DEER DAMAGE!

Can you see Harry's tears? Because of the rain last night, I didn't cover my gardens. BIG mistake. We got wiped out last night. The deer ate all my lettuce (they don't like arugula, by the way), most of my cucumbers, and the tops of Caitie's peppers; but worse, most of the green tomatoes. They even reached through the patio rails and ate the big tomato we've been watching since June, knocking off the other large one, too.

Black Leaf Canyon

This is the entrance to Black Leaf Canyon. Ellen Aiken and I hiked in and around it today. It is definitely a place to see again.

The Montana State Fair

Shelly watches as Harry eats his Cowboy Cocktail: slaw on top of barbecue on top of beans. We were at the race track to watch the Indian Relays, where Native American teams compete in a bare-back, horse relay race. Despite the fact that Shelly is the expert on the fair, she had never seen these races. Next year she'll come back with us to watch them again; she's a new fan.

Here's a video of some fantastic horse riding in the Indian Races. Remember there is no saddle and no bridle; only a rope halter. You might have to watch it several times...

Whit's Picture of the View from Clary Coolee

Here is Whit's panoramic view of Jess at the crest of Clary Coolee. What a view.

GOAT KABOBS!

Tonight Caitie and Hugh fixed grilled kabobs, with marinated goat meat, red and yellow peppers, sweet onions, mushrooms, and zucchini. Wow, they should cook more often!

Golfing on the Bench

Today we played golf on the beautiful course high above the town. Despite the wind and clouds, it was fun! (-for me, anyway. Harry might disagree...)

Another Reason to Love Choteau

This is a very poor view of the 100th anniversary celebration by Citizens State Bank yesterday. They invited the whole world (or anyone who banks with them, read the paper, drove through town, or in any way shape or form heard about it) to party with them. This included free hamburgers, polish sausages, chips, beans, cupcakes, popcorn, cotton candy, and drinks. I can't forget to mention the art show by local artists with wine and cheese on the second floor of the bank.

Working...

Hugh and Harry spent several days putting down the final baseboards, which really show off the beautiful hardwood floor we found under June's carpet.

Saying Goodby to Jenny

Our new friend, Jenny Pippin, left on Wednesday to return to her home in Staunton. We met Jenny our first week here, discovering that she is not only from Staunton, Virginia, but teaches math at Buffalo Gap High School (Harry's old stomping grounds). Jenny is a brave soul who drove cross-country with her two dogs to spend the summer near Glacier National Park (which means Choteau). She rented a camper at the campground in town and put over 2,000 miles on her car after she arrived! As you may have noted in a previous post, we were very compatible hikers. I will miss her.

Hot Composting

I have been working on a pitiful little compost pile ever since we arrived. It has been working, but slowly and without much heat. Then several days ago I asked my neighbor, and master grass-grower, Gerald Stokes, if he minded giving me his grass clippings. They were like green gold! Last night the interior of the pile was steaming, and this morning I measured the temperature at around 120 degrees before I turned it. That's pretty exciting for some of us compost geeks! It just takes good Montana grass...

Clary Coolee with Jenny

Where we came from...

Where we were going...

Where we ended up... just below the crest of Choteau Mountain, at about 9,000 feet. You could see the Sweet Grass Hills in Canada. Whit and Jess, you stopped too soon! (Correction: They did not. See documentation Whit sent me on July 27.)

Garden Update

After rapid germination and a scary screeching halt of growth (cold weather), the garden took off and has provided many radishes and green salads. We have tomatoes hanging on the vines, blooming cukes, and almost blooming pepper plants. I have my doubts that we'll see the ripe fruits before we leave, however. These will be for Caitie and Hugh to enjoy after we leave. (Notice the deer protection)

Hiking to Our Lake

This is Our Lake, on the edge of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

The view opposite Our Lake. The gap is the outlet, a waterfall, of course!

The 3 1/2 mile hike to Our Lake is covered with Bear Grass this year. As it only blooms every 7-10 years, it's important to enjoy it while it lasts.

Moving Rosell's Shed

Our friend, Rosell, is out in the "Bob" (Bob Marshall Wilderness) as a cook for the Seven Lazy P outfitters. While she's gone, Tony is surprising her by moving her shed from her old house to their new one. Here it is as he pulls it by our house.

Glacier with Caitie and Hugh

St. Mary's Lake on the east side of Glacier.

Caitie and Hugh at McDonald Creek.

We saw lots of mountain goats on Logan Pass.

The July Fourth Celebration... (updated again)

I should introduce our good friend Shelly Capps, and her best friend, Baby, decked out in their 4th of July outfits.

Real Bull Riding...

Dave Letterman and his side-kick Paul Shaffer join us at the July 4th Rodeo.

Cow Riding in the 4th of July Parade

The July 3rd evening concert in the park

Caitie watches Keg Hockey on the afternoon of the 3rd

The July 3rd celebration in the park included a concert by the Choteau Community Band and miniature horse rides from Rosell and Tony.

It wouldn't be the 4th without the duck race. This year there was water in Spring Creek on July 3rd. We didn't win (but our neighbor, Virginia, came in last and won $25!)

But the REALLY BIG NEWS IS

Yes, Harry finally bought a Harley. It has already given him many hours of enjoyment!

Week Three: Back to Work...

After everyone left, we finally created a way in to what has become known as our "Secret Garden." With only a gate in the back of this former dog pen, this side garden was useless. I bought and put together an arbor, and Harry cut the hole in the fence for it. Together we put in the posts and set up the arbor. I had plants saved from my last visit to Sharon Haug's greenhouses, and by the end of the week, it all came together!

June 28: Airshow in Helena

As Whit and Jess got on the road (following Shel and Kerry), Harry and I took off to the airshow in Helena. Although it was our hottest day all summer, we saw some amazing stuf. Watch this video of the Thunderbirds to the end...

Trail Ride!

Whit and Jess check out the view above the Seven Lazy P.

We all enjoyed our time with our guide, Jayce, and his dog, Badger, on the Seven Lazy P. Seeing the black bear (good eye, Jess!) made it even better. Jayce told us at the end of the ride he had seen grizzly bear tracks in the mud by the creek that we crossed.

Whit, Jess, Shel, and Kerry Visit

During the second week of our summer here, Whit and Jess arrived, followed by Hugh's dad and sister, Shel and Kerry.

Standing above the Many Glacier Hotel.

Whit & Jess pose at Red Rock Falls in Many Glacier.

Shel takes a picture of Kerry as she takes in the view and the wind at St. Mary's Lake.

During Whit, Jess, Shel, and Kerry's stay we visited Glacier National Park. Unfortunately, Going to the Sun Road opened on Friday, and we had to go on Thursday. Instead, we visited the Many Glacier area and hiked to Red Rock Falls.

The First Days...

We arrived to new sidewalk art on Main Avenue, in this case investigated by one of our many local deer.

The abundance of deer, living off the flowers and shrubs decorating the town, created a special worry for me, as I spent my first days building two raised beds for vegetables.

Crossing the Country

I look forward to the four days of travel across the United States twice a year. The scenery is the story. I spend the days winding down as we pass vistas of our beautiful nation.

POST #1: Keeping in Touch

It's hard to keep up with everyone while we are 2,000 miles away, so I thought I'd try posting pictures on this blog site.

I wish I'd started this sooner, because I'm really behind with things to share.