Dropping Down into Montana
It was a shame to leave Banff with its incredible scenery. But we still had places to go and people to see! Dipping down into Montana was a heart-warming experience. In Kalispell, Mary’s college friends Teri and Larry Iwersen were adamant we stay over with them for a night on their 5-acre gentleman’s ranch with impressive vistas of Glacier NP. Teri is the rancher, so to speak, mostly because of her yen for equines. She was once a prize-winning barrel-racer before an injury when she was bucked off her quarter horse, who was startled by a snake on a simple trail ride. She’s since settled into being a groomer/trainer and bought a splendid 5-year-old at an auction in Texas. Larry indulges her hobby by having his own…fishing, golf and vegetable gardening. We viewed a film after dinner called In an Instant, a documentary about a Glacier NP bear attack in which Larry was the lead surgeon. Harrowing, to say the least. We had a delightful evening talking about old times – and I’m talking 50+ years.
Fifty doing what he does best
Bozeman MT was our next stop. This was anticipated to be a farewell visit with our dear 94-year-old friend, Richard Wolcott, and Robin, a spring chicken at under 80. We arrived just in time…Richie passed away 6 weeks later. But our pal, despite being housebound, rallied for our visit and we all enjoyed an evening cocktail before dinner both nights; and the morning we departed he insisted on joining us for breakfast at the local IHOP. Years ago, the Wolcott’s taught Joe how to fly-fish and encouraged us to try birding. The hikers in us wouldn’t stand for too much strolling…and stopping…and keeping quiet. But boy, were they amazing wildlife spotters and a few trips into Yellowstone with them yielded some amazing sightings. Great memories!
And now back up to Canada!
Our route from Banff to Bozeman
