Ah, family vacations. Imagine my parents loading seven children in a station wagon with no air conditioning, driving across Nebraska, the Dakotas, and/or Wyoming in the heat of early August, pulling a camper; headed to Montana. Once we reached the mountains, I quickly forgot about the heat. Many mornings were chilly enough to warrant a sweatshirt. Cool temperatures, beautiful mountain scenery, sparkling water, clean air, and abundant wildlife; what isn’t there to like.
Those family vacations left an impression on me. I dreamt of living in Montana or Alaska someday. (OK, I hadn’t been to Alaska yet, but I had heard many stories about my Grandpa hunting in Alaska and the Yukon, and my Dad traveling in Alaska.) Now that I am retired, those memories have returned. Through the encouragement of my siblings, I decided to spend some time in Montana this year.
I rented a house outside of Hamilton Montana for the month of May. The property also consisted of 7 acres with a creek flowing along one side, plenty of trees, and two very small open meadows. I was not disappointed. Afterall, the scenery was beautiful, the air and water were clear, wildlife was abundant, and the temperatures were cool, with very little humidity.
Late one evening, I looked out the door and saw a Moose feeding on a crabapple tree maybe 15’ from the deck. This isn’t something I get to see in Iowa.
When I was loading up my truck early one morning, I looked across the open meadow and saw Elk walking through the corral.
I saw all of this from the house. It was a great orientation to Montana. And this was just the beginning…
Family vacations are one of the most memorable times. As Dad would say, “if you wait until you think you have enough time and/or money to go on vacation most people will never go.” So just go and do what you can afford. Love your pictures and story.
We learned from the best. I don’t think Dad could ever have guessed how much travel his kids would do. I sure miss him.
That looks wonderful!
It was a wonderful place Sue.
Sounds amazing! Great pictures. We loved Montana
There is so much to see and do in Montana.
Hello Stan!
We missed you over in that area. We traveled through Lolo Pass, late June and first part of July. Sam and Jenna live in Grangeville, Idaho! That is an amazing area where you were for the month of May.
Ann
Spearfish
Wow, we were just a few mountain ranges away. I hope Sam and Jenna do not have any fires in their back yard.
Don and Pam Poggensee sent your name and pictures to me. Some of my Shook relatives live at Hamilton and Darby. Think my Grandfather’s uncle first was there working a survey team. Granville Shook. Latter Shooks was in the lumber business. Cutting timber and sawing lumber. Also Farming. Close to Hamilton a mountain is named Shook mountain.
Small world. Your relatives live in a great place.
Wow. Seeing the wildlife in your yard must have created a feeling of awe.
It was pretty cool to see moose and elk in the yard.
As always Stan, GREAT and keep it up!
Gene
Thanks Gene.
Stan, We love your photos and following your adventures! Keep at it. Wes/CJ
This summer sure has been an adventure. More to come…
Part 2?…can’t wait.
are Moose as big as they say?
Yes, the moose are huge.