Merry Christmas from the Rembolds!!

A Nativity scene created from Habitat and CHRPA
scrap materials! 

CHRISTMAS GREETINGS!

            The Christmas season has arrived and we are busy getting ready.  Grandma Mac is here for the holidays, Luke is still working here in town, and Jed will be arriving after he posts grades for his classes. 

Doctoral graduation celebration!

Brothers!

                    It has been quite a year for Jed.  On Christmas Eve day last year he experienced appendicitis.  Our local hospital didn’t have a surgeon on call because of the holiday, so we had to drive him 45 miles to the La Grande hospital.  Once in surgery, they discovered that it had ruptured, resulting in a week stay from Christmas to New Year’s!  We spent the week going back and forth visiting Jed!  He recovered fully and returned to his Post-Doc job working with the 2.5m telescope atop Magdalena Ridge outside of Socorro, NM.  One week after walking in the May graduation ceremony, Jed received a call from Willamette University, a D-3 school in Salem, OR.  They needed a visiting Physics professor!  So in

One happy graduate!

July, Luke flew to Albuquerque, and they loaded Jed’s gear in a rental truck and road tripped through Baker City to Salem.  Jed has Intro to Physics classes and labs this semester and next spring will also be teaching Classical Physics.  He is loving teaching, being back in Oregon, and having many friends nearby.  He is hoping Willamette will ask him to return next year to fill an opening!

       

A typical pose for Luke...hiking in the Elkhorns!

   Luke remains the youth director at our Presbyterian church here in Baker City.  He will finish his contract in June. His girlfriend, Kady, will return from a 27-month Peace Corps assignment in Indonesia in May.  After an extended vacation together, they will decide where the next chapter leads.  Luke is in Indonesia now visiting Kady, after spending four days with our exchange son, Jack, in Taiwan.  With his commitments with the national church including trips to New York and Alabama, the boy gets around!  He has loved youth work and is curious as to what God has in mind next. 

Hugs for Grandma R during moving
stop in Baker City

         

Thanksgiving in Bandon with Mom Mac and
Ginger's brother, Mac

   Our moms are doing well.  Mom Mac celebrated her 96^th birthday the beginning of December.  She still loves her small town of Bandon and her home on the ocean bluff.  Mom R was here for the month of July.  She still resides in Albuquerque and enjoys visits with her first great-grandson!

          We continue to love our life of volunteer travel in the spring and fall seasons.  Last spring we were working in Tucson, AZ, with CHRPA home repair, then to Libby and Kalispell, Montana, in June working with Habitat.  We squeezed family trips to

Zip Lining in Whitefish, Montana!

Bandon and Fairbanks in-between!  We were back in Kalispell in September for a month, with a side trip through Waterton National Park, Canada.  Next spring will find us cruising across the southeast after a visit with Mom R in Albuquerque.  We have Habitat stops in Mason, TX, and Tuscalosa, AL, scheduled.  Then we’ll attend our nephew’s wedding in May in North Carolina!  June will find us back in Kalispell.  Whew!  We log many highway miles, but we love it!  Summer and winter we stay busy in Baker City with hobbies, chores, hikes, church, and trips to the coast to visit Mom Mac.  

Group photo of a typical crazy Habitat CAV crew!

          One special trip this year for Ginger was a trek to her hometown of Sacramento with sister Liz and Mom Mac to celebrate the 60^th Anniversary of the church Dad Mac organized in 1955.  What a wonderful 8 days of sister time (we stayed with sister Marg), old friends, and lots of memories! 

       

         It seems each year brings plenty of new adventures and surprises!  May we continue to receive the PRESENT of God’s PRESENCE with us at Christmas and throughout the year.  Christmas Blessings!

Rick and Ginger

elkhornrandg@gmail.com

If you need updated address or phone numbers, please email us.  (Nothing has changed since last year!)

The remaining photographs give a glimpse of our Habitat/CHRPA work for those interested, plus few samples of the prayer artwork Ginger has created this year.  

Out in the desert west of Tucson, Rick and I built a solar hot water heater! 

At CHRPA in March, with Allie and Hanbyeol, Presbyterian YAVs with whom we worked.

I painted Habitat Logo Rocks for everyone in the CAV group!

Rick nails down the siding on another pre-made wall.  The last week in Kalispell we laid out and assembled all the exterior walls for the next house to be built.  Whew!  

Ginger added masonry to her skills list this year! 

Rick is up on a roof again in Libby, MT!

Ginger puts finishing paint touches on siding after installing with a Libby volunteer. 

In Kalispell during two different builds, we took a house from foundation pouring in May....

....to this stage by the end of September's build.  The interior is still unfinished and waiting for
the cold days of winter to work inside! 

Foundation work.....it was hot and dirty! 

Rick works the vibrator during the foundation pour. 

The rest are illustrations from my prayer drawings....I did a whole alphabet series during the summer months and frequently find inspiration in flowers!  

Today's prayer picture...Dec. 7...a drawing rendition of the new Habitat Nativity that now joins the 75+ other nativities in our living room and beyond!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sacramento Celebration Trip

THURSDAY, November 12
Baker City to South Salem,
358 miles
          I am off on a great solo adventure, pulling out of our driveway at 7:30 am and inserting my first book on CD as I entered the free way on-ramp!  Temperatures dipped below freezing last night and the Elkhorn mountains are lit up with a dazzling white of fresh snow in the morning light.  A great day for a drive, I thought, and then entered the fog five miles later!!  But overall, my drive to a lunch date with Judy Marshall in The Dalles went smoothly.  No major ice or snow issues over the passes.  I stopped at the Space Age to top off the gas and then listened away until my 11:15 arrival at Casa El Mirador in The Dalles.  Judy arrived just minutes later.

Julie's gorgeous cactus in bloom

        Enjoyed a delightful lunch with Judy, talking about the boys, our travels, Judy's adventures, the church.  All too soon I checked my watch and realized it was already 1:30!!  I needed to be on the road!
        I pulled into Rodgers driveway just a few minutes after 4pm, not quite to the end of my longer book.  Will have to finish on the drive in the morning!  I didn't stop at Liz's to drop off a Christmas box as I was 'in the flow' of the 205 traffic and didn't want to mess that up!  She'll have room to take it back up!
        Jerry and Julie have a beautiful three story home on a few acres that are heavily forested and 'green' in the hilly area south of Salem.  Jed arrived around 6 to join us for dinner.  Wonderful time talking and visiting and Jed left shortly after 9.  He has class in the morning!
        Quick check in with Rick as I crawled into bed for a good sleep!

FRIDAY, November 13
Salem to Bandon, 197 miles
Bandon to Yreka, CA 220 miles

         Up early to read a bit, clean up and shower, and then out just before 7 to enjoy a cup of coffee with Jerry.  Julie joined us for some breakfast and I got away a little after 8am, bound for Bandon.  Taking the fast route today down I-5.  Finished the one book and started the shorter one, which I basically ended when I got to Moms just minutes before noon.  We had a very quick 'turn-around' and by 12:20 were pulling back out of the driveway headed south for Yreka!  I continued driving until GrantsPass, and Liz took the wheel the rest of the way. We got to Yreka just four hours later, stopping at the Motel 6 for the night.  Shasta was a beautiful sight in the lowering sunshine!  I haven't driven this section of road in years.
        We walked over to the Black Bear Diner next door and had dinner together.  I loved all the decor and signs and photographs.  Would love some of the figures for the living room!
        We crashed early after a few games, a little drawing, a bit of TV (enough to see that something big happened in France), and more conversation.





SATURDAY, November 14
Yreka to Carmichael, 267 miles

        Our traveling ends today!  We are up early and out of the Motel shortly after 7 (that's what happens when you go to bed at 9!)  Breakfast at McDonalds and we are on the road by 7:45 heading south down I-5 bound for Sacramento.  I take the wheel first until Red Bluff and then Liz drives us into Sacramento.  Mom has her nook in the back seat and sometimes can hear our conversation and often cannot!  It is sunny, and a beautiful drive, although Lake Shasta is so low and other signs of drought are everywhere.
       We arrive at Margarets around 12:15 and break open our boxes of food to grab some lunch.  Always poor planning to arrive hungry and ready to eat!
       Quiet afternoon....Liz and I stretched our legs with a walk with the dogs, and I spent a little time enjoying the sunshine (warmer outside than in the house!) while catching up on some phone calls to Cherrie and Rick.

SUNDAY, November 15
Worship at Northminster

         Highlight today was worship at Northminster in the morning.  We went over a little early and Mom thoroughly enjoyed seeing people (struggling at times to remember faces, etc.).  We laughed because so many people came up and said Liz was definitely Margaret's sister (were they twins??) while apparently I don't look like the rest any more!  Heard good news and sad news.  The church has been recently painted white and it looks great.  Yet everything seemed smaller in terms of the social hall, bathrooms, etc.  The sanctuary still has the open vast feel.  I still love the glass windows in the morning light.  I still look around and marvel at all the woodwork Ken Collins has created.  What a blessing!
          Home for a quiet afternoon.  After lunch Liz and I drove over to Mira Loma to look around the campus.  We were amazed at the gated feel in the front of the building leading down to the quad, yet understand the need for security.  We couldn't get in!  But in driving around the school, we found an opening in back by student parking and the shop classes.  We parked and walked in.
         We enjoyed a 20 minutes or so conversation with a physics teacher who was working his Sunday afternoon to get grades inputed!  He answered many of our questions about the school as it operates now with an International Baccalaureate program and open enrollment.  Much of the lawn has been pulled and replaced with xeriscape gardens and courtyards.  A healthy dose of concrete everywhere!
         After dinner we drove back over to the church with Margaret to hear the bell choir "Christmas concert" .... or their rehearsal at least!  They are doing such complicated pieces, involving the bells, chimes, percussion, etc.  The three of us just planted ourselves in pews and did needlework while we listened!

MONDAY, November 16
Quilting and Family!

          Today's adventures include the Monday morning Quilting group at the church.  Liz has brought her sewing machine down and has lots of projects to complete for a church bazaar.  From what I can tell, most of the quilters are actually talkers much of the time!  There were a few who ran their machines, but many were visiting.  Of course, Mom spent the first half of the time standing up and going from group to group talking!  I brought my needlepoint and made great progress on the cow for Tucker and Tyler.  Around noon everyone goes into the parlor and eats lunch!  (We had brought the leftover soup from Saturday.)   I did take some time during the morning to wander around the church and take a few pictures for memory sake.  
         Afternoon spent helping Marg prepare for our dinner guests!  Tom, Heather, Matty, Jen, and Ken plus Ron's mother Marie are coming for dinner!  The evening goes by quickly (Matty poops out around 8.)  The table is entertaining as Matty and Kenny converse with 'apples!'  (And Kenny teaching Matty to burp!)  A fun time.  Ken and Jen are obviously very happy together!  PLUS a wedding date has been set for July 9.  I told Jen it was a very good day, as that is Rick's and my anniversary!  

TUESDAY, November 17
Perms and More
         Up and on the move early today as I accompany Marg to her hairdresser appointment for a perm.  Apparently I am her 'show and tell' or model for hair styling.  (Heaven forbid!  Doris will be excited to hear this!)  Her hairdresser is a fun gal and I take a moment to call Rick to hear about the visioning meeting Monday night after working on a mandala for awhile.  We are done at 10 which I thought was pretty quick!  
         Rest of day spent working on projects, visiting, and a trip to Joann's Fabrics!!  With coupons!  
         Highlight today was an email I found from Carol Sowers!  She had texted me yesterday but it came through as gibberish so I deleted it!  We made plans to meet!
          Margaret cooked up two roasted chickens for dinner (we'll eat the second one later in the week.)

WEDNESDAY, November 18

          Ron and Margaret are due at Loaves and Fishes from 10 to about 2, so I take this opportunity to hit the kitchen!  Sourdough cinnamon rolls, two loaves of artisan bread, a fruit salad for dinner, and 7 dryer trays of fuju persimmons!  (CarolAnn gave us a bucket of persimmons from her tree on Monday!)  
          Mom was picked up by Opal Collins at 12:30 for an outing with the LOTA group.  Alice Pyers brought her back around 3:30.  A fun time for her, but she was tired coming back.  
           I hemmed and hawed all day about going to choir with Margaret, but finally did with the guarantee I wouldn't HAVE to sing on Sunday unless I wanted to (I thought I would want to sit with Liz and Mom for the special service).  It was a good challenge as they are singing some tough stuff to just sight read.  But I did ok and the tenor could use the help, altho there is one guy who is quite strong.  Bryce Jope is still singing but he doesn't have the volume he once had!

THURSDAY, November 19
          As I am writing this two months later now (I left off on Wednesday .... guess things got busy!) I can't remember what we did on Thursday!!  I think it was a rest day as Mom's back was flaring up a little and Marg and Liz gave her some good painkillers!   Memory work.....my mind is thinking this was the afternoon that we drove over to the old 'homestead' and visited Marilyn Greiner who was our next door neighbor.  She looked the same as always and just as spunky.  An hour visit at the most but a great addition to the trip!

FRIDAY, November 20
          Highlight today was a visit from Carol Sowers!  She took the day off work and drove down from Grass Valley to Margarets at 10am.  Our plan was to visit with the family for awhile and then take off for a lunch date just the two of us.  It was great catching up on all her life and sharing ours.  She was thrilled to see Mom.  We drove down to a restaurant that Marg recommended, commenting that neither of our families would have gone there when growing up (it had pub in its name!) Busy, but we found a place to sit and chat until 2 pm!  Carol was heading on over to her brother's for a quick visit before driving home.  Rick and Marilyn are still living in the outer reaches of Sacramento.            Made plans in the afternoon to meet Clint and Kathy for a late breakfast tomorrow morning in Rocklin.
           Tonight was the gala dinner for the anniversary celebration.  We got all dressed up and headed over a little early as Marg was selling her bags.  Got good seats and were able to visit with folks as they arrived.  Nancy Balding Clegg and sister Carol sat with us at our table which was fun.  Our families did so much together growing up.  Nancy is now stated clerk of both Stockton and Sacramento presbyteries!    The tables were lovely with sparkles and candles.  The dinner was a buffet and Liz and I filled a plate for Mom.  Promptly at 7 the speakers and presentation began.  They had a glitch with the slideshow and we only saw the first half.  (The better half from what we could tell when we saw the rest on Sunday!)  Quilt was on display, etc.  Carmichael church was beautiful with a nearly full moon behind its bell towers as we entered and left.

SATURDAY, November 21
          Up early to be ready to head up to Rocklin for my rendezvous with the Norrells.  I find the restaurant without problem - really was only on I-80 for about 10 miles.  This area has built up soooo much since I left in the early 70's.  Crazy.  Clint and Kathy pulled up in their matching Prius (blue, not red, though) and we had a great visit.  We drove down to the nearby Costco (which was a zoo!!) and picked up some Christmas gifts.  Home by 1pm.
          Around 3 we drove over to see Tom and Heather's new house near the airport.  It is a beautiful BIG place with a huge backyard.  Ron and Marg helped Tom seed the lawn and it is coming in well.  They planted a drought tolerant grass.  Lots of open spaces and a kitchen counter to die for!
           Home for dinner and then a 7p visit with Charlie and Shirley Duncan at their place.  Shirley had been busy earlier in the day but really wanted us to come over.  We stayed two hours!  Terry came home and we got to talking about youth group people which led to Alan Schleiger.  So we tried to contact him, but I think Terry's message went to a wrong number.  Marg got a more recent address and I will send a Christmas card and see if I get a response.

SUNDAY, November 22
Sacramento to Yreka
           Up and packed the Prius as we will leave directly from church.  Marg won't be home until later so no sense in driving back out to Carmichael first.  The worship service used much of the liturgy and scripture from the organizing service on November 20, 1955.  While they didn't have Dad's sermon for that Sunday, Pastor Jack used several quotes from Dad's FINAL sermon in 1980 bidding the church to look to the future while preserving the past.  They fit in very well and I was touched by the use of Dad's words.  There was LOTS of music as everyone had a chance to shine - choir sang, chimes, played, orchestra played.  Afterwards a reception with birthday cake, etc.  Saw Craig Duncan and his wife and talked more with Brad Gunn.
           At 12:30 we finally pull away....hmmm was Mom almost the last person to leave?  Some things never change!  We grab a bite to eat at a fast food place next to the freeway entrance and then hit the road (after a quick change of shoes, etc.)  I promised Liz I would drive the 'boring' valley part today and she could have the mountains.  Besides, then I would be in a position to take pictures of the mountains!  Mom nestled in her cubby hole in the back seat.  The Prius is PACKED with all our purchases and fabric and yarn we are bringing back.  I kept stuffing things under the back as much as possible!  At least yarn is squishy!
           We pull into the same Motel 6 in Yreka shortly after 5pm.  Good timing as it is dark now and time to stop!  Ask for a different room with possible handicap access, but they don't have those rooms with two beds.  So another tough night with a low toilet, but we did discover we are on the restaurant side so a shorter walk to the Bear Diner!
          I did get some great views of Mount Shasta in the setting sun!!

MONDAY, November 23
Yreka, CA to Bandon, OR
         
          Smooth drive this morning, although the road did have some frost along the edges.  It was cold last night, but we are going to get over the Siskiyous just in time.  Major storms are heading in later this week!  Thank you God for our windows of good driving weather!    I took the wheel first, reversing again our driving order from the trip down!  We were watching the gas gauge carefully, but trying to get to Oregon before purchasing .... much cheaper than California gas!  We exit in Medford and find gas at a Fred Meyer.  It was a challenge to find as a THICK FOG was blanketing the Medford valley!
           We switch drivers just before the exit for Hwy 42 near Roseburg and Liz takes us home!  We arrive around noon and get all unpacked, with Liz transferring much straight to her car!  Liz plans to take off Tuesday morning (after a visit to the Candy store!)
            Out to Ray's around 4 to pick up Mac as he arrives on the bus.  We stop at the fabric store for Liz to use her coupon and picked up a pizza for dinner.  Thus ends our California Adventure....and we'll move on to a Thanksgiving celebration!      

BANDON OCTOBER 2015

THURSDAY, October 15
Baker City to Bandon (via West Linn and Salem!)
554 miles

       This was not the most direct route over to the coast and Mom's, but we did stop and see family along the way!  We got away from Baker around 9:30a on a beautiful fall day.  Rick drove to Space Age where we gassed up for $2.15 a gallon!  Lowest we have paid in over a year!  I drove the rest of the way into West Linn and Liz's.  Smooth sailing.
       We arrived at Liz's just as Liz was leaving to pick up Tucker and Tyler, so I rode with her and visited while Rick stayed and chatted with Doug.  We had a quick visit with everyone (Dave came home) and then left at 3:30 bound for Salem and our 4:30 dinner date with Jed.
        We pulled into Red Robin right at 4:25pm, but Jed had gotten behind in leaving as he tried to locate a test he needed to pick up for grading!  He joined us just as we were ordering (we had his order!) around 5:10!  Oh well!  It was a good visit over an excellent dinner.  Afterwards we went out to the parking lot and unloaded the car, so we could give Jed the two sections of railing we had brought over for him.  He is getting a good dose of family as he picks Luke up from the airport Friday and will spend much of Saturday with him.
        Rick drove the rest of the way down to Bandon in the twilight and dark!  The sky was beautiful to the west as we went down the valley - a silhouette of the coast mountains, the sliver of crescent moon, and the orange glow of sunset.  Heading over to Reedsport, I looked up and saw a sky full of stars, the Big Dipper right overhead.  We arrived at Mom's at 10:30pm - she was still up, of course, and offering ice cream right away!  In bed by 11:30.

FRIDAY, October 16
          Yard work, walk for Rick. Sermon work in Dad's office    Mom falls.

SATURDAY, October 17
Farmer's Market, Walk on beach, Cut toe nails, made bread. Stone from Sabra. no sourdough.

SUNDAY, October 18

          Went to church with Mom (SS too!).  Rick went for an extended walk instead.  I took a  walk on the beach in the afternoon, wearing my shoes this time to avoid all the ‘junk’ on the tide line.  Beautiful afternoon. 

           Talked with Mac in the evening.  Discovered Mom had a leak in the sprayer on the sink and we needed to fix it.  Mom took a good nap.

MONDAY, October 19

           Trip into Coos Bay, AFTER we disconnected the water and removed the sprayer hose.  Rick ran up to Ace and bought a new unit which we installed successfully.  Water back on.  Went to BiMart and then to EZ Thai on Main Street in Coos Bay.  Good lunch.  Then shopping at Fred Meyer.  Home around 2:30.  Mom napped, no walk on beach cause it was still raining!  It pretty much rained off and on all day, so a good day to pick to go shopping!     Cleared out the garage with Rick so he could paint the common wall on Tuesday.    

TUESDAY, October 20

          Puttered around house in am and went into town with Mom for a few more groceries (including more Salmon!)  After walk on beach, helped Mom finish reorganizing her shelves in the garage, throwing away some stuff.  Salmon dinner.  Mixed up more bread and baked two loaves….one to eat, one to give to Sabra.  Two more to bake tomorrow!  Finally got in a round of Quiddler tonight and had a +300 score!  Won too! 

WEDNESDAY, October 21

          Wrap up details today!  Mom went down to basement and tried out her sewing machine which I had fixed last Friday, just to make sure she could operate it correctly again.  Rick tackled the cars (wash and wax) today, plus the hedge and a few other cleanup items.  Walk on beach in afternoon.  Baked bread in am.  Made a blackberry pie with Mom in pm.  Mom and I went to chime practice at 5:30 while Rick cooked spaghetti for dinner.  I will be playing with them on the Thankisgiving service.   After dinner Sabra and Mark came over and shared the pie with us. (I had invited them over during chime practice.)  Mom and I had barely begun a game of Quiddler, so they joined in and we had a good time! 

THURSDAY, October 22

Bandon to Prineville via Umpqua River

          We left Bandon around 9:30a, a rather leisurely departure compared to our 6am trips!  But then again, we were only going halfway home!  Decided to travel up the Umpqua and around Diamond Lake for a little variety.  Beautiful fall day for a drive in the mountains! 

We stopped at one of the waterfall trailheads for a bite of lunch around noon (the waterfall was a mile up the trail, so we didn’t hike up.)  Once we got to Hwy 97, I drove up to Bend.  Called Tom and Diane to give them an ETA and then we took a backway east from south Bend up to 20 and Powell Butte Rd to Prineville.  Different drive through juniper country.  Grateful for my phone to locate their house once more.  I think now I could find it without help! 

           delightful evening of conversation.  Got a tour from Diane of all she has done in her yard with the rocks and plants.  She is so methodical and everything is labeled and protected.  Some of the rocks still have the ribbon on them from when they were gifted to her on her CAV birthdays!  Love it! 

Diane made chicken cordon bleu, rice, and salad for dinner.  I added the bread!  Then an orange glazed pound cake for dessert!  Yummy!  We ate around 6 and then sat around the table for four hours talking and solving the problems of the world!  A beautiful sunset over the mountains as we sat down to eat! 

FRIDAY, October 23

Prineville to Burns

EOP Presbytery Meeting

Tom had to leave EARLY (5:30ish?) this morning for a wood cutting expedition with Band of Brothers.  The wood will be donated to veterans for heating their homes during the winter.  I got up around 6:30 to write in a quiet house, watching the sky lighten.  Tom and Diane have a gorgeous place set on the hill with views out to Jefferson and the tips of the Sisters.  Yes, it is juniper country and somewhat barren, but the views are awesome!  We had a quiet breakfast when all got up at a leisurely pace, and Rick and I left around 10am.

It is a beautiful OPEN drive down to Burns through wide expanses of high mountain desert.  We check into our motel in Burns and Rick drops me off at the presbytery meeting.  He takes off for a walk about town and will return later for dinner.  Meeting is sparse at first but people drag in slowly.  A few new twists which I found very positive to how the meeting was run.  We make contacts with Iva and Dale and others we know.  Rick walks home and I drive the car home after worship.

SATURDAY, October 24

EOP Meeting; Burns to Baker City

            Presbytery concluded just around noon, and we hit the road with our quick lunch in place.  Interested to drive up 395 and see what damage had been done by the wildfires this summer.  We saw the evidence as we neared Canyon City.  Salvage logging was taking place, but hillsides along the road were black sticks of trees.  Houses were lost in this area particularly. 

            Home around 4.  Whew.  I’ll be home for almost three weeks now.  

   

Kalispell Round Two - Fall 2015

The apple tree behind our trailer is loaded!!

SUNDAY, September 20

          Some of these posts will be short and sweet!  We went to church today in Whitefish!  Rick watched the Steelers dominate on TV.  We went grocery shopping!  We talked with Jed and Mom R on the phone.  Hmmmm....I drew some prayers!  And that about sums up our day!!

MONDAY, September 21

The house at the end of the Thrivent week.  Wow!

           Let's see if I can make today more exciting than yesterday.  We spent a lazy morning.  I started a new book for my morning devotions.  I caught up on email correspondence.  We went out to the house site and were amazed at the progress the Thrivent group made!  Concrete poured for driveway and front walk.  Rock work finished.  All painting finished and scaffolding gone.  Bright turquoise front and back doors painted.  The plumber has been in.  We ran into Steve and he recommended a hike for tomorrow up in Jewel Basin.

         We explored a little - up to Foy's Lake and Lone Pine State Park.  Didn't pay to go into the park but it has a great view overlooking the upper Flathead Valley.  We were going to visit the Re-Store but Steve said it was closed on Mondays!  Rick checked out some day packs at Sportsmans at the mall.  I went to Weight Watchers and lost 3 pounds!

Front of Genia's t-shirt!  

 (All that hiking!)  We did our laundry and rendezvous'd with Lynn to get my Super G (Genia) t-shirt - a fundraiser for Tartaglinos.  Only I am somewhat embarrassed to wear it because my name starts with a G - it seems a little egotistical!  Fun talking with Lynn however, who drove to the RV park to deliver the shirt.

TUESDAY, September 22

Mt Aeneas Hike, Jewell Basin

7 miles, 2000'

Our convoluted loop route!

          Well, today won't be boring!  And it definitely wasn't lazy!  Rick was out of here shortly after 9am to head back over to the mall and check out packs at Cabelas and Sportmans.  We had done a little internet research last night and if we were going to buy, why not do it now while he could enjoy using it!  He came back with a pack from Sportmans.  Said the saleman was very helpful about how all the pockets could be used, etc.  

          In the meantime I sat with computer in my lap refreshing the Habitat site every 30 seconds to try and get on one of the Mason Texas CAV builds.  When it finally showed up, I think it was already full!  Not sure how much we want to play these 'games', but it was a good build in the right place at the right time.  We are on the wait list, so maybe it will come through at a later date.  Otherwise, God must have other plans for us during our drive across the south next spring!  

          So...we are finally on our way by 10:45a heading down Rt 35 toward Big Fork.  A turn off on the Swan Valley road and then to Echo Lake and the Jewell Basin access.  The last 7 miles of road are gravel, the last 5 narrow and steep and wash-boardy!  But…those miles pick up at least 1800’ of elevation!  We arrive at Camp Misery (named for an Indian tribe who had to spend a winter here) around 11:30 and are on the trail by 11:45am.  I doubt we will be eating lunch on the summit! 

Panorama view from top of Misery Mt. toward Flathead

Ging on top of Misery Mt. Peak at far right is our goal:
Mt. Aeneas.  

           We have the option of turning the hike into a loop rather than an in and out.  It will add a little distance only.  But looming above Camp Misery is a peak which I called Misery Mountain.  Shortly after leaving the trailhead, we pass a side trail to its summit.  It is early and I am raring to go….’Let’s go to the top of this one too!’  So we did and we rewarded with views to the west of the Flathead Valley and much of Flathead Lake.  A forest fire swept through this side of the ridge at one point.  Lots of barren white trees spike the hillside. 

Fireweed fluff and Flathead Lake!

We found some sumac berries
the bears hadn't eaten!

        Trail then contours around the west side of the ridge – still past fire burn now covered with bear grass and fireweed.  Nothing in bloom now, but the seed pods of the fireweed are spectacular.  I shall call it fireweed fluff! 

         We come to a major crossroads where trails come up from the lower valley, another route to Camp Misery, a trail to Birch Lake, etc.  But we take 717 to Mt. Aeneas and we begin to climb again.  Switchbacks up the side of the mountain to the top of the ridge where an old microwave tower sits.  I tried to google for information about the old building, which looks very abandoned, but no luck.  Everyone mentions it, but no one knows anything else about it!

Jewel Basin panorama from ridge just beyond microwave tower.  You can barely see edge of it at far left. 

        From the ridge by the tower you have views down into the basin (we could see at least 7 lakes) and west toward the Flathead.  To the south the narrow spine of the Mt. Aeneas ridgeline snakes its way to the summit.  We passed a few other hikers coming down who reported mountain goats near the top.  (All our sources said this was very common!)  It is about a half mile from the saddle by the tower to the top.  Awesome ridgeline walk! 

Ridgeline walk to top of Aeneas. 

        About 100’ down from the summit we met another couple of hikers.  In talking about the goats, Rick mentioned we have a lot in our Elkhorn Mts. of NE Oregon.  The man asked where abouts did we live.  Turns out it was Don Arledge, a former 5J teacher who left the area in 1984 to teach in Peru!  We had a great talk and he gave us a contact should we ever be in Patagonia (where they are living now!)  Rick asked who we should give greetings to and he said TOM NOVAK!!  We will deliver the message! 

Two of us atop the peak with Hungry Horse
Reservoir in background

    

There were lots of flat rocks
for good inuk building!

    I built an inuk suk at the top and we finally ate a little bit more (we had snacked once already!)  We got to the top around 2:15 and probably spent about a half hour on top.  Jewel Basin is a lake strewn low spot in the Swan Mountains between the Flathead and Hungry Horse.  There are 50 miles of trails and 27 lakes in the area.  We could see at least 4 more lakes to the south of us. 

Rick heads down the south ridge of Aeneas.

        Coming off the peak we followed the south ridge STEEPLY down to a lower trail that dropped into the basin.  We had seen about 11 mt goats down in this draw from the ridgeline, but now three of them crossed right in front of us and headed back to the top.  Such regal and beautiful animals. 

Hello, friends!  Welcome to my
home!

Sumac colors

          The basin is prime bear and grizzly country!  Rick did yell ‘Hey, bear’ a lot as we traversed the thickly treed slopes.  We got to Picnic Lakes and found our trail over Nip and Tuck Pass (a little uphill again!) and down a whole series of switchbacks.  But the hillside, oh the hillside.  What a glorious splash of colors.  The sumac looked like burning bushes in places 

Avalanche chute above Picnic Lakes -
the trees were all cut off! 

(appropriate since that was this morning’s devotion drawing), yellow undergrowth covered the hillsides, deep reds of huckleberry, - indescribable.  I kept stopping to take pictures, and Rick kept reminding me to stay close because he had the bear spray! 

This hillside was ablaze with color!

We had to make a few more junctions on different trails to make our way down to Camp Misery, arriving around 4:45!  Tired, but excited about all we saw. 

          We considered stopping somewhere for dinner, but the late return and a shower pulled us back to Rocky Mt. Hi RV!  We have to work tomorrow!  Can’t play everyday.  

More sumac color

On the color trail near the end of the hike. 

Wednesday, September 23
Habitat Build Day - First Day of Autumn!

          It might be the first day of fall, but it is a beauty!  Brisk morning - in fact we had to scrape the windshield today to drive to the job site!  But the weather warmed and by afternoon we were all down to t-shirts basking in the clear blue skies and delightful 70's temperatures!  
          Quite the eclectic crew working on Kearney's house today!  There were 6 guys from the Kalispell Coca-Cola business, I think working their first Habitat experience.  We had a gal from Glacier Bank who wanted to work, but couldn't come on Friday with the rest of that group.  So she came today!  Pete was a new local volunteer, having just retired in Whitefish.  And lastly, besides Rick and I, there was Brian, a late teen who will be here all week working off some community service.  (And of course, Speedy Steve too!)

Rick and Steve work on the first wall. 

          The sod is due to arrive on Friday, so Steve wanted to be sure that all the raking and leveling of the yard was finished.  The Coca-cola guys worked all day on that process, armed with shovels and rakes and wheel-barrows.  Pete, Brian, and Gabby told all the forms off the concrete sidewalks and driveway and then basically moved lumber all day.  Not a glorious job but they never complained!  The local lumber yard has donated a sizeable amount of the framing lumber needed and a load of it was dropped off this morning that all had to be moved into the garage so the sod could go down!  
   

Today's accomplishment: two walls. 

      Rick, Speedy, and I began the process of framing walls for the next house.  This was an education for me.  I have framed before, but not working directly off the plans.  The X's and O's were already on the top and bottom boards, or we were given pictures to follow (San Antonio).  First we had to build a 'jig' that will lie on the flat surface of the driveway to build the walls on top of.  The walls are being fully sheathed with windows and doors cut out.  We started with the front wall which had two windows and the front door.  Not the easiest place to start and it took most the rest of the day to finish!  Rick and Steve were doing all the nail gun work, while I manned the chop saw and tried to stay ahead of them, cutting the jack studs, cripples, and headers.  Slowly I began to understand how Steve interprets the plans and then transfers it to the base boards.  He will still actually make the initial marks on the board probably and then I can finish it up.  Pete came over and got a lesson in nail gun use from Speedy because the sheathing takes ALOT of nails!  Since we did all our work at the back of the house, you can't really see much difference from the front other than the dirt is a little smoother!  

End of Day photo

          Nothing too exciting tonight.  I did find an email waiting for us saying we got on the Mason build!  Need to finish re-registering for that this evening.  Otherwise, dinner was the leftover chicken and tater salad from the lunch provided today (no one else wanted to take it!) and a leisurely evening reading, etc.  Tomorrow I may go in to the Habitat office and use their secure internet to check on some financial things.  

THURSDAY, September 24
Habitat Office and Re-Store; Hockaday Art Museum

          I could get used to these 'off days' when we don't have to be anywhere very early!  It was in the mid-30's again when I arose just before 7am.  Trailer around 50 degrees and it didn't warm up very fast!  But I bundled up in my fuzzy blanket and worked on my drawings, etc.  Spent much of the morning finally getting some pictures added to my blog, but was unsuccessful in uploading the YouTube video of my time-lapse on the house.  Around 10:45am we finally got moving and headed over to the Habitat Office in downtown Kalispell.  Katy had said we could come by and use the internet there - a secure internet so I could do a few financial things.  I was hoping to upload the video, but discovered I would be using their computer....they didn't have wifi, just cables.  So I was glad I had my little log-in notebook with me with passwords.  We checked on our Canada transactions, made a donation online, and took care of the paperwork Synchrony Bank wanted.  Steve stopped by while we were there and reminded me I can use his hot spot for the video if I need to!
          We were getting ready to leave and I said something about taking off so they could get some lunch.  Katy instantly said, "Do you have plans?"  We argued over who was taking who, but Katy flipped out the credit card first!  We went to a little Italian sandwich shop within walking distance and ate out on the sidewalk patio, basking in the sunshine!  I had a portobello panino, and Rick a BALT sub.  Good meal and a delight to sit and visit with an exceptional young lady.
       

One of the watercolors...

  I had done a little research last night about places to visit in Kalispell and stumbled upon the Hockaday Art Museum, which happened to be just a block from the Habitat office!  It is also a former Carnegie Library building turned into art center!  I enjoyed the current exhibits, but was mostly interesting in the ongoing display of Glacier National Park art.  There was a book in the gift shop of nightime photography in Glacier.  Amazing photos of time lapse moons, stars, comets, plus the northern lights, sunrises and sunsets.  Pretty cool.

Neat quote on gift shop wall.

          Then a quick trip down to check out the Re-Store on the south side of town.  Alot of nice furniture, on the spendy side.  We end up spending a bit $1 on four books!
          Back to a quiet evening on the 'farm' - in the apple orchard??  It isn't supposed to be as cold tonight!

Friday, September 25 
Habitat Build Day with Glacier Bank

        So much for not as cold!  It was 35 outside when I got up and the trailer was 44 degrees (we hadn't turned the heater up as high!)  Shiver!  But.... we were rewarded with a glorious sunrise over the Swan Mountains!  

I had to walk 15' out of the trailer to take this panorama sunrise photo!  

End of the day....check out the grass!!!

        We are joined today on the build site by a whole crew of gals from various Glacier Bank branches and divisions, plus a lone guy from the loan division.  He took alot of ribbing!  The bank folk worked all day in getting the ground totally level and smooth, removing more rocks, and then laying the sod when it arrived just before lunch.  (It was cut just this morning, rolled, and brought over.) Instantly, the house transformed!  Surrounded by green grass!  By closing time everything in front was done and partway to the back.  
   

Rick and Pete get started cutting out a window.

    In the meantime, Pete (new guy from yesterday from Whitefish), Rick, and I built walls.  Speedy Steve was working on some other errands, so we were on our own.  Steve T went over the plans with me again, testing me with How long will you cut this?  Where should the overlap be located?  Etc.  I guess I passed the test, because he left for the rest of the morning and I was on my own to lay out the next five walls!  A little scary!  And my measurements and cuts HAVE to be accurate so that the two sides of the house actually both end up exactly 41' in length (that way both sides of the back door will meet!)  While Rick and Pete used the nail gun to assemble the walls, apply the sheathing, cut the windows, and make sure the walls are square, etc.,  I worked back in the garage going back and forth from the plans to the base-plate and top-plate that I had cut, and then marked for

Our stack of walls is growing on the driveway!
You can see the grass, and piles of sod.  

the studs, jack studs, cripples, etc.  Fortunately, six of the seven walls we completed today didn't have any windows or doors!  I have the wall ready like a little 'kit' - jacks all cut, headers ready to go, etc.  I have another big windowed wall all ready for the guys to nail together tomorrow.  It is challenging and a big responsibility.  I won't be around when the walls are assembled together to know if I made any mistakes!  
        Back to the trailer to relax, shower, and enjoy a quiet evening.  I did walk down to office and pay for our last week here, so they won't kick us out tomorrow!  

Saturday, September 26 
Habitat Build Day - Kearneys plus Church Groups!

          Another beautiful sunrise this morning with the sun backlighting the clouds as we drove across town.  Rick stopped so I could take a picture!  
          We had another good crew today.  Jan, a Whitefish local who we have worked with before, was back.  And of course, Speedy Steve.  Brian had one more day of his community service to finish.  There were 9 volunteers from Selah Fellowship and 3 more came from Faith Covenant Church.  Our lunch was provided by a family from Faith Church.  And most importantly?  Jason and Angela, the homeowners, were there to work!  

Rick and John construct a wall. 

          Rick, Jan, and myself continued working on the walls.  We were joined after a half hour by John from the Faith church.  Rick patiently instructed him in the use of the nail gun and the process for the wall construction.  Jan was helping out wherever and I basically, after a quick chop saw lesson, gave her the job of cutting the cripples and the header boards - to measurement when Rick needed them, and in general having them ready at 1" too big so we could be fast at the last minute.  She did great, and then was available to help me move my big boards out to the chop saw when necessary.  (I found it very hard to maneuver the 16' pressure treated 2x6 floorplate boards by myself!)  Since we closed up shop early today (shortly after 1pm) we only FINISHED one wall, but the second one is almost done!  Both had a window to figure in.

Jason and Angela pose in front of their house.

        I got the next three wall sections (all one 35' east wall of the house) laid out in the garage.  Steve must have confidence in me, because he stopped by to go over the plans for that wall with me, said to divide it up 14-14-7, and I could figure out where the windows go based on the plans!  And he left!  I had to ask a quick question a little later because I was a half inch off and not sure where to put it (not my measurements, but the way the plans worked out).  Next week....we'll put together the east walls and the north walls, plus garage!  It would be quite an accomplishment if we can figure we built all the outside walls for the next house in these two weeks.  

Flower bed laid out in front of house. 

     

Rick chats with Jason and Angela. 

  We stopped early for two reasons.  First, the group was so efficient at laying the sod and finishing all that exterior stuff up.  Angela got the chance to design the curve of her front flower beds.  Edging installed and staked.  Just awesome.  Secondly, Steve's daughter flew in for the weekend from back East, so understandably, he wanted to be HOME!  Genia's sister and mom are also visiting.  Genia is about half through her chemo treatments.  
          Quick stop at Walmart for necessary items like paper plates, and then a relaxing Saturday afternoon.  Rick found football games to watch! I wandered around the campground for a mile and took a few funky pictures.  

Creek running through campground and sun in tree. 

SUNDAY, September 27 
Worship in Kalispell

          Today we decided to worship with the Kalispell First Presby Church, located right in the heart of town on Route 93.  It is a beautiful wood structure inside, complete with wood chandeliers.  A modern screen drops down before worship for announcements, etc., but it rolls up out of the way during the service (probably remains more during the contemporary service the third Sunday of each month).  There was a Pentecost 'banner' hanging in the middle of the aisle - a double circle of red/orange/golden ribbons with white doves attached in various places.  Kinda neat.  Nice service, pipe organ, but I have to admit that the organist played faster than I could sing, and that is FAST!  We went out to
breakfast at Sykes afterwards.  Only had to wait 10 minutes for a seat which was amazing since the place was hopping.  

Not much, but a view anyway.  

          Easy afternoon on an incredibly beautiful day.  Highs probably barely hit 70, but the sky was cloudless and clear all day long.  It will be cold tonight (freezing most likely.  Our little heater will hum!)  Talked to Moms, Rick watched some football, I finished painting a rock and actually just sat outside and read for abit.  Went through my Habitat tools and cleaned and organized.  Packed for tomorrow's hike.  
           We had a front row seat for the lunar eclipse.  I couldn't see from the trailer, so had to keep going outside to check on the progress.  It was pretty reddish at the point of total eclipse.  Pictures not great since I don't really have much of a tele lens here.  


MONDAY, September 28 
Hike to Iceberg Lake, Many Glacier Region, Glacier NP
10 miles RT, 1200' climb

          BRRRR!  The temp was subfreezing when we got up early to begin this 12 hour day - approximately 6 on the road and 6 on the trail!  We left as the sun was rising and that big old super moon was setting and returned with the blinding light of the sun setting in the west.  Yes, we manage to drive INTO the sun both directions!  (Poor planning, but not sure how to prevent it!   Ask God to rotate the earth in the opposite direction for a day?)  
          I drove the first short leg up to West Glacier while Rick ate his cakebread.  I knew it was going to be a GREAT day when we stopped at the Town Pumpe on the corner leading into Columbia Falls and I realized I had forgotten my coffee cup.  But the wonderful clerk in the shop gave me my coffee for the refill price!  Not to mention the skies are absolutely clear - cloudless - and I didn't SEE even a wisp of cloud ALL DAY LONG!  

Logan Pass mountains form a silhouette over Heaven's Peak
and lower valley.

          We got to Logan Pass around 9:15 and the parking lot was by no means full, but there were plenty of early hikers preparing to hit the trails.  A couple of resident big horn sheep browsing the lot as well.  Down over the newly paved and beautiful

Good morning! 

section of Going-to-the-Sun Highway toward St. Mary's.  The road is now superb, but the fire vistas around the west end of St. Mary's Lake were devastating.  Fire burned both sides of the road (I am amazed the road held strong).  It appeared to be a quick burning fire, however, as already green plants and grasses are pushing their way through and dotting the undergrowth.  Further down the lake I could see the white 'stick' hillside of a previous fire some 10 years ago on the south shore.  

St. Mary's 2015 fire

Triple Divide Peak (while stopped for construction)
This is not only Continental Divide but also the
Hudson Bay Divide from the Atlantic

          Our only stoppage for construction was for a bridge leading right into the St. Mary's community.  A pause of perhaps 10 minutes and we are headed north to Babb and the road into Many Glacier.  The hillsides surrounding Lower St. Mary's Lake are COVERED with the golds of autumn - mostly aspens I think.  
     

Lake Sherborne as we head into Many Glacier

    Lake Sherborne, which is dammed for irrigation and a small power plant, is LOW!  Definitely much lower than when we came last year in late August.  Many of the streams we crossed later on the trail were dry, but others were flowing well and there is still definite moisture in the higher country.  

We go right!

          We are on the trail by 10:20am.  I still was tossing the idea of attempting Ptarmigan Tunnel in my mind (distance the same, add another 1200' elevation) but after I felt the slight twinge in my left knee as we started uphill I knew I wouldn't make that kind of elevation gain today.  Oh well.  Iceberg Lake

View into Swiftcurrent drainage

is a very popular hike and we realized how popular with the amount of traffic we found on this late September Monday out of season.  We probably passed or encountered at least 20 other groups of hikers.  We followed what we discovered was a seasonal worker on her first day of 'off season' attempting to get to the tunnel before it closed for the year.  She was freely yelling, "Hey bear, we're here!" every minutes or so.  Once

"Hey bear" section of trail, but Rick is looking for
sheep and goats!

 we passed them, Rick took to the call, but probably not as often.  By days' end we were rarely announcing our presence because there were enough people passing back and forth, any grizzly in his right mind would be long gone.  The hillsides above Swift Current Lodge are PRIME grizzly habitat and bears are often seen.  We did see a huge herd of bighorn sheep on the hillside above, plus a few mountain goat.  Later, coming back, the glimpse of a moose in the willows above the trail, a spruce grouse and young, and a chipmunk that was VERY angry with us and yelled right at me for a minute or more while I took his picture!  (I think a bird has disturbed him first!)
   

By Ptarmigan Falls

      But what vistas!!!  Aspen golden glory, yellows alongside the trail, and eventually some of the reds of huckleberry and sumac.  Beargrass spikes in the higher meadows covered the hillsides.  Red rock, green rock, black rock with white layers zebra-ing it.  A FEW purple asters still with color, the dead white heads of pearly everylasting, and the spindly twisty spires of fireweed were the only wildflowers I saw.  

Iceberg Lake is up in that cirque. 

          We basically hiked up one of the three drainages that flow into Many Glacier - along Ptarmigan Creek.  We contoured on the hillside above with sweeping views into Swiftcurrent drainage and a wing of Swiftcurrent Glacier as well as Ptarmigan valley and the gray mass of Ptarmigan Wall in the distance.  Eventually we leveled off and passed into the lodgepole forest closer to the creek and at 2.8 miles came to the tree obscured Ptarmigan Falls.  Hard to get a picture of anything other than right above it!  A short distance beyond we came to the point where the trail divides.  The left branch goes south toward Iceberg Lake, tucked into a cirque under Mt. Wilbur and the southern end of the Wall, and the north branch heads up Ptarmigan Creek to the small lake and then up to the man-made tunnel that passes through the wall and opens out above the Belly River drainage.  We went left!  

Under parts of The Wall

            We passed through more forest for about a half mile and then opened up into a contour under the wall that was spectacular.  The wall looks like it is turreted, with little peaks all along the ridge.  You can see the permanent snowpacks above the unseen lake and realize the sun doesn't reach those spots very often.  The hillsides were green, layered with colors of rock, and splashes of red and yellow.  Below us

My favorite picture - trail, cirque, and Iceberg Peak

Iceberg Creek tumbled out of the cirque in a series of small waterfalls.  We stopped on a rock outcropping about a half mile from the lake for lunch.  Rumor had it is was COLD down by the lake and we were in the sunshine to eat!  
     

Tarn just below lake

     As it turned out, we didn't get to the lake until 1pm and by then the sun had reached the northern shore line and was dancing bright light on the lake with brilliant turquoise patches.  The sun was just barely above the jagged top of Wilbur Peak so the lighting changed constantly as the sun moved.  So cool.  There were no icebergs in the lake this late in the season, but the lake usually freezes solid and then breaks apart in the summer months gradually, filling the lake with chunks of ice.  (Hence, the name....duh!)  

Iceberg Lake

          We got back to the truck at 4:15 .... just about 6 hours of hiking time!  Perfect.  A drive around Many Glacier campground (seeking a restroom!) and then we head down to St. Mary's to find a drink.  Hmmm...everything is closed up for the season at the lodge, so we find the little grocery store and buy a couple of sodas.  Not alot of choices.

Iceberg Peak and lake
shore.

 Back over the road with the sun in our eyes the whole time!  We thought about stopping West Glacier or Corum for a bite to eat, but they were closed.  So we hit the Subway in Columbia Falls at 7pm and grab sandwiches to eat in the trailer!  Glad to finally head south on Rt 2 and have the sun NOT in our eyes.  It sunk behind the hills as we headed south!  
          A long but perfect day.  Thank you, God, for such glorious fall weather!  Thank you, God, for making such majestic mountains!  Thank you, God, for the health to be able to explore them!  G'night!  

Not sure why the Photosphere icon keeps showing up on the finished pictures!  Iceberg Lake with sun playing peek a boo from behind Mt. Wilbur.  

These snowfields probably also calve all summer long into the lake. 

Outlet creek. 

A hole in the tree captures Rick on the trail.

This little chipmunk scolded me for over a minute after a bird had invaded the 'nest'. 

A spruce grouse right along the trail.

Red rock on trail and fall colors - looking back toward Ptarmigan Wall. 

Mt. Oberlin silhouette in setting sun on Garden Wall near Logan Pass. 

Garden Wall vistas as we head down Going to the Sun Road. 

TUESDAY, September 29 
Laundry!

          After such a busy and full day yesterday, this entry will be short and sweet!  We were lazy and relaxed in the morning.  I caught up on pictures and writing.  We did our laundry.  Later, we went over to the Mall and Rick got a free haircut at SportsClips, compliments of the Red Cross (we had received a coupon by email!).  Michael's Arts and Crafts store just happened to be across the way, so we spent an hour there!  Back to park for Rick to shower - he was happy with the cut but wanted to get the 'goop' out of his hair!  Up to Columbia Falls to check out the Habi-town street, go to Weight Watchers, and then out to dinner at Los Caporales.  It was another beautiful day weather wise - clear and in the mid-70's (and COLD in the trailer in the early morning! I have taken to wearing my fingerles gloves to type!)  PS.  I did remember to wear my SuperG shirt today as Tuesdays are Chemo Day!

WEDNESDAY, September 30
Habitat Build Day - ParkSide Credit Union

          It is the last day of September!  And my, the leaves here at the park have started to change and even drop! And it is a chilly day again as the temp drops below the 30 degree mark!  But a simple beauty of a sunrise just as we arrive at the build site begins to warm the day....which eventually reaches the mid-70 range and shirt sleeves!  
            Today we worked with Parkside Credit Union which added up to just 4-6 people at various times (plus a tremendous spread for lunch!)  A newcomer and neighbor from down the street, Ed, came on behalf of his Parkside employed wife....he got permission from HIS boss to come instead.  It was neat because it meant Kearneys got to meet another one of their new neighbors!  Ed worked with

Rick cuts out a window

Rick and I all day on the walls.  We ALMOST finished all the main house walls, but I had to stop us at sheathing the kitchen wall because I realized I marked it incorrectly and the sheathing would have ended up on the INSIDE of the house.  Not good.  We will check with Steve on Friday morning as to possible solutions.  There ARE options at least!  I was just glad that I caught it BEFORE we nailed all the sheathing on. Otherwise we just have the garage walls to do and we will have finished up this house. 

Kealani hammers in the nails. 

            Kearneys (and Kealani!) came for lunch today and their monthly meeting with Vicci and Katy.  Kealani (she'll be 4 next month) wanted to help, so I gave her a hammer and she pounded a few nails on the sheathing!  She also helped us clean up.  She is quite the little character!  Jason was off work today so he helped us out in the afternoon after he was done with Vicci. 
           The Parkside gals painted siding all day for the house down the street.  Steve HOPES that the hole will be dug on Friday for the new foundation there.   

THURSDAY, October 1

Movie Time!

        I think today just about scored a record for nothingness!  I didn’t even get dressed until 1pm!!  We spent the morning reading, writing, drawing, etc.  It was overcast all day long and cooler.  A few light raindrops even fell.  A good day for recuperation!  Around 1:30 we headed over to the mall and went to the movies!  Saw the new Mission Impossible movie with Tom Cruise and company.  A fun flick. Until the end of the movie we thought we were the only ones in the theater, but two guys must have come in after the movie started and sat way up front.   Back to the trailer where we picked a box of apples from the trees in back of us.  Rick watched the Steelers game on TV tonight.  And THAT was the sum of our day!!  

FRIDAY, October 2
Habitat Build Day with YWAM

We are getting later in the season and the sun doesn't
rise until we are enroute to the job site!

          A quiet start to the morning as the YWAM group doesn't arrive until 8:30 or so.  They are out of Lakeside down on the Flathead.  Rick and I consult with Steve as to my error from Wednesday and he suggests we just cut off the whole door section, flip the wall, and then remount!  Success, altho it takes us nearly an hour to finish up that wall!  
       

Rick and YWAM crew prepare to stack
another wall. 

   Today is a little different in that Steve assigned us plenty of helpers in order to instruct and get them familiar with the process, as this group will be coming every Friday for the awhile.  Steve plans to have them build the walls for the next unit, same plans as the one we just finished.  So while Rick got a group going with nail guns, studs, and the construction, I worked with Trevor (from Illinois) and how to interpret the plans and mark the boards.  All this group has definitely done construction, so it wasn't difficult.  
           We got the garage walls all

The section of plans that have me stymied!  

finished, but Trevor and I struggled after lunch to figure out the common wall between garage and house as I couldn't find the measurements we needed to determine the distance from the end of the wall to the center of the door.  Steve was gone for the afternoon as I think Genia had a medical appointment.  We laid out the board as we thought but refrained from actually building it.  I'll check with Steve in the am!  
       

Enjoying the sunshine with Katy at Coldstone

  With such great manpower, Speedy Steve got the trailer from the Re-Store and we hauled the walls down to the other lots.  That freed up considerable driveway space!  The rest of the YWAM crew finished all the painting of the siding for the house down the street.  Things are wrapping up at the Kearney's home right now!  
          Rick and I went out to Coldstone Creamery with Katy after work.  Katy won't be on the job site tomorrow, so this was our 'parting' goodbye!  Good visit and fun time.  I really am fond of this gal and her contribution to the affiliate is amazing.  She is such an ambassador for Habitat homes and makes every group of volunteers feel special.  She makes us feel VERY special!  
          Tomorrow will be a calm day on the job.  Just us and Kearneys and Speedy Steve working.  Steve T has invited us to meet him and Genia Sunday morning for breakfast down in Somers.  

SATURDAY, October 3 
Final Habitat Build Day 

          It must be time to wrap it up.  I think we are tired.  I know the wall building has been tough on Rick's back and my brain is about fried!  We sleep in a little late after rain and wind shook our little trailer during the night.  We arrive first at the job site and then are pleased to see that Jan has come back today, a Whitefish local volunteer.  Steve shows up, but left the keys at home, so he leaves, but Steve M arrives with HIS keys so we have most everything out and ready to roll by the time boss Steve returns.  Kearneys arrive.  Our small group works all day to finish the 24 exterior walls of 265 Short Pine and then we got four walls of 255 Short Pine finished.  I discovered a few studs I should have been putting in all along, but didn't

Our final four walls all wrapped up for the week.

because I was never told about them.  Steve patiently explained to me the purpose, etc. so I would know where to look for them in the plans.  So hard and so much to learn!  He said they could install them when they put the walls up...don't fret!  
         But this has been an intense week of fractions, measurement, cutting, and figuring.  We weren't fast, but I will guarantee my cuts are accurate! 
         Around 2 I was finishing up the layout for my final wall.  I did not expect to see it built, but at least it was laid out - one of the most complicated in that it had a split top plate, two windows and the front door.  But... Steve T came out back and attacked the process, cutting the jacks and cripples MUCH faster than I was working.  We worked a little late, but that front wall was done!  
     

I just thought this tree was
pretty across the street. 

    Final goodbye with the Kearneys.  Angela had brought a little token gift for Rick and I - Montana keepsakes!  So sweet of them.  They are such nice simple folks who want desperately to have a better home for their family.  Angela was telling me today that the trailer park where they are living is not the best, nor in a good area. "It's just a bad place for the kids" she said.  So hard for them to see the outside looking finished, but the inside is still bare wood.  
          We went back to park and cleaned up.  Went to Lowe's to check on blinds for the broken ones in trailer.  No luck, so we went to Applebee's and had an appetizer sampler!  We leave in the morning!!  




Sunday, October 4 
Kalispell, MT to North Fork, Idaho
244 miles

Pretty much a straight shot south today!

          Augggh!  I actually wait to get up AFTER Rick has rolled out of bed this morning, although I was awake about 10 minutes earlier.  Our last day to get moving quicker rather than later in the morning!  And we are ready to roll shortly after 7:30am.  I was a little surprised at how fast Rick was getting us packed up and when we pulled into Somers Bay Cafe just after 8am, I discovered why!  He thought we were meeting Steve and Genia at 8am, not 8:30!  So we had several cups of coffee while waiting and I browsed through a book on Huckleberries!  Rick checked out all the great photographs in this quaint little

This cool barn was right outside the Somers Bay
Cafe, but Steve also pointed out a white dot to
the right which is the new property he and Genia
have purchased! 

cafe.  Steve and Genia are frequent diners at the cafe as the sailboat is moored at the Somers Marina every summer.  Steve admitted that they often go to church on Saturday nights and come down to the cafe on Sunday mornings for a get-a-way.  We had a delightful breakfast together, just visiting about lives, plans, kids, adventures, etc.  All too soon it was 10am and we needed to get going.  Steve thanked us profusely for our contributions to the program and our friendship and we promised our return.  Gave Genia a big hug and whispered in her ear that her name is on my prayer picture EVERY DAY until I hear the word remission!  Great people and I thank God for putting the Flathead Valley affiliate into our plans two years ago.  
          A smooth 100 miles down to Missoula.  We haven't driven this way in the fall before.  The Mission Mountains don't have anywhere near the snow they did in our June passage in 2014 and most of the fields and grasslands are brown and dry.  But the trees are every stage of green, gold, orange, and red and that provides plenty of color!  

Bitterroot Mts. just south of Missoula - patch of
red foliage in the cirque! 

Ten thousand foot peak of the
Bitterroots near Darby.

Rocky slopes near Lost Trail
Pass summit.

          From Missoula south on US-93 is new road for me.  Rick had passed this way once before in 1975, so it had been 40 years for him!  I loved the every changing vistas of the Bitterroot Mts to the west of us, and the fun little towns we went through, especially Darby and Hamilton.  (Amazed that Hamilton, with under 5000 people, boasted FOUR chain grocery stores!)  As the valley narrowed, we began the final windy climb up to the summit of Lost Trail Pass at 7041'.  We found a ski area at the top - not on the map so unexpected!  A forest fire had burned considerable terrain on the Montana side of the pass, fairly recent from the status of the trees, vegetation, etc. (within the past 5 years?)  

Salmon River at Wagon Hammer RV 

Trees in campground

          Downhill to NorthFork, located on the big bend of the Salmon River and the starting point for many rafting trips.  We stopped at WagonHammer RV park, located right on the river, and got full hookups for just over $30 for the night.  Not bad.  Definitely in a canyon, however, as no cell service!  They do have good wifi, however!  MUCH faster than Rocky Mt. HI RV Park in Kalispell!  
          Arrived around 3:30 and just relax reading in the sun for awhile, altho it dropped below the canyon walls much earlier than normal.  It will cool off quickly tonight!  

Our trailer at the end of the row at Wagon Hammer!

MONDAY, October 5 
North Fork, ID to Eagle, ID
258 miles

Typical Salmon River vista

          Did you know that when you follow a river, the road is NEVER very straight??  Today we wound in and around the Salmon River, then the Payette River, on a twisty, curvy route to Eagle, ID and a spot for the night before hitting Bish's RV in the morning and a winterizing appointment.  Rick had driven part of the route once before and I had never been this way.  My pre-conceived notions of what central Idaho was like were blown away.  

Salmon River

          It is NOT tree covered!  Yes, there are deciduous trees along the river and perhaps in some of the gulleys, but there is a definite lack of conifers on the slopes of the rocky hills.  Much of the area is reminiscent of the Riggins terrain - high desert, volcanic rock, cut by the blue of the river.  Plenty of rocky spires and cliffs, sometimes splotched with the iron red or rhyolite purple, but not much green! 
     

Early morning mists on Salmon River

   We left North Fork right at 9am, delighting in the misty swirls of cloud on the river. It looked like a hot springs was nearby.  There was frost on the grass.  Guess it did get a damp cold last night!  Our first stop was in Salmon to gas up and get some coffee!  Only paid 30 cents more than in Lolo and the coffee was cheap for refills!  Then a windy 100 miles or so (2 plus hours) through Challis (we topped off with gas) and to Stanley.  The first views of the Sawtooth Mountains coming into Stanley were fun. 
          We found a little Bakery/Cafe and ordered right before the lunch time rush!  (Literally, at least 10 more groups came in right after us!)  Ate out on the patio in the sunshine and visited with a couple from New York.  

Dropping into Stanley with Sawtooths in background

          From Stanley it is another hour around the end of the Sawtooths and then DOWN DOWN DOWN to Lowman, ID.  A narrow canyon, filled with avalanche dangers that is often closed in the winter months.  At Lowman we turned west on a road that Rusty recommended.  I couldn't even find a number for it on any map, but it connected Lowman with the town of Banks on the Payette River and Highway

Black cliffs outside Garden Valley

55.  This road wound up far above the East Fork of the Payette through a narrow canyon of black rugged rocks, then opened out into Garden Valley and a huge nursery with greenhouses (never could find a name for the business).  Great route and glad Rusty mentioned it!  

Payette River from Hwy 55

           Banks isn't much more than a junction.  We had thought to pick up a drink, but didn't really see a place to stop.  On to Horseshoe Bend and then UP UP UP over a 4200' pass to drop down, past Bogus Basin access, into Eagle.  We found the High Valley RV Park and pulled in around 3:30 pm.  A classy place, but the price was within our budget at 34.99!  We will be able to clean out the trailer in the morning and easily be down at Bish's by 9am.  
           Last night out!  We both talked with Moms tonight as we both have cell service again!  Hurray!  


TUESDAY, October 6 
Eagle, ID to Baker City, OR
138  miles

          As usual, the hardest part of the trip home is finishing up the blog!  Suddenly, it is more important to unpack and wash, clean and repack, the photos are all on the laptop and I am on the desktop, download pictures, etc. etc.!  Moreimportantly, that 30 lb box of apples is now neatly shelved in the pantry - 7 quarts of applesauce and 7 smallers jars of apple butter!  So.....I will try to get this wrapped up now on Wednesday evening! 

Hills of Burnt River Canyon

          Up and moving by 7:30 or so to not only pack up the trailer, but also wash anything that was going to involve water down a drain.  So....a thorough cleaning of the shower, toilet, and both sinks!  I caught the stovetop while I was at it and swept everything out as well.  By 8:45 we were on our way south the 20 miles to Bish's in Nampa.  A few minutes late for our 9am appointment, but they didn't care! 

Charred freeway near Pleasant Valley

          Winterizing was all done by 10:15, we gassed up at the Chevron on the corner (after discovering that gas prices in Boise were NOT lower than Eagle, etc.  Horseshoe Bend was cheaper!  Ah well!  The final 100 miles goes quickly and smoothly.  We are interested to see the fire damage in the Pleasant Valley region of I-84, as we haven't been over the interstate since the big fire in August.  You can definitely see where the flames jumped the freeway in places, as well as the charred land up Alder Creek and Ebell Creek, both areas where church members lost trees, etc.  Otherwise, the land just looks dry....very, very dry!  
          Home by 11:15 (we picked up an hour!) and Luke showed up within a half hour and helped us unload all the trailer.  By 4pm, I was putting cleaned dishes back for winter storage and we were on the second load of laundry, towels, sheets, etc.!  I had gone through all the mail and begun to fix tuna for dinner - for which Luke joined us!   
          It is always a pleasure to crest Pleasant Valley and see our Elkhorn Mountains, to walk into our house (it was cool!) and just soak in the presence of HOME. We thoroughly enjoy the time spent on the road, but, be it ever so humble, there's no place like HOME!  I'll have to soak it up quickly, as I think we will leave again in a week to visit my Mom for a quick hello!  

Required homecoming picture of Elkhorns from Pleasant
Valley - no snow in October!  :(