The only thing better than hanging out in Glacier
National Park and the surrounding area is the time spent
sharing it with guests. Despite the fireplace
construction in the house, a half marathon, skiing, Nadine
and Mo’s wedding, lots of travel …. and so on …. we
welcomed a full slate of guests to the Last Best Place.
March 11
I met up with Wanda and Bob who came in to town to ski
at Whitefish Mountain. We had a pint or two (I brought my
hat!) at HellRoaring Saloon, where we shared a half order
of their famous nachos. Great to be able to meet up with
them.
June 19
Lyndsey and Bri riding on River Bend Dr., West Glacier
MT.
On their way to Mexico.
July 2
We actually had overlapping guests, with Dennis and
Lily staying for a night first. Then two ladies we had
never met before — Kiersten and Kayla — stayed for a
visit.
The question arises ”How do you get complete strangers
arriving and staying at your house?”. That’s easy;
Kiersten is the sister of a friend of our daughter Sally
in Fairbanks. She and Kayla had attempted to get
reservations to camp near Glacier, but everything within a
1.5 hour drive was full. Sally contacted us and asked if
they could camp in our yard, to which Sandy replied “No
Way!!! They must stay in the house in comfy beds like the
rest of our guests!!”
July 4
Mike and Nancy finally made it for a visit. Sandy and
Nancy both taught at the same elementary school when Sandy
taught kindergarten (so they were not complete strangers
😉).
(federal mandate required masks on all public
transport, including outdoor scenic boat rides, regardless
of vaccination status, strictly enforced by the minimum
wage seasonal employees of the boat company)
July 9
Taylor did gymnastics with our daughters years ago, so
not a complete stranger. She brought along Hanna and
Alyssa for their first visit, which included hiking the
Highline Trail to the Loop.
July 22
Nadine and Mo's wedding brought in a large number of guests to the area. So glad they were able to share in the ceremony and reception, and wish there was more time to spend with all them. That is what future visits are for!
August 31
The "immortal man" Jason stayed for an extended visit, being able to work remotely while here. I cannot thank him enough for getting me out of my comfort zone, but that is an entirely different story. Jason stayed with us briefly the summer of 2020, sleeping in his car in the driveway during the more dark and fearful days. His connection at that time was that he was an online acquaintance of a friend of Nadine's fiance, and that was good enough for us! The 2021 story of Jason's "immortality" is pretty incredible, but it is his story to tell and best left to him.
September 28
In time for Sandy's birthday, Bill and Jim visit. Jim
is THE reason I ever met Sandy.
October 18
Channing, Jess, and of course Jasper are no strangers,
as I had met them in Fairbanks, AK just the week before!
Actually I was reminded that I had been introduced to
Channing when I ran the Hoo Doo Half Marathon in Fairbanks
a few years back, but I was a wee bit tired, cold, and
drinking a Hood Doo Brewery stout at the time. Jasper
insisted on sticking his tongue out for the photos. They
were passing through on their way from Alaska to
California and stopped for the night, with enough time for
a delicious Echo Lake Cafe breakfast on the way out.
October 31
The unknown "T.rex or treater" passed thru on
Halloween, with his handy shot glass looking for libations
Happy New Year, and may you be able to visit and make our 2022 Guest List