Great Expectations

Where did we leave off?..... Let's see, Livingston MT and the night at the Bear Canyon Campground.  This was our first day to really get a glimpse of the Rockies.  I can not imagine what the Corps must have felt when the mountains first came into view.... In awe, maybe outright fear, despair? This is such a beautiful sight, but I know these are not the mountains they were expecting to find!

When we arrived at our campground, I found the same type of  "bored twenty-something who would rather be hiking, and was much too cool for this job" that I had seen at several places already.  That's ok, I just applied some Southern Charm, bought a coke and 2 Capri Suns, and then it happened.  He asked me if I got the AARP discount... yep, the one for retired people.  I have nothing against retired people, and nothing against discounts, but it took me a second to catch myself before I let him know that--- well never mind what I wanted to let him know...Later when I told Justin about this he calmly said well you don't want to ruin your witness.  I assured him that "bored-too-cool" would have been asking about Jesus when I finished with him, but I got the feeling that my husband didn't count that as witnessing!

On, to Friday July 8
We Drove to Helena MT for a boat tour to the Gates of the Mountains.  I admit I was a little skeptical when we arrived, but the trip turned out to be great.  We were able to take our 2 hour tour on a new boat that was only 2 months old.


The boat took us on a relaxing ride through the canyons on the River and we saw some beautiful sights-- rock formations, eagles' nest and eaglets, and the place where the Expedition thought they had come to the mountains.  Impressive, but it would pale in comparison to what they would see later.

On to Missoula, and with much excitement, because we would soon see Justin/Capt. Lewis!  Our campsite in Missoula was perfect! It was called Jim and Mary's RV park, and it was beautiful.  There were flower beds everywhere, and it was so well kept.  One of those places I would have loved to stay much longer than our schedule would allow! We had showers, and a great laundry room.  Everyone felt refreshed.   The Captain was picked up at the airport, and was well rested for his marathon on Sunday.  He ran well, and has said it was his favorite race so far.  Such perfect weather, and beautiful scenery.

We traveled on to Lolo Hot Springs to camp for the night.  We were a little "concerned" when we saw the campground.  Let's just say it wasn't Jim and Mary's!  But leave it to Lewis... He got the best, most beautiful campsite you could imagine! It was by a cold mountain stream and a beautiful mountain and trees!  Capt. Clark and Sacajamia had more fun beside the stream.  They soon discovered gold!

Flecks of gold, but what appeared to be gold.  All of the kitchen utensils were put to good use, and they had hours of fun.  Half of our party enjoyed a swim at the pool across the way, and we ended the night with a board game and all slept well.