Polson, Kalispell, Glacier, Browning

After we left the Coeur d'Alene area we did cross into Montana. Our next major stop was Polson to see our friend Jill. We stayed at a KOA, first time I ever stay at a KOA. We called other campgrounds in the area and they were all full, so we were glad to get anything. We liked this campground a lot although it is pricey and most of the amenities that make it pricey are aimed at families. The town is on the southern end of Flathead Lake. There is not much going on in the town. The lake is the biggest attraction.

We did see our friend Jill. One day I stayed in the RV with the dogs and Diane and Jill went into town seeking adventures. I'll let her tell you that story.

From Polson we took the short drive to the north side of Flathead Lake, to Kalispell to see Diane's friend Jane. We got to park the RV on her driveway. Jane has a Golden Retriever named Lucy. Matilda and Maguire got along great with Lucy, although I don't think the neighbors appreciated two more loud dogs. Lucy has a harness similar to the Sporn harness that are great for dogs who pull.  I asked Jane where she got it and she immediately offered to take me to the local Petco where she bought it. We did go, I got one for Matilda and it has made a big difference. Diane will tell you more about that visit too. Huge thanks to Jane and Lucy for opening your home to us. I hope Matilda did not destroy too many of Lucy's toys.

From Kalispell we headed to Glacier National Park. After a few uneventful days we arrived at St Mary on the east side of the park. We had great plans for Glacier National Park. They have guided tours, free shuttle service, hiking , kayaking, etc. The next morning we woke up early to hear... *RAIN* and hurricane winds. That was certainly a hunker-down day. The winds stayed strong all day so we did not even get to ride our bikes or rent kayaks. The next day the weather cleared some and we got to take the shuttle to the park. It is totally spectacular. The pictures cannot start to do it justice. Everywhere you look there is a lake, river or waterfall. The mountains are very high and rocky. Definitely a must see.

The next day (my birthday) we left Glacier National Park and headed for a little Native American town named Browning because I had some mail sent to me there. There were cars and horses and even floats all over town. Turns out there was a big Pow Wow and parade in town. I have never seen so many horses in one place. There were Native American men in war regalia riding their painted ponies bareback, some very attractive Native American women, and floats encouraging the youths to stay in the straight and narrow. I thought the parade was in my honor. But I enjoyed it anyway when I found out it was not. I had a great birthday with many texts, emails, calls and even an ecard wishing me a happy birthday. I got to see many of them later because I had no signal at Glacier.

We are now in Great Falls, Montana. The next friends and family we are scheduled to see are in Michigan, over a thousand miles away. Looks like the next month will be pretty boring.

Stay tuned.