Great Falls, Montana Tour Post 1

Great Falls, MT  - I wore a sweatshirt and was comfortable, but my friend Wendi definitely thought I was overdressed. And that is why she lives in Montana and I live in Arizona.

I stopped at a rest area and the wind was whipping those flags. I didn't get a very good picture of them but that wind affected Daisy's gas mileage. 

  Meet my friend, Wendi. 

 

I got checked into the hotel and got hold of Wendi. To save me from getting lost in the big city, she came to the hotel and picked me up. We went back to her house to do a lot of catching up. Wendi and I worked together at the IRS for several years. I am "older" but we really hit it off as good friends. 

After visiting for awhile, we decided it was time for dinner. Locals always know the best restaurants and we ended up at Tracy's Family Restaurant.  I had a pork chop sandwich that was just incredible. Way too much food, of course, so I'm sure glad the hotel room has a fridge and microwave. If you're ever in Great Falls, give Tracy's a try.

By this time it was definitely bed time for me. So we made plans for doing the tour guide thing the next day. So wonderful to have a tour guide at my beck and call.

We started our exploration of Great Falls at Giant Springs State Park. Giant Springs State Park was discovered by the Lewis & Clark Expedition in 1805. The spring flows at a rate of 156 million gallons of crystal clear water from the Madison Aquifer per day, the water originates from the Little Belt Mountains and takes approximately 26 years to reach the springs. Amazingly the water is a constant 54 degrees year round.

The park, which is along the Missouri River, is so lush and green. Very different from our Arizona desert. So many pictures. I had a terrible time picking the ones I wanted to post.

 

 School children have projects dealing with the bird houses as to what birds build nests and watching the babies get fed and venture out as they get older.

The water is so clear and beautiful.

This is the Roe River which runs from Giant Springs to the Missouri River.  It is only 201 feet long and  is 6-8 feet deep. It was named by Guinness as the World's Shortest River at one time. Guinness did away with this category after some disputes.  

The Park also has a fish hatchery - mainly trout. The dog had so much fun watching the fish swimming around and around. His owner had bought some fish food and was throwing out the food so his dog could watch the fish eat.

We took a break for lunch and went to Maria's Mexican Restaurant. Maria is married to Wendi's brother and the food was authentic and really, really good.  So much still to see in Great Falls so I am going to make a second post.  

I'm Glad I Missed the Turn

Helena, MT - I can't remember what the temps were but I think they were in the 90s and people were complaining about how hot it was. Not me. And they have no idea how wonderful it is that the nights cool down into the 60s.

After returning to Helena, I was able to attend a session at the Helena Temple. So peaceful and such a special time.

Then I had to make decisions as to when I would be leaving and where I was headed next.  But I really knew my next stop was in Great Falls. I have a special friend who lives there and I'll post more about her later.

First I had to get to Great Falls. You know I can't just go from Point A to Point B. There has to be things in between that deserve to be looked at. And sure enough, I found two places I wanted to visit.

The first one on the list was Tower Rock State Park. It is just off of I-15 so nothing can possibly go wrong. Of course it can.  I took the right exit but then somehow I missed the turn sign to the park.  I'm so glad I did because wandering down the canyon road was spectacular. The road followed the Missouri River and it was beautiful. Here's a few of the pictures I took while I was on the wrong road.

The Hardy Bridge was featured in the 1987 film The Untouchables, starring Kevin Costner and Sean Connery; it served as a U.S.-Canada border crossing.

 

Lots of fishing happening on the Missouri River

About five miles down the road I figured out that I had missed a turn somewhere so I turned around and sure enough - there was the sign that had a big arrow on it pointing to Tower Rock State Park. 

Tower Rock was a landmark for native tribes, the Corps of Discovery, fur trappers, traders. The 400-foot high igneous rock formation lies in a 140-acre site along the stretch of the Missouri River.

 

 

There is a lonely little tree growing up at the top of the rock formation. There is also a hiking trail for those that can do that sort of thing. Here's the tree in a close up.

This bird posed so nicely for me I had to take it's picture. However, I don't have a clue as to what kind he/she is.

I'm really glad I missed that turn because the drive was so beautiful through the canyon. 

Got back on I-15 and found my next stop without any getting lost. They had lots of signage so I really couldn't wander too far away.

The First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park

 
For hundreds of years, Indians stampeded buffalo over the mile-long cliff. Without walking the trail to the jump area, it's hard to get a picture of how large this jump is. I also did not take time to drive to the top of the jump.

They have a really wonderful visitor's and education center. So much to see and learn and just not enough time.

It was definitely time for me to move on to Great Falls. Many things to see there.

The Wedding Blog

Emmett, ID  a good day for the wedding

Don't panic. I took some pictures but I'm only going to post some of them. First let's meet a few of the relatives. These are all going to be on the groom's side because my sister is the Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma of those who attended.

Judy with her son Wade and great granddaughter Gracie Mae (Gracie has a sister Ellie and their mom is granddaughter Katie and dad Duel. I completely missed getting pictures of them. And I didn't get one of granddaughter Karissa. So much going on the whole time.)

 

Judy with granddaughter Karly

Judy's sons Chris and Wade

Grandson Zach with girlfriend Misalee

Granddaughter Courtney with husband Devin and the newest addition to the family Carter McCall.
 

Wade and wife Nikki with Chris and wife Randi

Grandson Kody and his new wife Chanel

The family minus the Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother

Judy - the Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother of this fabulous family.

I am missing individual pictures of several family members but I love the ones I do have. 

The wedding was really nice. Held at the White Barn in Emmett. A gorgeous venue for a wedding. The reception was also held in the Barn with a DJ and a truly Mexican dinner from friends of the bride and groom. We had a wonderful time and on Sunday Judy got to spend more time with her family. 

We left Monday morning and again spent the night at the Arco Inn. Was glad to leave early Tuesday morning. What a great sister adventure we had. I don't think Judy and I have laughed that hard for years. I'm hoping we can maybe take another road trip next year. Sure am glad she's my sister.

The Trip to Emmett, ID

 Emmett, ID   Smokey but not a bad day.

Judy and I left on Thursday morning to head to Emmett which is close to Boise. Her family does the drive in one day but since we're old, we take two days to do the drive with a stopover in Arco, ID (near Craters of the Moon). 

Jim and I stayed in Arco several times when we were RVing. We found Honey's Park and met Scar, the owner. Thereafter we always made a point of stopping by. It is a free campground but donations are accepted. He has lots of space in his field with a few electric sites which sure came in handy when it was so hot. Check out Honey's website at Honey's Park.

Scar is also a lover of dogs. In fact Honey's is named for one of his dogs who is no longer with him. He now has Shadow. He also likes to honor those dogs or cats or other animals that those who camp with him love. Jim and I planted a tree and Scar made us a sign to put with our tree to honor our Scooter, Skittlez, and Rocky Joe. It is still there. I had a nice visit with Scar and I'm glad we made the stop in Arco.

 

However, I was not impressed with the Arco Inn. Your motel choices are really slim pickings and definitely not any place I would stay at for more than one night. And your choice of restaurants is limited to two. We had dinner at Pickle's Place. It was okay.

The next morning we headed westward after a not so restful night. No place for breakfast so we got some packaged donuts at the gas station. 

We arrived in Emmett and got checked into our motel room. It was a step up from Arco but still very rustic. It is also the only motel in town. Time to go see the family. You get to meet them next post.

Helena Finally

Helena, MT  Highs in the 90s  Lows in the 50s and 60s 

I made it to Helena and my first stop was Taco Treat for lunch. These are my favorite tacos ever so when I get here I just have to have some. People either love Taco Treat or they never, ever want to go there.

 

Before I get started on my stay in Helena, I want to share this great picture of my brother, Rob, and his wife, Marie, with two grands.

It was so good to see Judy and Don again. We didn't do a lot of adventures, but mainly visited and just enjoyed being together again. Sisters are really special.

Not very many pictures, but a couple I'll post.

This is Judy with her granddaughter Courtney and great grandson Carter.

One day we had lunch with Don's daughter at his granddaughter's house in the hills outside of Helena. Look at the view they have. Just a little bit smokey.

They also have this map on their wall and I think it is amazing.

You just have to love a weatherman who's a little bit quirky.

I cracked up when I saw this sign at Judy's bank. So how do I get out of the parking lot?

Went through a temple session which is always a wonderful special time.

Next post will be the big wedding in Idaho.

A Different Kind of Journey This Year

Helena, MT   High 101  Low 65 with a cooling trend ahead.

When I made this trip last year it was my self-discovery journey. I learned how to be just me and not 1/2 of a couple. I learned that I still have that restless spirit that wants to find new adventures.  I found my love of driving again - not pulling a trailer but having Daisy to take me where I want to go. Last year's adventure was also all about family. Spending time with my sister and my new grandson and his Mom and Dad.

This year is different. It's still a journey of exploring old and new places and venturing off the main road, but it is also about reconnecting with friends along my way.  So I want to introduce you to some of the best people you could ever want to know.

Tracey - a woman I really admire. For most of the years I've known her, she is a single mom raising 7 children. Some of her older ones have families of their own now. But she still has teen years to get through with the two youngest. She works two jobs and yet had time to meet me for lunch. 

She has more faith in and love for our Savior than almost any person I know. She has taught me so much through the years and set an amazing example for me to follow. I love this woman. 

 

Penny, Ray, Cindy and Nancy

Next are Ray and Cindy. These two have the biggest hearts. They heard I was going north and immediately called and asked me to stay with them for a couple of days. They have a beautiful home in a suburb of Salt Lake City and they welcomed me with open arms.

Ray and Cindy are both quilters and their quilts are beautiful.  They also have an amazing garden in their back yard. From fruit trees to veggies and herbs. Fresh salads from the garden and seasonings. Wow. What more could I ask for. Check out their blog and the gorgeous quilts at Ray and Cindy RV Travels

They had another visitor while I was there. Nancy Kissack of Kissack Adventures pulled into their driveway in her brand new Mercedes Camper Van. She was spending the week learning new quilting tricks. Her blogs are really fun to read so check it out at Kissack Adventures.  Definitely read her Bingo Blogs. You will enjoy a good laugh.

 

I really enjoyed myself but I needed to move on into Montana to my sister's so we could get ready to go to Emmett, ID for a wedding.

You'll be meeting more friends and family members in the future.