After a luscious breakfast with Rhiana and her family, we are on the road once again. This time our destination is Woods Bay (Bigfork), MT and my mother's home. We have a beautiful drive that is dotted with rain showers here and there, but, overall, very pleasant. A quick drive through Townsend just to say we did and back to driving.
Helena has a brewery in the gulch that overlooks the city - so another quick stop to stretch the legs, get some fresh air and then continue on.
The weather is looking a bit problematic ahead.
Crossing McDonald pass is almost like crossing a river. There are police with lights flashing to warn as we round the corner. So much rain has caused the road to begin to wash out. It's still passable, but one never knows how long it will last.
The Avon cut-off has been used for many years and this time is no different. What is different is that Mister spots a quilt shop sign. I'm in shock. There can't possibly be much of a quilt shop here. Well, I was wrong and here is the
Birdseye Mercantile LINK to see all that I found.
Finally, we are hungry and stop in Condon at the Hungry Bear Bar and Grill for some food. We both order the prime rib special and it's decent enough until we get the bill. Silly us, we should have asked the special price. Wow --- Montana prices are in full steam ahead up here.
Mom's house is found by 7:30 in the evening and our travel day comes to an end. We are greeted by beautiful peonies outside and I haven't seen them for years as we are not usually here in June. Time for a visit and some sleep.
11th - Good Morning!! It's a beautiful day int he Flathead Valley and we spend most of it getting caught up with Mom and then make plans for the afternoon out at Swan River and The Perch. These are the moments when I know my sweet man loves the place I'm from as much as I do.
It's a chance for some family time and enjoying the sunshine all at once. Mom came out with us and we are just loving the music and conversation. The Perch will be having Sundays at the River four times this year and we managed to hit the opening one. There will be others in July, August, and September.
A group of locals who have gotten together and formed a band.
Making memories when I can.
We have such a nice time at the river and then go home to make dinner. While in process, the power goes out and we have dinner by lantern.
12th - Remember the peonies I mentioned earlier --- see how gorgeous.
Mom and I spent the morning in town. She had two doctor's appointments and then we did some Costco shopping, all while Mister worked. Poor guy. Retirement can't come soon enough.
When he finishes with work, Mister and I take a walk down to the lake to stretch our legs and get some fresh air. How can you not walk while up here?
Wildflowers along the way
13th - It's a pedicure day!! Other than that, pretty calm.
14th - Jill and Brock are back in town and come down for the evening. Brock has a job in Yellow Bay so drops Jill and the kids off for some fun and dinner with us.
We put a movie in for Greyson. The Lorax has us both watching and I get such a kick out of him. Every so often he would turn around and find me still there, exclaim "Auntie", and give me a hug. This went on for some time and made me giggle each and every one of them.
At one point he spotted Mister and exclaimed, "You're still here, Uncle!" He ran to him and watched the movie with him for a bit as well.
It was a great night. Loved the time with all.
15th - Mom asked me if I had any gifts in my bag of tricks. I searched through and found that I had enough supplies to make a bag for her friend, Candy. Today is sew day.
Tonight is the grand opening for a local place. We walked down to join the celebration and are so glad this place is an option right now. Welcome to MacKenzie River Pizza Co. Love having you in Woods Bay.
That brings us to the end of the first week. We are simply loving being back here in the place I love so much. See ya next week.
