August 1

Whew --my days are running together since the last post! We left Henry's Lake on Tuesday and headed to Mantle Ranch by way of Bozeman. Another beautiful drive from West Yellowstone to Big Sky to Bozeman, along the Cinnamon River. We got to Mantle Ranch in early afternoon--this is our 3rd visit with Renee and Kail Mantle, and all visits have been a blast. Check out all of the exciting thing Kail and Renee are up to at montanahorses.com

We had supper Tues night at the Land of Magic, which I believe is in Logan (across the road from the now deserted Weber mandolin factory). If you're ever in this part of the country and want a great steak, that is the place to be!

Wednesday morning Kail Mantle was kind enough to give horse riding instruction to grandkids Ian and Adeline--so special for them to get instruction from such a talented horseman--thanks Kail. Later is the morning we said our goodbyes to Sarah, Austin, Ian, and Adeline as they headed to Bozeman for their flight home. It was so great to share some vacation time out west with them!

After lunch we headed to the Missouri River and had a wonderful, lazy float for several hours (our truck had its first duty as an oversize load vehicle). We have floated the Missouri each time we have visited here, and it is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon after long travels. Kail and Renee hosted a party Wednesday, and we had a great time visiting and playing music.

Thursday was spent in Bozeman, with lunch at Bob Burgers ("Sorry, we are open" sign in the window). Had my first ever Huckleberry milkshake and it was great!! Amy got in the habit of showing off her cleavage while in Bozeman--see photo!

Wishbone provided a great supper at the ranch with grilled pork chops and then we proceeded to get at one hole champsionship in on the "Lame Burrow Country Club" on the back of Mantle Ranch. Thanks to Kail for providing an exciting end to our time at the Ranch. And many thanks to the Mantles for allowing our instrusion--wish you would come visit in NC!!

We arrived Friday at the Montana Old Time Fiddlers Picnic in Livingston Mt, and have met some of the nicest folks. A lot of changing weather here--intense sunlight and heat in the afternoon, cool night, and intense winds Saturday morning. We had wonderful jams Friday night. Whole different style of fiddling here!

Sun am we start heading home, first stop at Buffalo Wyoming. We are having a great time traveling with our friends.

I accidently deleted some nice photos--hope you enjoy what I do have of the last few days.