This summer, I have been extremely popular! First, my friend from college came up to see me!
We started her Montana vacation by heading up Hyalite Canyon. It was a bit rainy, but still beautiful, with the running water in the creek and the green trees. And us, goofing off, of course!
me and E
We ended that day to a trip to the new brewery, which I need to learn to remember the name for. I just keep calling it the new brewery... But, since we couldn't decide on what to drink, we each ended up with a flight. Sooooo good. And a great way to find out which beers I do and don't like.
The next day, we took a day trip to Yellowstone! We drove all the way down to the Continental Divide!
It was such a strange weather day! It had been warm in Bozeman, but a bit cold when we got to Yellowstone. When we went to see Old Faithful, it started sleeting on us! How strange!
Then, even more strangely, it started snowing on our way out of the park! And not just a slight sprinkling of snow, it was a full on snow storm! So of course, we did what any cool, smart, 20-somethings would do... We got out and took pictures in it!
The next day, she forced me to hike. I know it's strange, and I live in the hiking district of the world, but I really really hate hiking. Yep, I'm weird. Drinking Horse Mountain is a very steep hill that pretty much goes strait up, even on the 'easy' side. However much I hated it, I'm glad we hiked it!
That afternoon, we went to Arts on Fire, where we could paint pottery, and they fire and glaze it for us. It's pretty cool, because everything ends up dishwasher and microwave safe.
A few weeks later, Manda came up to visit me! She came up on the Fourth of July and stayed the weekend.
London didn't exactly like her this trip...
That evening, we went to Music on Main, where every Thursday, they set up a band and shut off main street from traffic. It's pretty fun. The guy tonight was pretty cool.
One of the coolest (maybe I should say funniest?) parts was all the people dancing in front of the stage....
That night, we grabbed a bottle of wine, dragged some chairs across the street from my place, lit up a few sparklers, and then watched the fairground fireworks. It was a blast!
The next day, we went to Yellowstone! We did something different, and went down the east way instead of straight down the west. There was a lot of construction, but we did manage to see three black bears! We had brought a lunch, but when we couldn't find any picnic tables to stop and eat, we just pulled off the side of the road and ate a quick lunch. It was a great view!
A few days after Manda left, my parents showed up! Every year they drive up to Montana, usually taking a small road trip to get here. This year, they spent a few days hiking and fishing in my favorite place ever, Jackson Hole, Wyoming! Then they made their way up here!
Of course, one thing we always do is go fly rod shopping. Usually, I just hang out and check out the hot guys (hehe). But this time I went with them to the roof of the building so they could try out the new rod. It was hot, but fun to watch.
They decided against the rod, but who knows, they will probably be back to buy it!
Then my dad wanted to show us where he went fishing one morning with the guide. Me, I just enjoyed the view and attempted to get some sun.
One day, we took a ride out to Virginia City and Nevada City, two historic cities here in Montana.
On the way there, we saw the storms moving in, as well as a cattle drive!
We stopped for awhile at the Ruby River, while we contemplated if we wanted to fish or not.
We then headed to Nevada City, which is a ghost town full of buildings from all over Montana.
It's considered a 'living history museum', meaning that the residents there dress up and give tours and talk about life during this time.
There was a lady there with a hand crank sewing machine. She let me make a small pouch!
We then went to Virginia City, where we got some homemade ice cream. Yum!
And, I still can't believe my parents agreed to this, but got some old-timey photos done! Now, we did get a print where I was in it. However, the ones of my parent are so much more awesome!
This one is my favorite... I love how my mom looks SOOOO happy and my dad looks a bit scared...
Then, my brother and his buddy arrived into town! The only one we were missing was Manda! The boys are staying with me for a few weeks to get some of the great Montana air.
One night, we went to dinner with my parent's fishing guide and his daughter. Well, since everyone else was talking about fishing, M and I just played around with my mom's iPad...
The poor kitten... He doesn't like visitors. I keep finding him under the bed...
The other night, I babysat my co-workers kids. I thought they were cute pictures, so I tagged them along the end of this post.
Anyway, it's been an awesome summer so far!
-amyg
