Montana, Sept. 12, 2014

Left Great Falls this morning with hopes of warmer weather. We were not disappointed. Headed north east towards Havre with nothing major planned for sight seeing sometimes those are the best days. We drove for 20 miles looking at this....

Miles and miles of cut grain fields. Not 100 acre fields, but 1000+ acre spans, as far as the eye could see. Golden colors still remained in the fields. I am sure that if we had been here a few weeks earlier, we would have experienced "for amber waves of grain."  Ken drove through all of this, but he was able to appreciate the endless views.

The yield of these views must have been stored here, or at least some of it.

Huge grain elevators! We saw many of these scattered across the countryside. Big money in the "Golden Triangle."

In it's day, the Missouri River held many steamboats that traveled and carried their wares u and down the river, but only as far as here. This is where the river became too shallow for travel. 

The flat land along the river was gorgeous, with a view of the river in the foreground, and the Bears Paw Mountains in the distance. That tiny set of buildings is a rather good sized farm, along the river, with vast fields of grain behind it.

My favorite guy....

From here, we took a side road, that led us to Fort Benton, a once booming town along the Mighty Missouri. It was known as the largest inland seaport for a while. We stopped at this place, and got some great information about the area, and the Lewis and Clark explorers through this area.

We have also learned that visitor centers are a wealth of information about the area. This was no exception. It was also on the national registry for historic buildings.

We also were treated to a visit at Fort Benton, much of which has been recreated, with some original sections.  Some great artifacts, and a very knowledgeable worker that was a wealth of facts of the area.

As we left Fort Benton, we drove past Shep, the sheepdog that was forever faithful to his owner. In 1936, when the owner became sick and hospitalized, Shep stayed at the hospital door, waiting for his owner. When the owner died, and his body was put on the east bound train, to send back to his relatives, Shep was there, whining as the door shut. He set up a 5 and 1/2 year vigil, present at all 4 trains that arrived daily. People learned of his plight, and came to see him, even tried to adopt him, but Shep was a one man dog. He died at the station,deaf,  old and stiff, not hearing the train's arrival. He tried to get out of the way, but slipped and fell to his death.  Companionship. Faithfulness. 

One more stop on our way, and it was worth it. Decision Point, where Lewis and Clark spent a few nights on their journey in 1805. They had to decide which river to follow, the Marias or the Missouri. Which one led to Great Falls. They made the right decision, as any other may have stranded them for the winter. We decided to hike up to the point and see what they may have seen over 200 years ago.

You can see we are a ways up, as that is our car parked. 

We left this amazing point of land, and all you could see, and headed back to the car. We found that you should not always hold your head high......

...hard to see, but it was across the pathway. We think it's a gopher snake, not harmful, but kind of unnerving. 

Almost into Havre, we got a closer look at the Bears Paw mountains, and yes, they are covered in snow, and about 10 miles away.

Once in Havre, it was time to find the one craft brewery, Triple Dog Brewery. Forgot the camera back at the motel, so no pictures, but we both had great beers. I tried the Duck Face IPA, amazing flavors, great finish. Ken had the Dumpster Diving stout, and was not disappointed. Not super sweet, great flavors, and a lingering finish. A cool tasting room, fairly new, but some great beers, another good stop.

Tired, many miles again, but also suffering from scenic overload. Not that that is a bad thing, but we saw some memorable sights, and just amazing vistas. They don't call it Big Sky country for nothing.

Montana, Sept. 11, 2014

Awoke in Missoula to a brisk temperature in the 30's. From our window, we could see snow on the distant mountaintop. We had heard that there were some winter storm warnings in the state.

Our first stop was just outside Missoula, at Two Rivers Memorial Park, where the Bitterroot and Clark Fork Rivers meet. This is where Merriweather Lewis traveled, on his return route home. The Douglas Fir base holding the statue of Clark and his dog, Seaman, was from a tree that stood when Lewis passed through in 1806, almost 200 years later.

As we started our trip into the Swan Mountain Range, we saw several different vistas on every turn. After passing many "fishing access" signs, we finally pulled off and explored. It reminded me of the movie "A River Runs Through It." Rippling water, with amazing views in the distance.

Before we reached the highest elevation over the pass, we traveled over a long stretch of construction, and with the overnight snow, the roads were slimy. Not bad traveling, but messy. However, again, the views made up for it.

The height of our trip, 5614 feet, at Rogers Pass, was also at the Continental Divide.

Got a bit uneasy when we saw this snow and the temperature dropped to 31. It was for not, as the roads were clear, and it was good traveling the rest of the way to Great Falls.

Before we got into Sims, we stopped the car, and took this picture of what was behind us. It was all around us, any direction that we looked in, Again, amazing.

Time for lunch, and we found another microbrewery, with some interesting pours. A limited, but interesting menu, shared with an Electric City IPA, and an American Hero Brown. The IPA was very interesting, IBU 70, so quite bitter, with an lingering aftertaste, that I just can't describe. Not as good as the beer yesterday, but very good, the same. Ken had the Brown ale, along with his mac 'n cheese that was made with a Jalapeño brew. He surprises me every day. We also tasted a Monster, IBU 95! They brew it with a mixture of all the grains left over from the other brews. Highest IBU beer I have ever tasted. Again, Tamarack beer was better.

Drove around a bit, found a visitors center that was very helpful.

We next went to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in the Giant Springs State Park. What a wonderful display of the travels of the team. Some outstanding art displayed, as well as many scenes depicting how difficult travel around the falls must have been for the explorers.

A turn out along the Missouri River gave us some great views of the uppermost falls of the river. Long day on the road, no brews tonight. Hoping for a good night's rest, and another day in our little adventure tomorrow. What an amazing part of this country! 

Montana, Sept.10,2014

Another day in Missoula. Cloudy most of the day, cool and in the 50's. We had some sprinkles here and there, but no serious rain. We slept about 10 hours, so our day of travel left us pooped out!
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.

 A really nice sign seen at the brewery. I thought it was something we should think about more often.

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!

Montana, Sept. 9,2014

It was a long day, many miles traveled. We were at the airport at 4:30am, and on our way at 6. Changed planes in NY and St. Paul, MN, and arrived in Missoula MT on schedule at 1:30 Mountain Time. Missed the turn for our motel, but found a lovely visitor's center in the process. Got a wonderful recommendation for a late lunch. It was perfect. Enjoyed our first Montana brewed beer. Ken had an organic amber ale, made for the Montana Club restaurant. I tried a Flathead IPA. Superb. Great flavor, very hoppy, complimented my salad perfectly.  It was still too early to check in, so we drove into  the city of Missoula, found the University of Montana, and saw the signature white M on the mountain behind it. Gavin and the UMO pep band came here in 2004 to play for the girl's basketball team when they made the playoffs. Neat place. Tomorrow we will explore more of Missoula, and hopefully get some pictures.

Foliage Trip 2013

After being somewhat restricted from knee surgery, today Ken took me on a foliage trip to western Maine. I love this area, filled with such beautiful scenery, and right in our back yard. We headed to Hartland, Athens, Solon, and into North New Portland to one of my favorite fall places. Having been here when the boys were younger, today's visit brought back some wonderful memories. 

The Wire Bridge, complete with a colorful back drop, was worth the trip. I did not, however, remember that the bridge moved, wave like motion, as you crossed it. A little bit of "yes mam" affect, and I was OK. I was even able to walk down along the river bed with very little problem. I am making progress!

From here, we ventured on, ending up in Rangeley, looking for a place to have lunch. We drove down Main Street, seeing what our options were, and turned around to make our choice. We saw a friend of ours crossing the street, also out on a foliage trip, looking for a place to eat. Small world. Chatted with them for a bit, then went to lunch. We found this lovely place, Parkside and Main, that offered a great Reuben and  a tasty new draught beer for us to try. A good choice, all the way around.

Allagash Black ale and my guy. Again, a great choice! 

Out back of this place was a public boat landing, and I imagine in the summer it is a busy place. The water and sun certainly are the setting for a fall day.

We left Rangeley in search of a scenic pull out that we also visited years ago. It was unmarked, but eagle eye Ken spotted it and pulled in. Another great thing about this time of year, in the middle of the week, is there are hardly any people around. It's peaceful, and allows you to take up all that is around you, especially the scenic vistas.

Looking back towards the town or Rangeley, across the lake, is breathtaking. At this spot, you have more than a 180 degree view. The colors were perfect, the sky was clear, the air refreshing. Love this spot!

On to Oquossett, and stopped at the Height of Land. Again, a view that goes on forever. You can even see the White Mountains of NH, but not sure which ones they are.

Another gorgeous view. 

From here, we started our return trip. We didn't want to back track, so we headed to Byron and stumbled upon Coos Canyon, a place we had visited before, but forgot it was here. We also needed to turn at the canyon to get back towards Phillips.

Peaceful, beautiful, a great quick stop on the way.

The road we took was "off the beaten path," so to speak. It started out tarred, then dirt, then one lane dirt, then 2 tracks with grass in the middle. I was very glad it was not dark, or we would have taken the long way, back through Mexico, to get home. It did, eventually, get us to Weld, and then onto Phillips, Strong, New Vineyard, North Anson, Anson, Madison, and back into Athens and home. We also drove by the Backyard Farms in Madison. Wow! We were struck by what a large land mass is covered with the buildings for the tomato farm. It's huge.

We pulled in our yard, seven and 1/2 hours later, having traveled 250 miles today. There is a lot of dust on the car, but we were able to capture more of the beautiful scenery we have around us. I also got to spend all that time with my best friend. What more could I ask for today?