Choose "a" or "b"

"a" was to finally hike in the beautiful mountains.

Because it was raining we chose "b".

First we drove up the "Going To The Sun Highway" the 13 miles that was open/cleared of snow. It followed a rushing stream that carrier an amazing amount of water.

To continue "b" we stopped at the Lake McDonald Lodge at the far end of the lake we are camping on. It is one of the grand national park lodges built by the CCC during the depression.

It had a fireplace that took 5 foot long logs. We sat and paid homage to great work initiated by FDR.

And then meandered into the bar where we enjoyed locally brewed "moose drool" beer and an excellent emu burger (you can't make this stuff up)!

It's hard to see the emu, but it's there under the fries. It's also hard to see all of the moose drool. It's why we're smiling.

But the park brochure showed

Sunshine!?
     Still, the west side of Glacier is beautiful. Tomorrow we'll begin exploring.

Western skies

As we took I90 east to Missoula we realized that watching western skies has the same fascination as watching the water back east.
     Today we're on to the west side of Glacier NP. We're looking forward to more time in the mountains and crisp air.

The flesh is weak

Jodi gave us some Penseys Spices about 13 years ago when she was in school in Chicago. We have emailed for refills ever since. Turns out there is a retail store in Seattle, where you can smell each of the mixes from their large exotic catalogue. As you can tell we came away with many new things to try. We then toured the Saint Michelle winery, learned a lot about wine and ended up liking samples of wine too expensive to buy.

Tomorrow we head back to Missoula, Montana and the day after up to the west side of Glacier NP.

Amy's Graduation

We were lucky enough to be here for Amy's high school graduation. Rob and Nan hosted a party in their gorgeous backyard. Jolene made Amy a spectacular quilt.

Oh yes, we lost our keys. We looked EVERYWHERE at least three times. Found them under a suitcase as we were about to leave. (Stupid suitcase!)

Like water for elephants

Here we are with my brother Rob, his wife, Nan and their daughter, Amy. We are about to feed the elephant behind us. Amy has worked at the zoo for four years. She gave us a wonderful insiders' tour. She also introduced us to one of the more proud residents.

Around Green Lake

Today we joined mom and her friends on a 3 mile hike around Green Lake in Seattle. It is a beautiful place with a robust turtle population.

Plus the most amazing thing.... a low flying jet airliner passed right thru what must have been a thin cloud. The heat of its engines evaporated the path it took thru the cloud?!