Lewistown and Hike

For anyone planning to visit Montana, don't go to Lewistown. We were there for the Montana PA conference and I doubt if we ever go back. It was very flat and good food (and service) was hard to find. On the positive side, there was a McDonalds. We did take a drive one evening and got some pretty cool pictures of a storm coming through.

Yesterday was quite possibly the best day we've had here without skis or a snowboard. We drove up into the Tobacco Root mountains to Branham lakes and hiked for 5 hours. I think we were at around 10,000 feet when we reached the top. It was absolutely breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice, of course, but we still took a zillion.






The arrows point to the peak we hiked to from different distances.




Chris hiking the ridge to the peak.















Our starting point.

13 Days!!!

In less than 2 weeks we'll be coming home. . .yay!!!
So this weekend we rode in the Sheridan Festival parade in Tom's 39' Buick. Yes, I practiced the wave beforehand and even dug out an old prom gown to wear. Of course, I crowned myself Miss Sheridan. What's wrong with that? ;) We rode Mr. Bill's ATVs up the mountain, through the creek, and to the dead end. There are wildflowers everywhere! Maggie rode most of the way and only had 2 near-death experiences. Rex, "the red-headed stepchild", was forced to run behind the ATV. Bless his heart, he probably thought we were trying to abandon him. Little did he know that after the fiasco with the mouse, he'll always have a crate in this house. He ran like a champ. Once we got home, he layed down on the floor and never moved. Speaking of Rex, he was identified by an 8-year old boy on a bike yesterday. The boy recognized him by his "not too short, but not too long" tail. How often do people rescue a dog from the shelter only to have his owner recognize him around town? Luckily, the boy wasn't too concerned and told us to take care of him. Yesterday, we rode all the way up Mill Creek Rd to Branham Lakes. . .absolutely beautiful. The hike around the entire lake was challenging, but fun.
Oh, Physical Therapy is going great. My range of motion increases a little bit with each visit. We're going to the Montana PA Conference in Lewistown tomorrow through Saturday so let's see how I do with my home exercises. My left arm is little weak so I've been working on that as well. From what Dr. Russo and the physical therapists tell me, that could take anywhere from 6 months to a year to improve. But, if that's the only problem I have, I'll consider myself blessed!
This is the last August of my twenties. . .30 is approaching way to quickly.
I almost forgot, Chris bought a 79' Ford F-250 as a "wood getting" truck. I love it! It's the same age as me :) He call's it Uncle Jesse. All you Dukes of Hazard fans will understand. . .I still don't.