During this time period we were blessed to have Rick (Ken’s brother) and Jill (and can’t forget their pups Moiki and Murphy) here with us. For most of the time they camped here they were in the next site to us. It seems we usually get to see them for a few days, so having them with us for 15 days was wonderful.
Since I have retired, I am trying to up my cooking skills, watching tons of you tube videos (go Chef Jean-Pierre). Of course, when my brother shows up I am asking him to help teach me some skills since he owned a restaurant for the last 40 some years. Although he was right there, I am still intimidated to prepare something for him. But he was gracious and helped me a lot over these two weeks. He showed me some knife skills so we have much less blood in our food now. He is such a good cook that I always compare restaurants – is this a Denny’s place or a “Ricky” place. It’s amazing how eggs can taste so different.
We were able to get up to Glacier National Park one day. They have since started a ticketing system that seems next to impossible to get (found one for July 7th or August 5th). But the Park was only open to Lake McDonald, so tickets weren’t necessary yet. Glacier is absolutely majestic. Even without doing the Going To The Sun Road, it’s an amazing place.
While Rick, Jill and the dogs took a hike, Marsha and I rode our bikes. Guess what, it’s hard to ride bikes with flat tires. We turned around pretty quick and tried walking a bit. Felt pretty short of breath (even with oxygen) so didn’t last long this time. I have been doing pretty good this year, but I guess I still have my issues.
We were able to have lunch with Karen and Tom Robinson who we know from our place at Rancho California Resort in Aguanga, Calif. Karen and Tom have a place in Bigfork (North East end of Flathead Lake) We were able to meet them for lunch before they headed back to Bigfork. It is so fun getting together with friends from different areas on the road. I think you should head up this way!!
We took a drive with Rick & Jill to St. Ignatius, an area south of Polson, to see the Mission. Named for, and the site of the St.Ignatius Mission, established by Belgian Jesuit Catholic Missionary Fr. Pierre-Jean De Smet. This Mission was established in the 1800s and is still active today. On the way back we stopped by the Pablo Reservoir. This is a large body of water with roads and trails, so the dogs were able to run loose.
We took Rick and Jill to Echo Lake Cafe near Bigfork. To me, this is a “Ricky” restaurant. We love this bridge – the Swan River comes underneath it, and this is the end of the Wild Mile for white-water enthusiasts. It’s very cool to see the roaring river sweep down from above. Besides being a cute town, there is a 2.2 mile Nature Trail that goes along the river. While Rick and Jill walked the dogs, Marsha and I were able to ride our bikes several times (better with air in the tires).
Before we knew it, it was time for Rick & Jill to leave. It was sad to see them go but we are hoping to see them again in September. Until then, we wish them safe journeys.