We were going to go somewhere but things got complicated-- Gas prices are high. Hailey had a commitment at school. Mr. Handsome had a few projects at work that needed attention. The roofers were supposed to start working on the house. We had landscapers digging out our basement window wells. (What a change! Larger window wells means more light. Not that it's going to matter much to me. Paige is ready NEEDS to move to her room in the basement. That means I have to move out of my craft room [screams of no]. I fear I might be a gal without a place to land [sigh]. We're kicking around a few solutions. There's been talk of putting my craft room in a shed [ahem] studio in the backyard. More on that later...) Now, back to my original story... We were going to go somewhere, but in the end, we decided to stay put and do fun things right here in our own backyard.
Here's the picture tour.
Glacier National Park--Last Monday we drove to Glacier. We started our day with a hike to Avalanche Lake. It is a four-mile hike on the most beautiful trail in the park. The trail is so pretty that the journey is almost better than the destination.
Following our hike, we had a picnic lunch at the Lake McDonald Lodge. We ended the day with a hike to John's Lake, which should really be called John's Pond. We always have a good time catching frogs and salamanders here.
We didn't drive the Going to the Sun Highway this year because: a) we ran out of time; and, b) the road construction signs warned of long delays. The Going to the Sun Highway is one of the most spectacular drives I know of. As an added bonus, there are always mountain goats waiting to greet you at the top of the mountain. We tease that the goats are paid by the National Park service to stand and greet people when they get to the top of Logan Pass. It's always a treat to see them. I'm glad they like to hang out close to the road. I hope we will get to visit them next summer.
Garnet Ghost Town--Not far from home is an old gold-mining settlement that used to have a population of 1000 residents. We had fun peeking in the old buildings and looking for the items on our scavenger hunt list that we picked up in the visitor's center.
I'd never been to Garnet. It was fun to peek back into the past. The girls had a great time.
Boating and Swimming on Flathead Lake--Does it get any better than this?? This is the lake of my childhood. I grew up right on her shores. Sometimes you don't realize how lucky you are, especially when you are a child. I love the lake and so do my girls. Can you tell?
We also hiked around Holland Lake in the Swan Mountain Range. Forgot the camera. Big bummer! It was truly magnificient. We hiked to a falls at the base of the Swan Range that dumps into the lake below. From the falls, you can see across the lake to the Mission Mountains in the distance. Breath taking, I tell you. I wonder if the state of Montana would frown upon me building a house at the end of this trail. I think right beside the waterfall would be just perfect. Lovely views in all directions. Quiet. Fresh. Peaceful. Ahhhh...a girl can dream.
We wanted to tube down the Blackfoot River, but the weather didn't cooperate. On Monday, when we were in Glacier, it was a hundred degrees. No kidding. It would've been perfect for floating. Tuesday, the high was in the mid-seventies. By Wednesday, the high was only sixty seven. It slowly warmed up for the weekend, but not in time for us to venture down the river. It needs to be at least in the mid-eighties for a float to be any fun. Oh, well. There's always next year.
When I had down time, I worked on this.
This is just a little peek. I'll show more later.
Toodles,
Cassie
One last question before I go--Have you ever thought your butt was much smaller than it is? Mr. Handsome, bless his heart, snapped a picture from behind of me and my oldest daughter walking on the trail (screams of horror). I will spare you the retina-burning image. I think I am done eating until 2009, though! I hope my grumbling tummy doesn't compromise my sunny dispostion! Hah, hah!
What beautiful pictures Cassie! That sounds a bit like my dream vacation-all places that I would love to visit one day. Your girls are so cute-much like their mom! And, in answer to your question-I knew my butt wasn't tiny, but wore something that made it look really big and asked my sister if my butt was big (they usually give more honest answers than your hubby), and her reply was, "Yeah, it's been big since the 6th grade." That's what sisters are for! Thanks a lot!
Posted by: Marie | August 27, 2008 at 10:39 PM
What an action packed post! What lovely photos of your family. It makes me long for the warmer weather! As for the holiday...I would trade 5 holidays for a 'studio'...I wish I was you! Jen
Posted by: frazzydazzles | August 28, 2008 at 02:18 AM
What stunning photographs, how blessed you are to live so close to all of this natural beauty.
Posted by: Linda | August 28, 2008 at 10:21 AM
Sorry about your butt. LOL!! I don't even want to know what mine looks like!
I've always wanted to take a vacation "at home". It sounds so much more relaxing than having to clean and pack and drive (or fly) a long distance. You've given me some great ideas!
Posted by: Jona | August 28, 2008 at 12:21 PM
Hahaha! Now you know why I hate having my picture taken -- those pictures never reflect what's in my mind's eye LOL.
Your girls are adorable and it looks like you had a great time. Why would you need to take a "vacation" with all that beauty in your backyard? Someday I hope to make it there -- I've been to almost all of the states, but Montana is still on my list!
Love the emb. peek -- can't wait to see more!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | August 28, 2008 at 01:18 PM
My I just love your doodles!
Posted by: JudyC | August 28, 2008 at 06:01 PM
How beautiful – absolutely breathtaking! Mountains and water, nothing can beat that combination.
Margaretha
Posted by: margaretha | August 29, 2008 at 02:17 PM
Beautiful Backyard Vacation! We spent a week in that are a few years ago and just loved it! Your girls are adorable and look like they're having a spectacular time.
About the butt question....yes. Nuff said.
Jody
Posted by: Gumbo Lily | August 29, 2008 at 09:06 PM
Sounds like a wonderful vacation, you're so lucky to have all this so close to home! Your girls are darling. And your stitches are wonderful, can't wait to see more.
Posted by: Tina | August 29, 2008 at 09:32 PM
We actually did that hike on our honeymoon. It was beautiful. Seeing all your pictures makes me homesick. And yes - I am always shocked when I see pictures of my back side - not pleasant. I, however, know I am not done eating. he he :-)
Posted by: Melanie | August 29, 2008 at 11:39 PM