include it. This is the last day Jeannie and I will spend at the Lake, we are starting a circuitous route home tomorrow morning. We plan to go through Salt Lake City, Southern Colorado, then New Mexico, Texas and on toward home. For the first time ever, I am having some difficulty with shortness of breath and heart palpations. I think is attributable to our altitude. For that reason, I am a bit hesitant about going to Durango at over 8,000 feet and the elevation of Silverton, Colorado is over nine thousand feet. I am concerned about the cardiac problems but I just want to ride that wood burning locomotive between Durango and Silverton one more time. Dave and Janine will be here until Thursday. All of us had planned a lazy day to prepare for our trip home. The weather cooperated beautifully. It started to rain around 10 AM this morning and has rained all day. Thunderstorms on a huge mountain lake are wonderous to behold. They roll in across the mountains and then put on a light show on the surface of the lake. I have always loved watching storms and today reminded again what real power is and just how puny we humans are. Janine is making soup, Dave just remembered his phone is in by an open window, Jeannie is leaning over the rail of the loft looking at the white caps and watching the storm churn the lake. And me, I am wondering how to spell. Too late, anyone that doesn't know I am all but functionally illiterate hasn't been reading this blog. Lightening is getting more intense, I think I'll take a break for a bit. Back at the computer. This afternoon our weather cleared nicely. The rain seems to have cleared the air even more than usual. The Swan Mountain range is visible more than 50 miles to the North, we can see the the jagged peaks that heretofore were hidden by either fog or mist. Janine spotted several low flying helicopters going up and down the shore line. The choppers made several passes and were so low that I thought they might be searching for someone who may have fallen from a boat. As luck would have it the WI-Fi was actually working and I looked up the local helicopter services operating around the lake. It turns out helicopters are used to dry the cherry trees following rain showers. If cherries get wet during the last few days before harvest, they split and fall from the trees. The helicopters hover over the orchards and blow the water from the trees. The cost? A mere $500.00 per hour. Must be a lotta money in cherries. Earlier this afternoon, Janine made a Mexicali and beet soup (why the name of the soup? don't ask.) The soup was a conglomeration made from leftovers in the refrigerator, it was delicious. It was still rainy and cold outside when she made the soup and it was a perfect repast for our afternoon. I have been on the planet for 68 years and had never eaten beets and had zero intention of ever doing so. It is a testament to Janine's cooking that she put three kinds of beets in the soup and it was still terrific. She and Jeannie cut up some cheese rolls with spinach and prosciutto, poured us each a flute of Italian Sparkling wine, dropped in a Montana Cherry and we brunched in style. We lazed away the afternoon, as I said, today is the day before the journey home begins and I did not want to spend it in the car. Later in the evening we made reservations at a local restaraunt and had dinner. Ribeyes, Prime Ribs and Wild Sockeye Salmon topped off a really great day. Coming home from the restaraunt we counted twenty one deer. This was a new record for the trip. Tomorrow we are on the road. Nite y'all.

My Little Pretty Ones

While on the boat tour we came to know just how deeply our captain cared for the eagles and other wild creatures that inhabit the skies and shores of Flathead Lake. He would speak with the animals and birds and reassure them that neither he, nor his passengers meant them any harm. Upon sighting an eagle perched a quarter mile away, high in the top of an evergreen he would tell the bird "It's just me, my little pretty boy" another favorite phrase of his to the birds was "Keep on doing what you're doing" Dave and I were sitting behind the captain our companions were in the bow. Once when the captain said, "Hello my two pretty boys" obviously talking to two fledgling eagles, we overheard comments from the two in the bow implying he might have been talking to Dave and I. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Just needed to add that little story that has entertained a couple of bow riders far more than was warranted. Keep on doing what you're doing.

The Infamous Boat Tour of Flathead Lake and Wildhorse Island

It was raining and blowing when we got up Saturday morning.  We had pre-paid for a late afternoon boat tour of Flathead Lake and Wild Horse Island.  The island is a refuge for wildlife including mountain goats, sheep, elk, deer and of course, herds of wild horses.  The island is by far the most impressive feature of the lake.  It is several hundred acres with sheer cliffs risng over 900 feet. When we made reservations for the trip we had to provide credit card info and it was made clear there would be no refunds unless the weather was such that it might endanger the craft and passengers. After having our morning coffee and breakfast, it looked doubtful the trip would happen. This was the first time the weather had been anything but ideal.

Remarkably the weather cleared in the afternoon, the sun came out, the wind died and it looked like we were good to go.  First on our agenda was an exploratory and shopping trip into the town of Big Fork, Montana. Like so many tourist towns of it's type, Big Fork is a mixture of art stores, botiques, jewelry kiosks and trendy tea shoppes.  Janine uses the term "fu-fu" to describe a kind of "la-te-da" upscale wannabe ambiance.  In other words, every thing is going to cost more at a "shoppe" than at a plain old shop.

We spent the afternoon in and out of the various establishments, usually I was sitting outside on a bench watching the parade of tourists.  Time got away from us and we only had an hour to eat before we were scheduled to board the boat for the tour.  With so many eating establishments you would think that eating in an hour would be no problem.  You would be wrong.  Oddly enough the cafes seem to be divided into those who do lunch and those that serve dinner.  Much to our dismay we learned those serving lunch closed at three and those specializing in dinner did not open until six.  We were trying to eat between the hours of 5 and 6 PM, nothing, I mean nothing was open.  Fortunately we went into the Big Fork Inn, the owner was working and she was great.  She assured us we could eat within an hour and she personally made sure we did just that.  The food was not only quick, it was excellent.  I am always suprised when someone exceeds my expectations and she and her staff certainly did.

Fortunately the Inn was directly across the street from the marina.  So with bags and cooler in tow we made our way to the floating dock.  The owner operator was a local fellow who called himself "Captain Bill."  Like myself, he is folically challenged,  but he compensates by growing the sides into long blond hair. He is probably around 50 years of age, and in my opinion,  may have been on the lake a little too long.  He was just a bit "eccentric," but aren't we all. My first impression of him was skewed by the cap he donned.  A baseball type of cap but with flaps over both ears, and another  flap over his neck.  I am sure it was good protection from the sun but anyone wearing a hat reminding me of a cross between Jungle Jim and Sherlock Holmes, well, let's just say I keep a close eye on them. 

At our agreed upon time of departure we had blue skies, and a glassy lake surface.  Everything was ideal for our four hour tour. (Can anyone hear the theme from Gilligan's island?) I mean the lake is 28 miles long, 15 miles wide and 375 feet deep, this is a big body of water.  And as we were repeatedly reminded, it is the largest, natural, fresh-water lake west of the Mississippi river.  Loading the boat was,,,an adventure.  If you know us, you can imagine.  So after everyone was settled in their assigned seats, Captain Bill cast off.  I don't know the name of the boat but I don't think it was the SS Minnow, but ya just never know.

I am going to have to shorten the minute by minute commentary provided by Cap'n Bill to this, the lake was formed by "glacier scouring" if I heard that term once I heard it, oh say several dozen times.  I also learned that birds and other wildlife despise people who point at them, per our captain.  Who knew? After an hour or so of running, we saw some cliffs containing drawings made by Native Americans centuries earlier.  As an aside, there are a lot of gorgeous houses around the lake that were obviously built without any regard for costs.

Our captain noticed some clouds gathering on the horzion and called the weather service.  Based on their report, he decided to curtail the trip so in spite of two attempts to do so, I still have not seen Wild Horse Island. Janine implored our leader to risk a quick trip around the island but he would not do so.  I have always tended to side with an experienced mariner or pilot when deciding on weather or the safety of thier vessel.  However, looking at the weather on radar and inasmuch as two hours later, not a drop of rain had fallen, I think Janine was probably right.  But a lake that size can be fierce and I had rather be on shore thinking I could have stayed longer than be on the lake wondering if I am going to drown. I've been in both situations, being on shore is better.

We returned to our house, went out on the deck for drinks and to comisserate with each other about our weather shortened trip. However, it is hard to be unhappy about anything while looking at the lake, smelling the evergreens, watching the hummingbirds and listening to "polite crickets."

"The Great Gobbler Staredown" featuring Janine Sikes and Tom Turkey

Friday, July 13, 2012: Another day of seeing what the countryside has to offer. First we are off to see the dam located on the Flathead River, that together with the Swan River,forms Flathead Lake. There is a path to a viewing site where you can partially see the dam and the river far below. However, to get the most advantageous view you have to walk down a flight of four hundred and fifty steps, then return up the same daunting number. Three of us decided the restricted view was adequate but not Janine, nooo! she went all the way to the bottom. Eventually reappearing at the top, she was hardly out of breath. And within, say 30 minutes, she could actually speak in whole sentences instead of gasping about what a long way down, and back up, it was. We were temporarily disorientated (meaning lost) while trying to locate the National Bison Range, Janine was driving, Dave was navigating, Jeannie was trying to help and I was fulfilling my role as the resident curmudgeon. After wandering the backroads of Montana for eons, (actually a few ninutes) we finally emerged on a major highway, the GPS and Dave found us and we were back on track. Keep in mind what a large widerness area we are in and the number of backroads, mostly dirt or gravel, criss-crossing ranches and farms that seem to go on forever. So Dave and his GPS had their work cut out for them. Why even, old Dan'l Boone would have envied his path finding skills. Our trip through the Range made for an interesting afternoon. There is a narrow, one-way loop along a monutainous road. The sign says it requires two and one half hours to complete and it do, yes indeed it do. Within the first mile we saw three bison rolling in a dusty area, the purpose of their wallowing in the sand is to coat their bodies with dirt and thus ward off insects. For the next hour and a half we saw a ton of beautiful scenery but not much else. There was some good natured grumbling about the lack of bison in the Bison National Range. The last two miles of the loop were an entirely different story. We came upon a small herd of buffalo and got some great pictures. (where are the pics you ask? well it is about me being techinically challenged and an IPhone that will not cooperate) but trust me, we have three cameras and lots of pictures along with video tape. Anyhow everyone has great photos of the buffalo. One large bull started coming toward the car, Dave "encouraged" Janine to move the car, and to do so quckly! I wanted to stay and face the surly beast "mano y mano" but my companions chose discretion as the better part of valor, Whew. Maybe the highlight of the swing through the Range was our sighting of two large bull elk. Native Americans call elk "Wapiti" and folks these were two whopper wapiti with huge racks. I still do not understand how they travel in the forest with antlers so immense. Back in civilization, or Polson, Montana, we stopped for dinner. After talking about various places to eat, Janine suggested a Mexican place on the shores of Flathead Lake. Good choice Janine! We ate on their outside deck overloking the marina and lake. Food was excellent and the scenery was even better. Rumor has it the margueritas were wonderful. Following dinner, we drove back to our rental house, on the way we saw a ton of deer and a bear. The bear had knocked over several trash cans and was calmly eating dinner. The bear's attitude seemed to be, tourists be damned, there is garbage to plunder and trash to pillage. When we reached the house, Janine retired to the deck for some much needed rest, thus began the "Fowl Follies." Janine was out on the deck in a reclining chair relaxing and possibly dozing, she said she suddenly felt as if someone or something was watching her. She looked at the lake, no boats, looked to her right, more empty lake, she glanced left and saw "Tom Turkey" a wild turkey had came up the stairs and was on the deck peering at her. Janine stared back, unafraid, facing down the bodacious bird. She said her mind strayed to the thoughts of an early Thanksgiving dinner, possibley this very Sunday. Suddenly the bird, sensing his possible demise, beat a hasty retreat, thus ending another tense confrontation not unlike that in the classic western movie, "High Noon." I can just see the local headlines "Fierce fowls fear female fatale of Flathead." Film at eleven. Warning! Some content may be unsuitable for younger viewers.

The weather has taken a turn, every day has been perfect, blue skies and calm water. No more, thirty knot wind, rough water and overcast skies. Much cooler temperatures, guess what's on our agenda for today? A pre-paid, no refund, 3 1/2 hour BOAT TRIP on the lake at dusk. That's right folks from 6PM til 10:30 PM we are on a boat onthe largest lake west of the Missippi. See the video on the next episode of "The Dealiest Catch"

So What Happened Wednesday?

Wednesday started like every day has, breakfast on the deck, leisure cups of coffee and high level planning for the day's adventure.  But first Janine had to brief me on the "The Case of the Polite Crickets."  She insisted I include in this blog that Montana crickets are far more polite than their brothers and sisters in Florida. It seems Florida crickets either hate her personally, or they hate the world in general,  In any event when evening comes and thoughts turn toward sleep, Florida crickets increase their level of noise and invite their cousins the cicadas, and other insects as well as different frogs to join in a chorus of annoying noises that make sleep impossible.  Contrast this with Montana crickets who chirp quietly and pleasantly during the day, and at evening grow even quiter and notify the other insects that it is time for bed and they retire until morning when they gently wake you from sleep.  Hmm, polite crickets, Ok, moving on.

There are lots of animals around the lake,  daily we see dozens of deer, lots of wild turkeys and have seen two bears, or maybe one bear on two different days.  There are buffalo, elk, pronghorn antelope, eagles and of course, the herd of yaks. One oddity is the preponderance of cherry trees. Almost every house, and these are very high end houses, has a cherry orchard on the property.  Maybe this accounts for all the deer, they seem to be always munching on the cherries.  Janine has been disappointed by not being able to buy the cherries for canning, it seems we are a couple of weeks too soon for the harvest.

After breakfast, we headed for Glacier National Park.  Janine was the driver, David the naviagtor, Jeannie the designated animal spotter and me, well I was a passenger.  The entrance to the park is about an hour from the house.  A portion of the trip runs along mountain streams and everywhere are the moutains. Suprisingly there is still a great deal of snow on the peaks. After entering the park we stopped and bought ice cream, three huckleberry cones and one chocolate.  If we were in Tibet, I think Jeannie would be eating chocolate. With bathroom breaks and ice cream out of the way, we went further into the park.  The road steadily gains altitude, it is rightly called "the Road to the Sun."   People such as Dave's parents that have visited all of the national parks, proclaim Glacier the most beautiful.  From the more than two dozen I have seen, I would not argue. It is breathtaking.

We have lots of pictures.  Dave has a new camera, it records everything in a panoramic 180 degree sweep, both still shots and high def video complete with sound.  He MIGHT  have spent one or two waking hours not playing with that damned camera and is obsessed with trying to figure it out.  Thus far the video is great, BUT... it is all upside down, every single frame.  We are working on the editing process.  I am going to try and add some pictures to the blog as soon as I can download them. Mine will the ones that are right side up.

The park is a series of sweeping vistas encompassing waterfalls, glaciers, snowfields and rushing rivers.  there are fields of wildflowers everywhere.  The waterfalls begin as glaciers, then morph into snow, finally into rushing streams that continue for miles until they plunge hundreds of feet into rivers.  In a word, they are spectacular. We entered thru the west gate and exited thru the norteast gate.  We then drove along the park perimeter back to the gate we had orignally entered.  It was about a two hour trip but was never boring just too much too see and absorb.

Two years ago when I was up here, my friend Earl Vaughn told me about a place called the "Spiral Spoon."  It is a souvernir shop selling what? Wooden spoons. I did not find the shop on my previous trip but we did this time. We stopped in and visited with the owners, one of their relatives had a truck break down and my friend Earl, who is arguably crazier than me, drove up from Dublin, Georgia to bring the guy home.  They remembered the incident and Earl well, they asked me to say hello, so hello podner from the folks at the Spiral Spoon.

We ate near there at a joint called "The Whistle Stop," , Jeannie and Dave had bison, I had  BBQ pork, (not the best choice I ever made) I don't remember what Janine ordered but she had two side dishes, that cost so much Dave had an attack, then he over tipped, and Janine said,,,,ah hell never mind, I forgot exactly what transpired but it was funny,  All in good fun, like this whole trip, laugh and enjoy, times like this don't come along everyday.

We got home relatively early in the evening, grilled steaks on the deck, swapped stories watched the colors on the water change and blend and turned in. We had another rainstorm late in the night, but somehow it just added to the ambience of a magical place.

Flathead Lake - Where the Angels Come to Sing

The house is almost all glass across the entire front, it is is within ten feet of the largest natural, fresh water lake west of the Mississippi, River. Mountains are all around us, the lake is 28 miles long and over 300 feet deep giving it an almost cobalt blue color. There is a large deck overlooking the lake and a family of ducks float near us, they seem to live nearby. A hummingbird feeder supplies four of the perpetual motion machines that seem to prefer morning and evening visits. Several other different types of birds make their home in the half dozen or so cedars that are between the deck and lake. It is a never ending show of feathers and chirping. We have all of our meals on the deck. Sunrise over the mountains around six AM (8 Gainesville time) coffee and breakfast, life is good. Tuesday morning was a time to go exploring the local area. Lunch at a local diner then a trip around the perimiter of the lake. Found a place called "Three Dog Down" sells bedding, pillows, comforters and the like, not exactly my kinda place, but hey when in Rome, or in this case, Montana, well you know how it goes. Shut up Larry, we are having a good time. Uh, right. What do you think Dave? Oops, I forgot, doesn't matter what he or I thinks. They have a military vehicle, called a "Duck" it is a landing craft used in World War II, the ride is called "The Happy Hippo" Evidently it roars down boat ramps and explodes into the water drenching the occupants. Dave is hot to ride it, me not so much. An hour of being soaked with 54 degree water? NEXT! Dave saw a herd of Yaks, that's right, YAKS. They are raised for their coats, evidently it used on expensive sweaters. He decided to text his discovery to a physician friend who has just returned from Nepal where he actually had riden a yak. Unfortunately "spell check" reared it's ugly head and he sent his friend a message saying he had seen a "herd of hams." For the next 30 minutes he was on the phone swearing he had not been drinking. The day ended with dinner on the Deck, Did I mention Janine and Jeannie can cook? I mean really, grilled pork chops, huckleberry pie and an evening drink at sunset. The Native Americans are right, Flathead Lake is not only God's Country, it is where the angels come to sing.

Coordinating Arrivals and Then Some

Dr. Dave and Janine flew on Monday from Jacksonville, to Dallas, on to Las Vegas, then landed in Spokane, Washington and rented a Suburban. (man that's a big vehicle) They then drove four hours to Flathead Lake, Montana. I left Gainesville, Friday morning, stopped three nights, drove 2,752 miles. After all of their layovers, our nights spent on the road and our varied modes of travel, Dave and I arrived at the house less than five minutes apart. Try doing that, when you're hot, you're hot.

Back in the Saddle or (Finally got WI-Fi)

I don't quiet know how to start.  Been a while and a lot to catch up on.  First thing is the house is advertaised as having Wi-Fi and I guess it does but getting on it? Aye, there's the rub. Neither David nor Janine can ever recall having seen a modem for wi-fi that can only handle a single device, and often not even one machine.  After countless calls to the owner, the cable provider and even to the modem maker, we have managed to get communication with the outside world. Uh, sometimes at least.

Monday morning, we departed Buffalo Wyoming and went to Pompey's Pillar.  It was about thirty miles out of the way, but when you are talking almost 6,000 miles, 30 miles seems insignificant. The pillar is a sandstone tower with a flattened top, not unlike many similar mesas in the western United States.  However, it's unusual height makes it the most visible landmark for miles.  Because of it's unusual shape, the American Indians referred to it as "the place of the mountain lion," Evidently to some it resembles a sleeping cougar.  Explorers used the landmark for navigation along the Yellowstone river. When Lewis and Clark were on the return portion of their journey, they made a decision to divide their party into two groups. One group took all the horses and made their way overland while Clark stayed on the river.  The Native American female guide accompanying Lewis and Clark was Sacagawea.  She and her French Canadian  husband had a young son that Clark had nick-named "Pomp."   When Clark's canoes reached the tower, he decided to name it in honor of the young lad, hence, Pompey's Pillar. It is located on a beautiful portion of the Yellowstone and seeing William Clark's name still etched in the stone is impressive for anyone having a sense of American history.

Back on the road again we resumed our journey to Flathead Lake and our rendevouz with Dave and Janine. A little east of Butte, Montana I hit the provebial wall. We  stopped for a bathroom break and water and for the first time in my memory I said "I am not sure I am going to be able to go on." I considered spending the night in Butte and pushing on the next day but instead we opted to only drive for one hour each and then to rotate.  The speed limit in Montana is 75 MPH and so naturally we drove a bit over 80, the additional speed seem to take a toll in having to concentrate harder and having to be more alert. The damned antelope are everywhere.  Reluctantly, I got back into the car. Finally, after four days and 2,752 miles, at 8:15 PM we pulled into our final stop, the rental property in Finley Point, Montana on Flathead Lake.

Corrections and Such

Okay, I was tired last night, it had been a long drive and we changed into the Mountain Time Zone.  Maybe it was jet lag, had I been on an aircraft, that would be my story.  Truth is every time I rely on my memory for titles, places or anything, it bites me on my ... let's just say, uhh my posterior.

The place we are visiting today mentioned in Lewis and Clark's journal is actually called Pompey's Pillar.  Willliam Clark carved his first initial and last name into the stone. Want more info? Google the words "Pompey's Pillar."  If you don't know who Lewis and Clark were,  never mind, just google them also.  You won't understand what you read it but it will give you something to do instead of trying to color within the lines.  Dr. Coffee was that a bit too harsh? I didn't think so either.

I had wanted to eat some of Wyoming's finest beef last night. BUT, the Winchester Steak House closes for one Sunday each year for their family reunion. Guess which Sunday it is?  Does the second Sunday in July ring a bell?  So it was a buffalo burger at the Bozeman Steakhouse.  Bison meat is a little too lean for me but hey, it was good and it was our first time eating out on this trip.  Today, it's back to "free continental breakfasts, lunching on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and for the evening meal? Well, it will be somewhere in the Northwestern part of Montana.
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Are You Sure They Did It This Away?

It was raining when we left Kearney and the weather channel was predicting thunder storms along our route. Fortunately we only ran into some light rain within the first 40 miles and then a sprinkle or two near Cheyenne.  I had a couple of cups of coffee, a glass of orange juice and a bowl of cereal with milk before leaving the motel.  After about an hour highway construction caused the road to feel like a washboard and every bumpty, bump, bump reminded my bladder of every ounce of liquid I had drank.  In the west rest areas are not just a few miles apart, they are separated by a 100 miles or so.  By the time we stopped I was throwing old ladies and children aside in my mad dash for the bathroom. Oh yeah, I was ready to get out of that car.

We passed a pony express station and read a plaque about the men that rode from St. Joseph, Missouri to San Francisco.  I cannot imagine how they did it. And then you see the wagons that were pulled over a thousand miles by oxen.  No seats on most of the freight wagons, the men walked beside the animals with whips.  Depending on the load carried, it took from two to twenty oxen to pull the wagons, some carrying up to six thousand pounds. Here I am complaining about a rough highway, sitting in air conditioning and these guys walked from St. Louis to Oregon. Amazing, just amazing. 

Today we saw the Rocky Mountains on the horizion, 14,000 feet of granite, snow and ice.  I can hear the pioneers asking "Did the walk across the prarie tire you? OK here are the mountains, you have to get the wagons, animals and children over them to reach California." No wonder so many said, on second thought, I think Denver would be a great place to live.

Tomorrow we start the final leg to Flathead Lake.  We are near the Montana/Wyoming border and will cross into "Big Sky Country" early in the day.  I plan on stopping at Pompeii's Peak near Billings.  History records that William Clark (Lewis and Clark Expedition) carved his initials into the rock there.  The Yellowstone River flows by the site and if I drink too much liquid again tomorrow,,,,well you get the idea.

We hope to arrive at the house on Flathead Lake in late afternoon.  Our friends, Dr. Dave Sikes and Janine should arrive around the same time.  They are flying into Spokane, renting a SUV and driving over.  I think it is a mere 300 miles.  We will have been 2,650 miles when we pull in the driveway.  I am sure Dave will tell me how tough his drive has been. As for me, I intend to sound as if I have walked by those oxen and wagons all the way fronm Gainesville.

Buffalo in my Sights

Leaving in ten minutes for Buffalo, Wyoming.  I am planning to have dinner at Winchester Steak House tonight.  It will be the first meal in a commercial establishment on the entire trip.  Some different from the previous trek highlighted by eating and reviewing the food Channel's Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."  This time it has been hotel continental breakfasts, peanut butter and jelly for lunch and the a bowl of soup, rice and turkey sandwiches in the evening. Barebones budgets call for less than fine dining.

It is about a 550 mile trip to Buffalo, Wyoming.  Weather is moving in, first time to see rain on the entire journey. I hope the antelop stay off the road, here is the deal for Andy Antelope, I don't eat your grazing pastures and you don't damage my car. OK? OK!

Here's a Tip: This Ain't No Easy Trip

Left Paducah and crossed into Illinois, right away got nervous about my gun being in the car. Illinois has some draconian laws concerning weapons in automobiles. Why is it that every state with the highest crime rates, and large numbers of criminals preying on their citizens, all have the toughest gun laws? It also seems they have the highest gas prices and taxes. I guess the state needs the extra money to provide the many services offered by cities such as Chicago. It enables them to maintain model city and county governments. Why if they had to make do with less money it might result in governmental corruption. Perish the thought!

OK. get off the soapbox podner. Let me tell ya, in this part of the world corn fields are everywhere, Illinois, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. Thousands upon thousands of acres, I have never seen so much corn, waves and waves of the stuff. But if this heat doesn't break, the entire mid-west is going to look like a giant popcorn machime. It was 109 degrees in St. Louis, Lincoln, Nebraska was 104 at six in the evening. Getting out of the car is literally like stepping into the Mojave desert, the highways all shimmer in heat waves. In Illinois, a portion of the road buckled from the heat. I think a mechanical breakdown could have drastic consequences. So far the old Honda has been good as gold and I sure don't want to jinx it. Keep your fingers crossed.

I saw several highway signs saying "authentic Mexican restaurant" Just once I would like to see a sign saying "fake Mexican cafe" only gringoes work here and all of our food is flash frozen. Tomorrow we will start to see the signs proclaiming genuine Indians weaving genuine blankets. Pay no attention to the "made in China labels." I am glad we in Florida do not exploit tourists.

We drove 750 miles and made it to Kearney, Nebraska. It is too far to drive in one day by about a hundred or more miles, just too taxing. When I was young it was a walk in the park, often drove 900 or more miles but no more. Taking fifteen minutes to stand up straight is a hint that you might be over doing it just a bit. At my age, more than just a bit. I am going to cut back, look I ain't on no schedule, the trip will take whatever time it takes.
Although everyone talks about global warming, I'm pretty confident Glacier Park will still be there when I get there, give or take a day or two.

Someone said I tend to ramble when I write, really? Nothing like when I talk. huh?

William Clark bought Paducah for $5.00

Seems there was an Indian Chief living on the banks of the Ohio River in what is now Paducah, Kentucky. The old chief and his family had been there for generations. One day a white guy shows up with a deed and says "hit the road Chief, I just bought the whole damned place." However, he was an equal opportunity evictor, he also threw out the few white families living there.  The Chief was a member of the Chickasaw tribe, he was called Chief Paduke.  The deed was issued by nothing less than the United States Supreme Court and cost William Clark, leader of the historic Lewis & Clark Expedition, the princely sum of five dollars.  After running everybody off, Clark laid out the grid for the city and named it Paducah in honor of the old chief.Not wanting their to be any ill feelings, (say what?) he sent his boat to bring the old chief back to see what he had built. Unfortunately the chief died on the trip upriver. You now know everything I know about the founding of this fair city. Seven hundred and eleven miles the first day, Gainesville to Paducah. The weather was great and even the traffic around Atlanta was favorable. I have been in the room for three hours and it feels like I am still moving. Long drives are getting tougher on this old man. The river walk here is well done. There is a mural depicting the founding on the City, numerous benches along the river where you can sit and watch the river roll by. There was a stern wheeler tied up that is a combination casino and hotel. Unlike most gambling boats, this one steams up and down the river. The Ohio and Tennessee River join here, rolling south to blend with the mighty Mississippi. Tomorrow, it is another 700 mile plus trek to Kearney, Nebraska. Cross the River at St. Louis, then on to Kansas City and a little BBQ, then on to Nebraska. More from the Cornhusker state tomorrow.

Ride Along

Tough time deciding whether to start a new blog or just to stay on this one what do you think?