Around Christmas last year, I interviewed one of the Thunderbirds pilots who's from Montana.
Last weekend, they flew during the air show in Kalispell and we met up with the pilot for a bit and I wrote another story while we were there since local airmen were there also supporting the show.
As a kid, dad took us to air shows all the time and I hated them. It cracks me up just a bit that now I would willing drive clear across the state for an air show.
I have to admit, talking to a guy who saw the Thunderbirds fly when he was 4 and then working his whole life to become one of those pilots is a bit inspiring.
So, we chatted with the Great Falls airmen, traipsed all over the airport grounds. I was wearing shoes that are actually very comfortable but so completely wrong for wandering through the brush and dirt. So it goes.
I also managed my first real sunburn of the season, fitting for the last days of summer.
We found a decent Thai place in Kalispell, right across from my favorite brewery.
While we were up there, we swung north to Whitefish for a hot second so I could pick up the coffee mugs I've been wanting for awhile from Red Caboose.
How perfect is this? I feel like I'm drinking coffee from a mug that I got from some adorable shop in the Montana mountains and, well, I am!
Last weekend, they flew during the air show in Kalispell and we met up with the pilot for a bit and I wrote another story while we were there since local airmen were there also supporting the show.
As a kid, dad took us to air shows all the time and I hated them. It cracks me up just a bit that now I would willing drive clear across the state for an air show.
I have to admit, talking to a guy who saw the Thunderbirds fly when he was 4 and then working his whole life to become one of those pilots is a bit inspiring.
So, we chatted with the Great Falls airmen, traipsed all over the airport grounds. I was wearing shoes that are actually very comfortable but so completely wrong for wandering through the brush and dirt. So it goes.
I also managed my first real sunburn of the season, fitting for the last days of summer.
We found a decent Thai place in Kalispell, right across from my favorite brewery.
While we were up there, we swung north to Whitefish for a hot second so I could pick up the coffee mugs I've been wanting for awhile from Red Caboose.
How perfect is this? I feel like I'm drinking coffee from a mug that I got from some adorable shop in the Montana mountains and, well, I am!
Since there was no room at the inn in Kalispell for Saturday night, we headed down to Missoula for the night.
We were exhausted by the time we got there, but hungry too, so we headed to the bar to use the drink voucher I got (seriously, I love the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. I stay there every.single.time).
As we were walking in, an incredibly drunk woman walked in before us, but she was in the casino side until she figured out how to get to the bar. I wasn't really listening to them, but there were raised voices and when they walked out, the other three people in the bar were talking about how awful she was to the man she was with. She did say some pretty terrible things and the guy actually seemed pretty nice. I told M that I never, ever wanted to be the girl in a bar that everyone is just shocked by her behavior and spends 20 minutes talking about it after you leave. M has very clear instructions, to never let me get that drunk (which is highly unlikely to begin with) and if for some reason I did, to just take me home.
Sunday morning we had breakfast with a couple who are becoming some of my favorite Montana friends. I love them, just love them. Seriously, I do. Plus, they introduced us to a great breakfast spot, Catalyst. I recommend it if you're ever in town. And if you don't already know Jessica and her husband, make friends with them whenever you're in town.
We did a little big city shopping while in Missoula, since they have things like REI, Ulta and an actual mall. I spotted some Frye boots while in Dillards and M made me try them on so I'd know if I liked them. Turns out I love them and bought a pair. More on that later. I'm kind of obsessed with my new boots.
On the drive back to Great Falls, we pit stopped for a bathroom break and snacks and found the cutest little gas station shop. I discovered they had a book exchange so you could swap books, or buy one for $1. ONE DOLLAR! So I bought two. And I'll definitely be back by to swap on our next road trip. Heck, the place is just past Helena, I'll go there anytime I'm anywhere near Helena from now on.
We were exhausted by the time we got there, but hungry too, so we headed to the bar to use the drink voucher I got (seriously, I love the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula. I stay there every.single.time).
As we were walking in, an incredibly drunk woman walked in before us, but she was in the casino side until she figured out how to get to the bar. I wasn't really listening to them, but there were raised voices and when they walked out, the other three people in the bar were talking about how awful she was to the man she was with. She did say some pretty terrible things and the guy actually seemed pretty nice. I told M that I never, ever wanted to be the girl in a bar that everyone is just shocked by her behavior and spends 20 minutes talking about it after you leave. M has very clear instructions, to never let me get that drunk (which is highly unlikely to begin with) and if for some reason I did, to just take me home.
Sunday morning we had breakfast with a couple who are becoming some of my favorite Montana friends. I love them, just love them. Seriously, I do. Plus, they introduced us to a great breakfast spot, Catalyst. I recommend it if you're ever in town. And if you don't already know Jessica and her husband, make friends with them whenever you're in town.
We did a little big city shopping while in Missoula, since they have things like REI, Ulta and an actual mall. I spotted some Frye boots while in Dillards and M made me try them on so I'd know if I liked them. Turns out I love them and bought a pair. More on that later. I'm kind of obsessed with my new boots.
On the drive back to Great Falls, we pit stopped for a bathroom break and snacks and found the cutest little gas station shop. I discovered they had a book exchange so you could swap books, or buy one for $1. ONE DOLLAR! So I bought two. And I'll definitely be back by to swap on our next road trip. Heck, the place is just past Helena, I'll go there anytime I'm anywhere near Helena from now on.
We got back to Great Falls just in time to pick up the pups who are still exhausted from their long weekend at doggy day care. Grover is currently passed out next to me. I love it.
Monday was all about chicken fence building, which deserves it's own post, so for now, I leave you with a view from the road, coming out of the mountains between Helena and Great Falls.
We get it Montana, you're gorgeous. Thanks for a truly great weekend.
What did you do for the long weekend?
Monday was all about chicken fence building, which deserves it's own post, so for now, I leave you with a view from the road, coming out of the mountains between Helena and Great Falls.
We get it Montana, you're gorgeous. Thanks for a truly great weekend.
What did you do for the long weekend?
RSS Feed
