Great Harvest Bread Company, Cheyenne…

Posted on September 30, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

greatharvest1WE MADE IT THROUGH THE NIGHT, in case you’ve been worried about us.  If you read yesterday’s post, you already know that Cheyenne was under a tornado watch last night when we went to bed. I got up periodically through the night to check the National Weather Service website, and thank goodness…no tornado! High winds and rain, but no tornado and this morning the watch has been cancelled. However, the weather forecast is for more rain and brisk winds, so we’ve decided to cut short our stay in Wyoming and head south to Colorado in the morning. I want to get an early start, as I suspect I’ll need to drive slowly because of the winds.

GREAT HARVEST BREAD COMPANY. We discovered a gem of a spot for lunch today. It’s called Great Harvest Bread Company. Trip Adviser rates it Number 1 in Cheyenne out of 157 restaurants reviewed. After having lunch there today, I’d add my vote to that and I’m also adding the place to my blog category of eateries worth visiting. Looking back I think I’ve been a little “easy” on rating restaurants worth of mention as favorite eateries we’ve discovered along the way. So I’ve raised the bar, but this spot still easily qualifies. It’s primarily a bakery, and has a huge selection of healthy and tasty bread for sale, as well as scones and other tempting pastries. In addition, there’s an order-at-the-counter restaurant offering a huge selection of tempting sandwiches along with a gourmet coffee selection comparable to Starbucks. All the sandwiches, of course, are prepared  with bread fresh from the oven…the loaves can be seen still cooling on the bread racks.

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Cheyenne, Wyoming…

Posted on September 28, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 28, 2014.

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Cheyenne is the state capital of Wyoming. The Capitol in the background and the Train Depot in the foreground. (Yep, I spelled ’em both correctly.)

CHEYENNE, WYOMING is the cow capital of Wyoming. It all began when the Union Pacific Railroad selected it as a company townsite in 1867.  Settlers rushed in even before the railroad began to sell building plots. Within a matter of months, the population was 4,000, and thousands of tents, shacks, dugouts, and covered wagon boxes lined the streets. It was a rough and tumble group of folks and transients who lived and worked there.

By 1869 Longhorns were arriving in the vicinity from Texas, and the next year the first Wyoming cattle were loaded at Cheyenne for the European market. By the mid-1870’s the Cheyenne Plains had been stocked, the Wyoming Stock Growers Association founded and Cheyenne was the capital of a vast cattle-ranching region. English cattlemen settled there and formed the Cheyenne Club, which made policies affecting the cattle industry throughout the West. The town outfitted prospectors going to the Black Hills and provided them with stage transportation. People continued to arrive and today, Cheyenne is the capital of the State.

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Casper, Wyoming…

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 27, 2014.

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It’s about 200 miles from Casper to Cheyenne, Wyoming.

CASPER, WYOMING is about 300 miles down the road from Billings. We made it all the way there today…quite a day’s drive for us. Another “new” state and another sticker goes on our United States map. I’ll take a picture of it and post it soon…we’re definitely making progress on our trip across the country. It continues to feel as if winter’s coming. Last night in Billings it was breezy and cloudy…leaves were falling from the trees and swirling about the roads and driveways. Distant lightning punctuated the darkness…followed by thunder, although it didn’t rain where we were camped. There were gusts on the highway today that made driving a bit of a challenge…we have a heck of a lot of surface area to catch the wind! Summer is definitely over and Fall hasn’t really had time to happen. We’ll stop here for a day or two…just enough time to see a few of the sights and learn a bit of local history. Winter last year in these parts…Montana and Wyoming, was unusually severe. The locals keep telling me about deep snow, icy roads and temperatures that dropped as low as 20 and 30 degrees below zero. We don’t want to be anywhere near that kind of weather, so we’ll keep pushing south…headed to much warmer areas.

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Billings, Montana…

Posted on September 20, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 20, 2014

We’re spending about a week in Billings. Even though we’re now anxious to make our way to Texas, there are things I’ve been postponing and I simply must spend some time and get them done. I need to finish our tax returns and deal with some paperwork to get insurance reimbursement for motorhome repairs we had done way back in Portland. I want to get the RV washed and I need to polish and wax the jeep. I want to add some features to this website. Just routine things, but they don’t get done when your either sightseeing or driving all the time. When all these projects are done, we’ll take a couple days to look around…this appears to be a very interesting town. Then, by next week at this time, we’ll be in Wyoming. Dick Cheney has invited me to have lunch with him in Casper. We’re hoping Don Rumsfeld will be able to join us. George Dubya can’t make it.

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It will be a long drive to our winter home in Texas.

BILLINGS, MONTANA IS BOOMING. It is the largest city in the state of Montana. It’s located in the south – central portion of the state and has a population of around 109,000 folks who don’t mind cold winters. Billings is and has been a fast-growing, robust city and it managed to avoid the economic downturn and housing bust that affected most of the nation between 2008 and 2012. It’s a booming city. It was founded in 1882 as a railroad town and was named for Frederick Billings, a former president of the Northern Pacific Railroad. With one of the largest trade areas in the United States, Billings is the trade and distribution center for most of Montana, Wyoming and the western portions of North and South Dakota.

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You won’t believe these road signs…

Posted on September 19, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 19, 2014

                                    THE DRIVE FROM MISSOULA TO BILLINGS, MONTANA

Today was the first leg of our long 2,300 mile trek from Montana to Texas. We drove about 360 miles…quite a distance for us to drive in a day. We often don’t travel more than 150 miles or so, or even less than that sometimes. I hadn’t anticipated posting in my blog this evening, but driving along I 90 today I saw two of the most interesting road signs…

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I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this sign!

YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE ROAD SIGNS I saw as we were cruising down the Interstate. I admit to being pretty much a city boy, although after living on our ranch in Deerhorn Valley for the last 5 years I thought I’d become something of a cowboy. Apparently not. Now, maybe you guys won’t be surprised to learn about these signs and what they’re all about, but I sure was. The first sign advertized a “Testicle Festival” and the second was for a taxidermy service that cleans trophy wild animal skulls for display, using live beetles to do the cleaning. Here’s what I learned:

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It’s time to go…

Posted on September 18, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 18, 2014

IT’S TIME TO GO…WE’RE HEADING TO TEXAS.

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We’re spending the winter near San Antonio, in the Texas Hill Country.

It’s dawned on us gradually during the last few days here in northern Montana. First, we noticed that some shops and restaurants are already closing for the season. Then we heard that the road traversing Glacier National Park was impassable a few days last week because of snow. Next, we recalled that the guy who owns the orchard where we bought apples told us that winter could arrive any day. We’ve heard that the Elk are moving down the mountains to lower ground. Bears are eating voraciously and getting ready to hibernate. And of course, it’s begun getting noticeably colder. Winter is coming!

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Glacier National Park, Montana…

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014.

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The cars are called “Reds.” The drivers are called “Jammers” because they used to jam the gears of the stick shift vehicles while driving the road.

GOING-TO-THE-SUN ROAD.  One of the main attractions at Glacier National Park is the Going-to-the-Sun Road, which spans 53 miles across the width of the Park in Montana, going over the Continental Divide at Logan Pass, elevation 6,650 feet. It passes through almost every type of terrain in the park, from large glacial lakes and cedar forests in the lower valleys to windswept alpine tundra atop the pass. The Road is a National Historic Landmark and a Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. Driving it is not an activity to be missed. It’s a famous drive and a famous area. Remember the movie “Forrest Gump?” As Forrest reminisces with Jenny he remembers running across the United States and remarks, “Like that mountain lake. It was so clear, Jenny. It looks like there were two skies, one on top of the other.” The shots in the background are Going-to-the-Sun Road and Saint Mary Lake. So, driving this road is an absolute “must-do activity” at this National Park.

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Outing to Flathead Lake…

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 15, 2014.

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Flathead Lake is one of the clearest lakes in the entire world, according to scientists. Boats often appear to be “floating” over the water because of this…a funny sight until you realize what’s happening.

FLATHEAD LAKE, MONTANA is one of dozens of lakes in the immediate area of our campground near Glacier National Park. It is the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi River in the contiguous United States. It is slightly larger than Lake Tahoe.  The maximum depth is 370 feet, compared to the 1,130 foot depth of Lake Pend Oreille, near Sandpoint. As with all of the lakes and rivers in this area, the water is almost crystal clear due to the lack of plankton in the water. Flathead Lake is further distinguished: It is one of the cleanest lakes in the populated world, according to scientists. The lake is bordered on its eastern shore by the Mission Mountains and on the west by the Salish Mountains.

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Whitefish, Montana…

Posted on September 15, 2014 by Greg Alford
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Downtown area at dusk.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2014. Just a few miles from our campground is the quaint town of Whitefish, where Florence and I spent the afternoon poking around, learning some local history and generally just being tourists. Located on the shore of beautiful Whitefish Lake, the town boasts its own Amtrak station, a busy switching yard where freight trains come and go and a downtown area filled with interesting shops, boutiques and restaurants. As elsewhere in the Northwest, local coffee roasting companies dispense their brew by the gallon to locals and tourists alike.

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Kalispell, Montana: Gateway to Glacier National Park…

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 13, 2014

KALISPELL, MONTANA is a quiet town of about 20,000 people, located in the heart of the magnificent Rocky Mountains, poised in the northwest corner of Montana and kalispellabout an hour south of the Canadian border. As Montana’s seventh largest city and the seat of Flathead County, it’s a progressive, thriving community; the very essence of Big Sky Country – with the best backyard in the country. A half-hour to the east lies the rugged grandeur of Glacier National Park. Fifteen minutes to the south is Flathead Lake – a glacial jewel – the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi, and one of the purest anywhere. Encompassing the valley is the Flathead National Forest…2.3 million acres of federally protected public land, home to abundant wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, moose, deer, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep and wolves. At more than 5,000 square miles Flathead County’s 90,000 residents have plenty of elbow room. About as many people live within the three incorporated towns as outside of them. With a population of 22,000 Kalispell is the largest. It is within a 15-minute drive of the other two, Whitefish and Columbia Falls; and less than 30 minutes from Bigfork and Lakeside, two smaller but vibrant communities nestled on the east and west shores of Flathead Lake.

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Glacier National Park, Montana…

Posted on September 13, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 13, 2014.

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City Beach in Sandpoint, Idaho. This town is one of our favorites!

LEAVING SANDPOINT.  Today we put Sandpoint in our rear-view mirror and drove about 200 miles northeast to Kalispell, a small town just outside the west entrance to Glacier National Park. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Sandpoint and in fact we stayed a full three weeks, rather than the three days we’d allotted. We were impressed with Sandpoint’s beauty, and spectacular Lake Pend Oreille. But perhaps most impressive were the townsfolk. Everyone we met was gracious, welcoming and accommodating. There is a sense of community pride that is remarkable. We’ll return…maybe sooner or maybe later, but for sure we’ll return!

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Picking blueberries at Fred and Patty’s Farm…

Posted on September 8, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 7, 2014.

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Florence picked almost three pounds of berries. It’s hard work…stoop labor! 

FRESH, LOCALLY GROWN BERRIES. We took a drive in the country today and had what turned out to be one of the most interesting excursions so far on our Great American Adventure. At the side of the road on the north shore of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, we saw a makeshift sign: “U Pick Blueberries.” It sounded like a good idea to us, so we turned down a country lane and headed toward a farmhouse in the distance. Soon we arrived at the Shingle Mill Blueberry Farm. Owners Fred and Patty Omodt greeted us and welcomed us to their farm.

SHINGLE MILL BLUEBERRY FARM. I asked Fred, “How does this work?” He responded by handing us each a bucket and said “follow me.” We walked between rows of large blueberry bushes…some 5,000 of them we learned, while Fred gave us a mini-lesson on berry farming. They grow eight varieties of berries in neat and tidy rows which cover about 50 acres of land…a virtual sea of blueberry plants! Fred told us about each variety and we sampled the fruit as we walked through the fields with him.

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Mennonites in Idaho…

Posted on September 6, 2014 by Greg Alford

SEPTEMBER 6, 2014.

WHO ARE THE MENNONITES? Having seen quite a few Mennonite women in the area…everywhere from the check-out line at Walmart to walking in the woods, I realized I knew next to nothing about them or their religion. Here’s what I’ve learned. They are Christians, believing in the Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. They are neither Catholic or Protestant, but they share ties to those streams of Christianity. They are known as “Anabaptists” (not anti-Baptists) meaning that they are “re-baptizers.” Adults are baptized. Children are not.

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Mennonite women dress in plain, conservative clothing. Some wear head coverings while others do not. They use cell phones and computers, unlike Amish people who live a more spartan life.

In Europe during the 16th century, their faith-ancestors broke away from the state religion’s practice of baptizing infants. They believed that only adults could make a decision to follow Jesus Christ and be baptized voluntarily. So they “re-baptized” as adults those whom the Church had already baptized as infants. It was considered a heresy to do so and many were persecuted and even killed for their actions and beliefs. Mennonites value a sense of family and community. It is not a closed group…all are welcome to join.

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Sandpoint after dark…we love this town!

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Greg Alford
panida

The Panida theater in Sandpoint opened as a vaudeville and movie house in 1927. After a complete renovation in 1985, it now is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

AUGUST 29, 2014.

SANDPOINT AFTER DARK: While we were walking around the village the other day, we came across the little Panida Theater…steeped in history and the cornerstone of cultural activities for the entire Sandpoint community. Whether hosting a film, local performers, recording stars like Bonnie Raitt or the San Francisco Opera, the theater is treasured by all in the community because it brings quality entertainment to the area. It’s a long drive to Spokane! So, we decided to go to the theater tonight. Good call.

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Sandpoint’s Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center…

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Greg Alford

AUGUST 28, 2014. NEAR SANDPOINT, IDAHO.

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Way off the beaten path in a forest near Lake Pend Oreille, we found this Museum and Invention Center. Fascinating.

THIS IS NO ORDINARY MUSEUM. And it has nothing to do with flying animals or aviaries. Rather, the museum memorializes the life, times and accomplishments of Dr. Forrest Bird, currently 93 years of age, who personally welcomed us to the large hanger where many of the collections are displayed. Where is the place? This is interesting…The location is about 15 miles off Highway 95 in the Idaho back country near Lake Pend Oreille, in the tiny town of Sagle, not far from Sandpoint. That’s a mouthful, but it’s an accurate description of where we found this fascinating little museum. A very strange spot for it, I thought, but who cares? Here we are…

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Sandpoint, Idaho and Lake Pend Oreille…

Posted on August 22, 2014 by Greg Alford
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The Lodge at Sandpoint, Idaho. Seaplanes are common in the Northwest. Many popular fishing and hunting destinations are so remote that taking a small plane is the only way to get there.

AUGUST 22, 2014. Sandpoint, Idaho, an easy drive from Spokane, is a town on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Idaho’s largest lake. It’s pronounced “Ponderay,” and that’s what the locals call it: Lake Ponderay. Rand McNally and USA Today have each given Sandpoint the distinction of being named the nation’s “Most Beautiful Small Town.” That’s good enough for me…we’re going to stay a few days and look around. Some of the areas near here are truly wilderness…unspoiled and far, far away from the beaten track. In fact, Idaho contains more wilderness acreage than any other state in the lower 48. The state’s peaks reach to almost 13,000 feet and its rivers provide more than 3,000 miles of white water. An astounding 22 million acres of the state’s total acreage remains forested. Idaho’s highly regarded former senator Frank Church once said, “I never knew a man who felt self-important in the morning after spending a night in the open on an Idaho mountainside.” We’re not planning to spend the night on a mountainside, mind you, but the landscape is so breathtakingly beautiful that if does put things in perspective.

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Our plans for the Winter…

Posted on August 19, 2014 by Greg Alford

AUGUST 19, 2014.

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Texas Hill Country. This will be our winter home this year, starting in November and continuing ’til early Spring. 

WE’VE DECIDED. It took a while, being from sunny Southern California, for us to completely comprehend the need to pick a warm spot to spend the winter. Our San Diego climate is so mild year-round that no seasonal considerations are necessary. However, with snow, ice and other extreme winter weather in many parts of the country, it becomes important for us to have a place by November to avoid any conditions that would make RV life difficult. We considered lots of spots along the Gulf Coast, but ultimately concluded that the Texas Hill Country near San Antonio, in the central part of the Lone Star State, will be our winter home this year. We’re planning to spend three months there, beginning at Halloween…the end of October. We’ve settled on an RV Resort that looks very inviting on its website. Speaking with the park managers this morning by phone confirms the “word on the street” that the folks in the Hill Country are among the friendliest in the entire country. The two people at the Admiralty Park with whom I chatted couldn’t have been more gracious or helpful. We’re looking forward to meeting them! Read more »

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