The view from our room was wonderful. We can see mountains every way we look. Missoula is nestled down in the valley surrounded by these mountains.
We started off at the Missoula Art Museum. Interesting place as we noticed the parallels with our little gem in Corinna, the Levi Stewart Library building. Originally built in 1903 as the town's library, the museum now has taken that building, and built a connecting building that houses the elevator and stairs, to make it accessible to all, and yet maintaining the historic structure and value of the old Carnegie library building.
Very interesting display of plaster casts of toes, of all sizes and shapes. You have to remember that art is in varied, and different in every one's eyes, or toes!.
There was also a wonderful display of Hmong applique embroidery. Complete wall hangings that told stories of their lives as Thai refugees in the mid 70's here in Montana. The story cloths allowed them to tell their story, and make an income. The detail was fascinating.
Upon the MAM's advice, we next headed to the University of Montana's Jim Mansfield library for some more input. Ken was able to get some business cards, so he was happy, as well as the advice from the staff there. Also could see several hikers making their way up the switchback trails to the white "M" up on the hill. I imagine the view is grand from up there. Maybe someday I will find out.
These cute little "almost" round abouts are located ink several places through out the city. We surmise that they are ways to slow down traffic, as well as not having stop signs. They work very well!
It was getting to be lunch time, so we located a superb little brew pub/restaurant, the Tamarack Brewing Company. Our beer selection proved to be top notch! The Hat Trick Hop- I dare say it was one of the best beers I have ever had!. Very hoppy, IBU of 70, a nice flavored, but not the harshness of some IPAs. And to top it off, the meal was great, too. One brewpub down, so many to go.
Our next stop was at the Fort Missoula Historical Park. Great depiction of the times in Missoula, and a serious effort to maintain and gather historical artifacts. During the summer, the interactive parts of the park are open, and there are many events held on the grounds. There is also an extensive iris garden, showing all the varieties and types of irises, and other flowers, that grow in the region.
Several old pieces of history, one lungers, steam engines, and huge pieces of trees. Tried to count the rings, about 10 in the first inch, and it was about 30 inches across. My rough estimate? 300 years old?
On the way out of the park, Ken stopped at the Fort Missoula Post Cemetery. A quaint old cemetery, with both very old and some recent headstones. Considering one of our first dates was to a cemetery, on a black fly and mosquito infested night, this was a big improvement! Of course we didn't know any one in this one.
As a child, my grandfather, who wasn't a really warm and fuzzy man, had a nickname for me. Quilly pig. I never liked it, thought he was picking on me. While looking for microbreweries, I found the Draught Works taproom. Another if Missoula's great breweries. The reason we chose this one is because of my nick name. One of the beers on tap was, are you ready? Quill Pig- a Czech pilsner. Not one of my favorites, but a good beer. The slogan for this one may have redeemed him, somewhat. "Quill Pig- that's one sharp critter!" Maybe way back then, he knew what kind of a critter I would become?
Off to get a bite, and hopefully another local brew. The restaurant we have chosen is at the end of our parking lot, so we don't even have to drive.
Tomorrow, we head to Great Falls, and the weather prediction is for a winter storm watch! We may be stopping at a WalMart for gloves and hats first!
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