Quest for Pie

I never knew how to make pie. It looked easy enough but the thought of making pie-crust sent me screaming for the door. Then I met Dale. He inspired my inner-Julia Child and taught me how to bake almost anything my heart desired. So last year, we made my first pie, a blueberry-lemon pie courtesy of the Better Homes and Garden Cookbook, and it was fabulous. From there on, I got creative and tested other pie recipes. From apples to raspberries I have tried almost every fruit in pie form and they have all turned out delicious. However, when asked what my favorite pie is, I stumble over myself because until this weekend I never had a favorite pie. I liked them all!

The funny thing about our cooking adventures is that Dale and I have never had a fully functioning oven. We always had to get creative and adjust our cooking techniques to suit our oven. In our last apartment we preheated the oven and cooked everything about 25 degrees higher than the recipes called for. In our new house, the lower heating element was broken so we put cast-iron pans on the bottom shelf and let the oven preheat for an hour before attempting any baking. While both methods worked somewhat well, we were always left foiling the top to prevent burning and still sifting through a somewhat soggy, underbaked crust.

Our oven got fixed. The repair man replaced the element and now our oven preheats in minutes to the correct temperatures. I spent all week adjusting my favorite recipes to a now working oven as I nearly burned everything I put inside it. With a newly working stove, I gave a whirl at making another blueberry-pie and discovered that the quest is over: blueberry pie is my favorite. The berries were plump and popped sweetness in your mouth, the crust perfectly cooked, flaky, and buttery, and the hints of cinnamon pared with ice cream made for the perfect pie adventure.

I am headed to Glacier for a few days to relax with some girlfriends and while campfire cooking is not suited to baking pies, I will be dreaming about the blueberry pie and perhaps you can too.

Blueberry Pie

For the Crust:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
2/3 cup butter, cut into cubes
7-9 tbls of water

For the Filling:
4-5 cups of frozen or fresh blueberries (I use frozen and I always use less berries than recommended because I hate overfilling)
1 cup sugar
4 tbls flour
1 tsp cinnamon

Preheat oven to 375 degrees (depending on oven!)

Mix the berries with sugar, flour, and cinnamon and let sit for 30 minutes while you make the pie crust.

***I never use a pastry blender for making pie crust, if you prefer that method please read the instructions below. My method which has served me well over the years is to throw flour and salt into my kitchenaid, turn it on medium speed and slowly add cubed butter until the the flour is pea-sized. With the kitchenaid still running, I add water 1 tablespoon at a time until the flour is moist and starts to form a ball. I turn the kitchenaid off, roll it around on the cutting board a few times and divide it into two balls. I put the balls in the freezer for 10 minutes and then roll out each ball to my desired thickness and size, use the rolling pin to transfer the dough on to the pie plate, toss the filling in, and then place the second rolled-ball of dough on top of the pie. If you want to get fancy, you can cut dough in strips and do a lattice work crust.

Bake in the oven for 35-45 minutes or until golden brown and completely cooked through. Cool on wire rack until cool. Serve with lots of ice cream!

**In a medium mixing bowl stir together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 2/3 cup shortening until pieces are pea-size. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon water over part of the mixture; gently toss with a fork. Repeat, using 1 tablespoon water at a time until all the dough is moistened (using 7 to 9 tablespoons water total). Divide in half. Form each half into a ball. Roll out the crust, place in pie pan, pour in filling and place the second crust on top.

Check this link for more specific tips and instructions: http://www.bhg.com/recipes/desserts/pies/how-to-make-piecrusts/

Third Trimester Tantrums

Pregnant women are already a force to be reckoned with but if you encounter an almost 8-month pregnant woman, sweltering in the 100 degree weather, with 20 pounds of baby weight and swollen ankles--RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN!!!!

I have been very grateful to have had such an easy pregnancy- free of any major problems, symptoms, or the emotional roller coaster that many complain about. However, the last three weeks have made me feel like I belong in a mental institution because in one minute I not only suffer from multiple personality disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, but I have also become the Queen of Passive Agressiva!

I am hot, cranky, angry at my husband for not getting me ice cream and then angry that he did bring me ice cream because my ankles are already swollen enough. I don't want to be touched but two seconds later I am mad because Dale is sitting three feet away from me. One minute I want to nap, the next I am roaring to clean the house. I am mad at Dale for having a beer, but the next I am encouraging it. I am a basket case! All this compounded with the slurry of visitors that we've had, the 100 degree days, and the mere thought that I am back to work full-time next week is enough to make me cry or laugh or scream, depending on the mood.

Poor Dale has to suffer through every tantrum and he does so graciously and patiently. His favorite phrases: "Yes, dear" "You were right, I was wrong. " "I don't know honey, what do you want to do?" and my personal favorite "Its all about you, you are the pregnant one."

But even he sometimes loses his cool after a million "yes, dears" which only perpetuates my hysteria. A typical night for us goes like this:

me: "What can I do for you?"
Dale: "Nothing." He knows that the real question is what can HE do for me!
me: "I want to make you happy, you always do stuff for me."
Dale: "I am fine." Still pondering the real question.
me: "No really, what do you want? Do you want to watch a movie? TV?"
Dale: "Yeah, whatever, we can watch a movie." Knowing that we will not watch a movie now that he has said this.
me: "I am too tired to watch a movie, maybe I will just go to bed." Thinking Dale will come and lay down with me to.
Dale: "I am not ready to lay down, go on without me."
me: "Hummmph." Heads to bed angry. Dale follows a few seconds later and lays down next to his now sobbing wife.
Dale: "What can I do for you?" Realizing he should have just asked in the beginning and saved himself the trouble.

I recognize the illogical nature of this episode and yet it still happens, every night! I don't even want to be friends with my pregnant self right now, let alone be married to me! So bless you Dale, for all the hard work you put in to this. I am sorry for all the tantrums, confusing conversations, and selfish moments that you endure from me. You are the true hero in this relationship and clearly deserving of one of those coffee mugs that reads "world's best dad".

Carnitas Tacos Comfort

I forgot how antibiotics can sometimes make you feel more ill than you were before popping the pill. The extra strength-highly concentrated Azithromycin that I have been taking for my sinus infection has left my stomach in knots with my last meal hovering between my stomach and my throat.

Consequently, nothing sounds appetizing except for the carnitas (shredded beef) tacos that Dale and I made a few weeks ago. They are the perfect combination of grease, spice, and gently shredded beef that heals the angriest of stomachs. Sadly, I wont be making them tonight because we have other plans, but I thought I would share the recipe, which is fantastically easy and delicious.

Carnitas Tacos

• 2 pounds beef shoulder/chuck roast/brisket (anything you would use for pot roast)
  
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes, (I like the fire-roasted kind)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 bay leaves

Directions

Season all sides of the beef liberally with salt and pepper. In a large Dutch oven heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over moderately high heat. Add beef to the pot, browning the meat on all sides, taking the time to get a nice crust on the outside.

Add the onion and garlic and lightly brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, plus 1 can of water, spices, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and add enough water to cover the meat (if needed). Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer with a lid for 2-3 hours until the meat is fork tender.

Let meat cool in the liquid, reserve liquid.

Shred meat using a fork. While you are shredding the meat, bring the liquid in the pot to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let reduce until its the consistency of tomato sauce (about 5 minutes), add the shredded meat back to the pot, combine well and reduce the heat to warm until ready to serve.

Get your taco fixings ready! Dale likes to make homemade taco shells using corn tortillas fried lightly in oil while I prefer soft tacos. We both agree, these carnitas deserved to be dressed up simply with some cotija cheese, shredded lettuce, guacamole, and salsa but feel free to dress them as you desire!

A year ago today....

Hours before Dale proposed....
(There is a twinkle in his eye!)

Because the pink eye and sinus infection has left me bedridden Dale and I have had plenty of time to catch up on not only our favorite TV shows but also on what we call "belly theater". I may have been needing my rest but our little baby has been quite the acrobat making my belly look somewhat lopsided and quite scientific. We have been able to spot when his head or butt is sticking out and whether that kick came from an elbow or a foot.

What has really been entertaining is testing our baby's music tastes. Yesterday he started swaying almost immediately at the start of Prince's 'Purple Rain' and lulled himself to sleep with Phil Collins 'In the Air Tonight' only to wake up violently beating me when the epic drum solo blasted on. Dale is pleased with the baby's tastes and is determined to create a baby playlist that they can enjoy together.

We realized last night during our "belly theater" session that a year ago today Dale PROPOSED! Many of you have heard the story first hand or read the story in our blog "Ode to Big Sky" so I will refrain from retelling all the details. But yes, a year ago today, after a long hike, fears of getting eaten by a grizzly, and a couple of cold beers later, Dale asked me to marry him. Obviously, I said, yes.

The morning after the proposal we already had dates figured out and shared the news with our parents. We had plans to get married April 26th, 2009 at Lake Union Cafe in Seattle but after realizing how damn difficult it is to plan a wedding and pay for it, we decided to settle with our simpler sides and got married on a quite weekend in October on Orcas Island, WA with our closest friends attending. Plans change as life happens.

Last June, I was graduating college and starting my first day of work as a preschool teacher. Last August, Dale and I were discussing where to get married and certainly never expected that we would be moving to Montana in a few months. October we got married. November we celebrated our first Thanksgiving together. December I took a job offer in Montana, started packing bags and celebrated our first Christmas together joking that it would be awesome to have a baby to celebrate with next year......January we moved, February found out I was pregnant and from there you know the rest. It just baffles my mind, how quickly time has passed and yet how many wonderful opportunities and blessings we have been given.

I still tease Dale all the time, because last year, before our trip to Alaska he swore to all our co-workers that we wasn't going to propose then because it would be too predictable and instead had an elaborate plan set up for another occasion. Again, things change and usually, for the better.

The Unwanted House Guest....

Hosting out of town visitors also inevitably means you are hosting their house guests as well....of course, I am referring to GERMS! I have somehow managed to avoid getting sick this entire pregnancy by taking vitamins religiously and slurping down tea any time my throat tickles, however, Monday morning after all our visitors had left, that throat tickle wouldn't go away!

I slept. I chugged orange juice. I drank tea. I took extra vitamin C. The next day the tickle was still there. I wasn't running a fever, so I decided to hold off calling the doc. I chugged more water and went to bed and woke up with my eyes sealed shut! I had PINK EYE!

On top of the throat tickle, which turned out to be a sinus infection which I guess migrated to my eyes. For those of you who have had pink eye I am sympathetic for I didn't know you could actually have SNOT coming out your eyes!

I called my doctor who didn't even want to see me and instead called in a prescription to our nearest pharmacy. A couple hours later, a few medicated eye drops and some heavy duty antibiotic, I was breathing a little easy and able to see--although somewhat fuzzy.

Today, I am tired but feeling better and looking forward to relaxing this weekend with the armload of movies that line our shelf and my favorite pint of Ben & Jerrie's.

In the future, visitors staying at Hotel Pittman will be asked to check their germs at the door.

Ode to Big Sky Brewery

Exit Glacier, Alaska, with our precious Moose Drool beer

One cold Montana morning, Dale told me I should write a letter to Big Sky Brewing Company thanking them for providing the libation necessary for us to enjoy life. At first, I laughed and chuckled to myself in the shower almost drowning on the droplets of water that splashed into my face. He was right. Big Sky has somehow been involved during all of our life-changing moments, almost showing us our future had we been paying more attention.

August 21, 2008 Dale and I had spent the last two weeks in Alaska trekking lonely roads, camping on the beach, and spotting animals every mile. At this point we had been dating 8 months and were clearly in love. During one of our Alaskan adventures, we stopped at a Safeway in Homer, AK to refuel our beer supply only to be surprised that they had on stock a Montana Mixer pack of Big Sky Beer. Inside that precious box was all my hearts desire, Summer Honey, Scape Goat, Moose Drool and IPA. I was delirious with delight as that during our adventures all I wanted was to wash down my campfire pizza with some Summer Honey. We continued on our journey and headed towards Seward, AK where we decided to hike Exit Glacier. Of course, we packed our pockets full of beer before heading towards the ice field. There were warnings about grizzlies which quickened our pace and before the hours end we were staring into an old glacier listening to the wind howl through the icy caverns, enjoying our refreshing Summer Honey courtesy of Big Sky. Now, you may ask, what was life changing about that? The story continues.....

Our epic campsite near Exit Glacier, Alaska. If you closely, right next to our fire is a coveted box of Big Sky brews.

We drove away from Exit Glacier peaceful and relaxed and found a campsite right along the glacially carved river nearby. We parked, hiked in, built a fire, and just sat in a comfortable silence enjoying the sound of nothing more than the fire crackling and the river running by. We washed our lentil soup down with more of our Montana Mixer and started talking about the beautiful day we had just shared. Dale rambled on as I tried to listen but I was intoxicated with the nature around me and the piney taste of IPA....all of a sudden, "will you marry me?" echoed through the timbers. I swallowed my last sip of beer, leaned over, kissed him, and said yes.

The morning after Dale's proposal....pure bliss

Clearly, Big Sky beer did not force Dale to pop the question but it was big part of that day. We were both so happy and relaxed and both of us, beer in hand, just kept thinking how perfect life was.

Montana sunset, October 2008, when we decided to move back to Montana

A few months later, we got married and headed to Montana to tell my family about our nuptials. After three days of being spoiled by Montana air and adventure we headed back to Seattle, where we currently resided. Tears rolled down my face as we left Bozeman, the home I longed to return to. Dale sat quietly watching the road disappear between mountains. About 1 mile from Missoula he told me that he and his sister had passed through Missoula on a road trip and stopped at the Big Sky Brewery. He couldn't remember exactly where it was but we were committed to finding our own personal Mecca of beer. We pulled off the freeway and drove down a couple streets, hit a dead end, got lost, and decided to get back on the freeway, seeing the sign less than a 1/4 mile away. Of course, we made our speedy exit all over again, this time rewarded with the smell of hops and taste of beer. I perused the brewery sipping on a specially brewed Belgian trippel that tasted like bananas. I briefly fondled a baby onesie that said "my mom hearts drool" before spotting a Summer Honey pint glass that I insisted on adding to my collection. Dale and I bought a growler and hit the road again. Before we pulled out of the Big Sky parking lot, we decided to move to Montana. We talked the whole way home about living in Montana and started an action plan.

Outside our new house in Missoula, with our dog, Emma, who enjoys the occasional sip of Moose Drool.

Two months later, we moved into our house in Missoula that happened to be on that street we got lost on and hit the brewery to refill our lonely growler.

Last week, Dale's sister moved from Boston to Missoula and remembered her stop at the brewery a few years back. It was Tuesday's $5 growler fill day and we headed to the brewery in search of libation, and chatted about our memories of Big Sky beer. Dale and I told her about how we were drinking it in Alaska when Dale proposed, that our stop at the brewery was when we decided to move to Montana, and of course, how we felt the brewery had somehow shaped our lives. That night, our friend Jarred and Dale's sister, Dalyn, presented us with a baby onesie that reads "my mom hearts drool" as we are now expecting our first child, a boy, to be born in October.

The onesie I cant wait to dress our baby in!!

It is again, $5 growler fill day, and I am headed to the brewery to fill my growlers with some IPA, of course I wont consume them, but I savor the continued joy they bring to so many in my life. So, thank you Big Sky for the mysterious ways in which you have shaped our lives, surely our child's first drink wont be a beer, but we will indeed be toasting with your brews (hopefully some Slow Elk!) once our bundle arrives in October.

28 Weeks--Update

We had our 28 week appointment today and as usual, everything was perfect, we have so much to be thankful for!! I have gained a total of 16 pounds so far, passed my glucose screen with 104 (its supposed to be under 140), and my bp was its usual 117/80. The baby measured exactly on target at 28 weeks and 2 days and had a heartbeat of 150 bpm. My doctor wants us to come back in a month (32 weeks) and then we will start having appointments every 2 weeks. October seems so far away because it is a completely different season, but it is approaching so quickly!!! Our homework for this week: find a pediatrician and register for childbirth classes!!!

I completed the survey way back when I was 8 weeks along and again at 20 weeks, I thought it would be cool to update it again!
PREGNANCY:
Mother Name: Kat
Age: 23
Birthday: January 28
Height: 5’3"

Father Name: Dale
Age: 27
Birthday: October 23
Height: 5'6"

FIRSTS:
Is this your first pregnancy?: Yes
How did you find out you were pregnant?: We werent actively trying, we just stopped using birth control in December. I woke up at 4am and realized I was late. I told my husband that I would wait a couple more days just in case. Sure enough, at 5weeks1day, I couldnt stand waiting and got a BIG FAT POSITIVE at 4am. We cant believe it happened so quickly!

What kind of pregnancy test did you take?: First Response

How many?: Just one. And then, a week before my first doctor's appt I took another, just to make sure I wasnt crazy.

What were your first symptoms?: 4am thirst, starving, cravings for kale & swiss chard, headache and general achiness.
Who did you tell first?: Husband and then a few friends and SIL.
Who was with you when you found out? Myself and of course, my dog who follows me everywhere, even into the bathroom.
Was baby planned?: Yes.. We were completely surprised that it happened so fast!
When was baby conceived?: Between Jan 30 and Feb 3. (Birthday baby!!!)
How far were you when you found out?: 5 weeks 1 day

My BABY:
Due date:: October 27th
Do you want to know the sex?: I always thought it was going to be a boy (all the old wives tales were right!!!) and then we thought maybe it was a girl, but it turns out our original thoughts were right!

Do you know the sex?: Yeppers!
If so, boy or girl?: BOY!
Any names?: We are not telling!!!

Any ultrasounds?: One at 8 weeks 2 days, one at 12 weeks 2 days, one at 20 weeks 2 days, one at 24 weeks, and another at 26 weeks. (He's a bit camera shy!)

Have you heard the heartbeat?: Yep, many times now, strong and fast! (154bpm)
Who do you think baby will look like?: I have no idea. I hope my dark hair and skin and DH's greenish/greyish eyes.
Will baby have any siblings?: OMG, yes. We want 3-4.
Have you and dad felt baby move?: Moves like crazy, especially at night, Dale is constantly amazed at how hard the baby kicks!

MISCELLANEOUS:
Did you have any cravings?: At first, I had major Taco Bell cravings! As well as, cravings for fried pickles with mustard, navajo tacos, and stuffed red bell peppers. Now I crave anything with coconut and of course, lasagna.

Did you have any mood swings?: Unfortunately! My DH thinks I have multiple personality disorder!

Are you a high risk pregnancy?: Nope, everything is perfect.
Any complications?: None so far. Keeping my fingers crossed to stay that way.
Formula or breastfeeding?: breastfeeding, in fact I have had several dreams where I was breastfeeding with ease.
Have you bought anything for baby yet?: I have knit 2 blankets, several hats, and we have a mountain of gifts in our living room.

When did you start to show?: Around 12 weeks.
How long could you wear your regular clothes?:I started wearing maternity jeans at 20 weeks but I am still wearing most of my shirts and dresses.

Are you excited?: Ecstatic!
Who will help with baby after their born?: Hubby and BUNCHES of family, I swear we are going to have over 20 relatives here!
What is your favorite thing about being pregnant?: Having an excuse to rest and sleep all day and the awesome hair and nails!
What is the worst thing about being pregnant?: Feeling lazy and bloated. Most days I feel like the Goodyear blimp.
What’s one thing do you miss doing since being pregnant?: Margaritas on an especially stressful day.
Any days you wish you weren't pregnant?: Not days, just nights when I curse waking up 4 times to waddle across the house to go pee in sweltering 100 degree weather.
Are you ready for baby?: As ready as you can be.
Do you have insurance?: 100% maternity coverage!
How many kids do you want?: I would love 4! 2 girls and 2 boys.
Do you talk to your baby?: A little, my hubby talks to the baby more than I do! I sing to it in the car and the baby kicks back!
Do you still feel attractive?: Most days.
Have you had your baby shower yet?: We have had two!!

Do you like kids?: Absolutely! I used to teach pre-school but now I work in a high school...I love them at all ages.
How far along are you now?: 28 weeks
Did you have morning sickness?: None!
What kind of birth are you hoping for?: We would really like to have a natural childbirth. I have a lot of trust in my body and no that it will be hard but I will be focusing on breathing, meditation, and relaxation to manage my pain.

Cloth or Disposable: Cloth!!!

Kat & Dale's Baby....Downpour???

The infamous Guinness Cupcakes...with blue frosting of course (Recipe is at the bottom)

Our baby shower on Sunday was more of a downpour as our house was filled with all of our friends and family who came heavy handed with gifts, advice, congratulations and warm hugs! We had guests coming and going between 10 am and 2 am the next morning and we spent an hour opening gifts! Clearly, this was not a shower, but a clear downpour of love and excitement.

My aunt Renee hosted the event and was truly in the spirit of it all as she arrived with a keg, tons of food, baby onesies and bib decorating, a matching game, and energy to put it all together! We are blessed to have so many wonderful friends and family to have helped!

After it was all over, Dale and I stared at a mountain of gifts in our living room, joking that once we set up all the baby stuff there will be no room for the baby! Despite all the gifts and advice we received Dale and I still have TONS of stuff we need to do before October.

• Purchase a carseat and install it!
  
• Take childbirth class and tour the hospital
• Start our cloth diaper stash
• Get a baby sling or Ergo baby carrier
• Purchase a breast pump
• Get crib sheets and bumper
• Set our baby's room up (we have been holding off because of all the visitors!)
• Pack a hospital bag
• Send out thank you's for baby showers (sorry!!)
• Finish my scrapbook, from LAST year!
• Start saving money....we really suck at saving!

Okay, so the list isn't that bad, but to a nesting mother I feel like I have sooooo much to do!!! Anyways, here is the recipe for these delicious stout cupcakes!

Guinness Chocolate Stout Cupcakes

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa, plus more for dusting finished cupcakes
• 2 cups sugar
• 2 cups all-purposeflour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Pinch fine salt
• 1 bottle stout beer (recommended: Guinness, room temperature)
• 1 stick butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sour cream (room temperature)
  

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cocoa, sugar, flour, baking soda, and salt.
In another medium mixing bowl, combine the stout, melted butter, and vanilla. Beat in eggs, 1 at time. Mix in sour cream until thoroughly combined and smooth. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture.
Lightly grease muffin tins, and fill each 3/4 full. Bake for about 12 minutes and then rotate the pan. Bake another 12 to 13 minutes until risen, nicely domed, and set in the middle but still soft and tender. Cool before turning out. Use any icing you like to top these, I prefer packaged Dr. Oetker frosting, which I buy at the Good Food Store, but any will do! (http://www.oetker.us /en/product/organics/organic-icing-mixes) Enjoy!!!

The Great Outdoors

Our first family portrait...hehe

As you may have guessed my Internet time reserved for blogging, facebook stalking, and baby shopping has been interrupted by our rotating door of visitors, as a result I haven't been able to keep you posted on all of our Montana wanderings.


Flathead Lake Campsite

We started last week, driving to Flathead Lake to set up camp and begin our journey into Glacier National Park. Our plans were somewhat stalled as we found ourselves running late, our favorite brewery closed (forever!??!) and without a campsite! We made do in the end and were able to snag a beautiful marine site, hiking 1000 feet into some brush to camp with Flathead Lake practically lapping into our tent. In the end it was worth the hassle as we took a chilly late night dive into the pristine water and warmed ourselves around the fire with creamy mushroom chicken and wild rice for sustenance.


After everyone headed to bed, Dale and I stayed up looking at the stars from the beach. I will confess, even though I live in Montana where light pollution isn't a concern, I still rarely take time to appreciate the vastness of the sky. Laying on the beach staring at the stars was surreal as you can actually see the depth of the sky; the galaxies behind galaxies, the real Milky Way, and endless constellations. Just as we were headed up to our tent Dale and I both saw what was most likely a small rock or something crashing into the atmosphere as the sky was briefly brightened by an greenish plume quickly fading into orange and disappeared as quickly as it entered the sky. Dale grabbed my hand, kissed my face and my belly and we went to bed still dreaming about those stars.


They are clearly not morning people

We had hopes of leaving our campsite early in order to get to Glacier early in the morning. However, those plans were a little derailed as not everyone in our group was an early riser. We didn't leave until 10 am and still had an hour to go. At this point, Dale was beyond irritated but was distracted when we passed a MYSTERY SPOT! Dale is obsessed with mystery spots. I mean OBSESSED! He practically made me pull a 180 on the highway. I had never had an experience with Mystery Spots and will admit that it was a pretty cool adventure as there are only 8 mystery spots in the US that demonstrate the awesome and weird power of nature that is unexplainable. I will post photos later to demonstrate this but for now, just use your imagination.


Mystery Spot, MT

After our slight detour at the Mystery Spot, we finally made it to Glacier. I have never driven the full length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road as it has always been closed due to landslides, fire, or construction. It was incredible. The mountains journeyed as far as the eye could see, casting their magnitude against our infinitely small bodies. We saw mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and deer in addition to the variety of birds and insects that frequented the area. After a long day of driving, we ventured separate ways and Dale, Sam, and I headed back to Flathead Lake to meet our friend Jarred for another night of camping.


Logan Pass, Glacier National Park

Saturday, with the arrival of my friend, Hilary, we decided to venture to the river and attempt a quiet, easy float down the Clark Fork River. Again, our plans were stalled as we got a late start, our communal intertubes taken by our neighbors friends, and credit card deposits on rental tubes. We finally made it to the river, which was flowing slowly and beautifully through the valley. Jarred, being allergic to bees, distracted us when we thought a bee had landed in his intertube and failed to notice the HUGE rock aimed towards our tube.

We didn't have time to navigate around and instead plunged in the rock, Sam flipping first, then me, then Jarred, only to get sucked into the water and struggle to find our way up. What felt like minutes under water (but was really only a few seconds) we emerged on opposite sides of the river, drenched like river rats, and scrambling to rescue the beer, sunglasses, and shoes that floated by. Alas, we managed to settle back on to our tubes and enjoy the rest of the float unscathed by any damage. My heart raced the whole time and my little one kicked me hard to let me know he was a little pissed.

The great outdoors have provided us with many opportunities and adventures and will continue to do so. For now, I am tired, sunburned, and looking forward to a relaxing few days in the comfort of my own home.