Fourth of July

Today’s entry will be short in honor of our nation’s birth. Happy 4th of the July, as Oldest Son said when he was about three. It has stuck with Hubby and me, the cute sayings when they were young.

We like to take summer vacations around the 4th and take in the local celebrations. We have spent the holiday is Gatlinburg, TN, some small town in New Hampshire that neither of us can remember the name of, and now Whitefish, MT. Small towns have some fun traditions for the 4th. This year, in Whitefish, there was an art fair, parade, and fireworks. We missed the parade because we stayed too long at the art fair. We missed the fireworks because Ruby the Wonder Dog was not allowed in. But we still had fun. We visited with several of the artists at the fair and heard some interesting personal history, as well as learning about their art. And we did get to see some fireworks off the deck of the cabin. There is a meadow down the road and some locals were shooting fireworks.

Ruby the Wonder Dog had a good time in Whitefish, too. She made friends with dogs of all sizes. She is so funny though. If one of us leaves our “pack”, she gets very concerned. She likes us all to be together. Hubby says she is more concerned when I venture off than when he leaves. I am not sure I am buying that.

After Whitefish, we went to Kalispell to see what was there. I was pleasantly surprised that it is not too touristy. It does seem to be a popular place to stay in the Flathead Valley area. We also saw Columbia Falls, another quaint small town.

We had cell phone signal for awhile today. We got to talk to both Older Son and Younger Son in our short window of cell phone opportunity! It was a nice surprise.

Hope your 4th was a good one!

From Belgrade, MT to Abbott Valley Homestead, Martin City, MT

As I write this entry, I am sitting on the wrap-around deck of the cabin. I can hear about 7 or 8 different kinds of birds, squirrels chattering, and wind rustling the aspen leaves. Hubby is in the cabin, cleaning up after dinner. I cook and he cleans up. It is our system. And his favorite part of this is that he finishes any wine that is left. It is a long standing tradition.

We drove in the mountains most of the day. I have always loved the mountains. The Smoky Mountains were nice, the White Mountains in New Hampshire were even better, but the Colorado Rockies have always been my favorite. I think I have a new favorite. The mountains in Montana are even better than Colorado! As we drove north today we were surrounded on all sides by mountains. Mixed in with the mountains are beautiful lakes, many of which are huge. They are a deep blue like I have never seen before. Because the snow in the mountains is still melting, I am sure that the lakes are freezing. We saw only a handful of people on or in the lakes today and I think that is why. But, the lack of activity on the lakes left them still and smooth. Breathtaking! We let BB, the GPS, pick the route again today. She doesn’t like interstates, so we get to see some amazing countryside.

Today’s drive was the shortest of the three. Good thing. I think Ruby the Wonder Dog would have declared mutiny. She has the best little set up. We have the back seat of the Escape folded down flat. We stack up a couple of suitcases and then put a little perch on top for her. It is one of those Sterilite plastic boxes, with a pillow inside. She climbs up on the pillow and then can see out the front window of the car. She seems to like “her spot” quite a bit.

We got to the cabin about 5:00 PM. We stopped at the grocery store in Hungry Horse before heading to the cabin. We knew we wouldn’t want to get back out tonight. Enough of the car!!! We got everything unloaded and put away in the cabin so we can settle in. The proprietor stopped by to say hi as we were getting unpacked. The land has been in her family for years. The cabins were formerly occupied by various family members and she now rents several of them out to vacationers. Pretty good gig.

Tonight we are going to stay around here and enjoy not being in the car. Hubby said he felt kind of guilty for not going out and exploring the area. I think he is over that after getting a full tummy and having a glass or three of wine. Tomorrow is soon enough. We will explore to our hearts content tomorrow. Probably head to Glacier National Park. It is only about 10 minutes to the west entrance and there is a lot to see. I read where they just opened Going to the Sun Road today. It is the road that takes you up and over the Continental Divide. Finally got the snow all plowed off the road and it is ready for cars. How nice of them to finish it up for us, don’t you think? I am hoping to see a bear or two while we are here. When we went to the Smoky Mountains, all I got to see was bear scat.

The other news of the day is that the oldest son got his next billet! I think I said previously that he was hoping to stay in San Diego. He has worked at staying at the top of his C school class so he could get first choice of the available bases. Well, he got San Diego! He will be on the USS Benfold. When we can get someplace with a wireless Internet connection, we plan on looking it up. It is a destroyer is about all we know at this point. Oh, and that the ship is on its way to the Persian Gulf at this very moment. Once his classes are finished, the Navy will fly him to Bahrain (not sure of the spelling) and then fly him by helicopter to his ship. He said he was really stoked. I must admit, I was glad he got San Diego, but more than a little shocked that he would be going to the Gulf so soon. He is happy and that is all that matters. He loves the Navy, his job as a Sonar tech, and being in San Diego. Isn’t that what parenting is all about? Getting your children to where they are happy and contributing members of society? But the Gulf…so soon.

Well, that is all for today. This will get posted tomorrow because there is no Internet connection at the cabin. There is no phone or TV either! We are really roughing it! But, we are roughing it in style.