Finally!!! After 5 months of craziness, we are going to Montana. About 3 days ago, Mister suggested that perhaps flying would be better. A 27-hour drive each way with only 8 days available seems challenging at best. We took a quick peek and were shocked at the prices. Just a little over $200 each round trip and that's with 3 days notice. Goodness, we should have looked a couple of weeks ago. I jumped on and booked flights instantly. Is it risky? Yep. Are we going to be careful? Yep. Is it time? Absolutely. Six a.m. flight means that we are at the gate and it's only about 5:15. While I scroll Facebook, Mister takes a nap. He's preparing for one very long day while I am in the excited stage and couldn't possibly sleep. We are flying Delta on the way up and United back home again so we will have the opportunity to see how each airline handles the current situation. The boarding begins and the plane is a 2 -3 seating, with us having the 2 side. Does that make sense? I forgot to take a picture. Away we go.
Sunrise out the window.
Coming into the Salt Lake Valley. We have an almost 4 hour layover. It stinks, but that's what happens when you buy cheap tickets. We're okay with it --- Food first and then a spot away from the crowd to hang out.
With full bellies, we locate a spot about 8 feet from the main stream of traffic and settle in on the floor for our wait. Yes, the floor. All the chairs were packed with people and although we know we will be in a tube in the air again, it just seems that limiting our contact is the best approach. I've brought along some hand work that needs cutting out and tackle that, then Mister helps me prepare a BINGO card for my group next month. After that, we still have time, so I find the wifi and we watch an episode of Amazing Race.
Boarding takes place and we are off -- this time in 3 x 3 with 3 seats to use. Not bad. This is a shorter flight and as we come nearer the Flathead Valley, the view out the window improves, even though it is sooooo smoky out that it is hard to see much.
Mom and Joe (my brother-in-law) do the pick up and within an hour, we are down in Woods Bay, with a stop at my sister's --- look at her hops plants. WOW.
The plan is for dinner at the lake and I'm so down with that. Everyone gathers at The Saddlehorn Bar and Grill, right on the water. Usually, when Mister and I are visiting, this place is closed for the season. In fact, this is their last weekend to be open so we hit it just right. Here is the view from our table and you can see just how smoky it is.
Family time is the absolute best and I have so missed this. Oh, the mountains are calling me even stronger already.
Look at the beauty around us:
Simply beautiful --- and what a great sign --- nothing big and "lit up" - just nice.
So you can see where we were.
From dinner, we make a short drive down to the recreation area and actually get right to the water. It is not on the bay (where dinner was), but on the main east shore of the lake. With a breeze out tonight, the lake is not totally calm and I'm loving the water activity.
Mister takes up a spot on a rock out in the water ---- his camera is at work, sunset and water -- what could be better?
The rock he is on --- shows some perspective.
Just so you can feel like you are here with us. Listen and relax.
Over where I'm at ---- beautiful views.
Oh, my heart is so happy.
Mister called me over to sit on the rock with him. Selfie time.
Sis and Joe - I think they are photographing me while I do the same to them, too funny.
The sun is almost gone. Time to go home.
On the way back to the house --- friends abound. Mama and her twins. They still have spots and it's September. That's a very late birth.
Mister heads to the back of the yard to check things out and we just settle in to visit the rest of the evening. Yes, the sun is down, but still light enough out. It's the north.
After an early bedtime last night, I woke super early and sat quietly reading until the rest of the house woke. After breakfast, the plan for today is a boat ride on the lake, with lunch in Lakeside. It sounds perfect and Mister is happy to finally get out on the lake. In all of his trips up here, again, the season or weather didn't allow for it. Today -- we are golden.
And we're off --- Leaving Woods Bay
We've turned and are heading to the point.
We're clear of the point and on our way. A lovely ride, complete with a stop in Bigfork Bay - where I just enjoyed and left my camera alone. This is family time and I'm just loving it.
Lakeside arrival around 1:30 so lunch will be late, but all is good.
They are pretty busy, so a wait, but then a wonderful meal and it's about 3:30 by the time we are back on our way. The wind has picked up a bit, so the ride back may be a little choppy.
Hello there - what's with the curl on top?
My view --- water and smoke on the mountains. Look at those filtered layers as a result. Kinda cool.
Oh, someone took my camera -
Sis attempts to get a picture of us all. We had such a great time. Everyone is still full and dinner will be snacky tonight. After a long travel day yesterday and an early rise today, coupled with sun and air, I hit a wall around 8 and went to bed. Not even a single game played. Out like a light.
It's our third day and we are just hanging with mom at the house today. I have a sewing project I'm working on and that gives my hands something to do while we chat. The local visitors stopped by in the afternoon. Mister keeps Bailey amused and all is good in our world. I think we are both crazy relaxed today and that is so nice.
Finally!!! After 5 months of craziness, we are going to Montana. About 3 days ago, Mister suggested that perhaps flying would be better. A 27-hour drive each way with only 8 days available seems challenging at best. We took a quick peek and were shocked at the prices. Just a little over $200 each round trip and that's with 3 days notice. Goodness, we should have looked a couple of weeks ago. I jumped on and booked flights instantly. Is it risky? Yep. Are we going to be careful? Yep. Is it time? Absolutely. Six a.m. flight means that we are at the gate and it's only about 5:15. While I scroll Facebook, Mister takes a nap. He's preparing for one very long day while I am in the excited stage and couldn't possibly sleep. We are flying Delta on the way up and United back home again so we will have the opportunity to see how each airline handles the current situation. The boarding begins and the plane is a 2 -3 seating, with us having the 2 side. Does that make sense? I forgot to take a picture. Away we go.
Beautiful pictures, such a pretty place...I would never want to leave. Have Fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is sooooo hard to leave. Someday, we'll go back.
ReplyDelete