Spent the day exploring the impressive Museum of the Rockies with exhibits of Gengas Kahan, dinosaurs (incl. one T-rex. & a raft of triceratops), American Indians & 19th Century homesteaders. Quite a mix! Heidi mentioned that the area has so many dinosaurs that it has acquired strong links with the Smithsonian in DC who will loan major exhibits to this small community.
The locals
Tinsley Family Home
The evening & we were returning to Heidi & Bill’s old house downtown for a farewell gathering. The current owners Ruth ‘& Susanne were heading to Seattle to educate their gifted teenage daughter Zora & the street turned up to give then a nice send off.
Here I met Pete & Greta Deichmann who told me their story. Now both in their 70’s, back in 1966, Pete was stationed in Anchorage, Alaska & Greta, & his young wife, followed. On leaving the forces, they retuned to the East but couldn’t settle. Without a job & with very little money they jumped in their car & headed for Missoula MT. The smell of pulp mills was too much so, after 3 days they headed back but only as far as Bozeman. Pete was all for driving on, declaring he needs a plumbing job and nowhere is open to give him one on a Sunday. But Greta turned on the tears, Pete stoped, & they have been here ever since! Moreover, Pete became the towns expert plumbers, taking care of the 19 Century buildings &, where needed, would even produce his own fittings.
Builder, Stewart, ex downhill wold champion, discussed bikes & shared stories. From Andy, I learnt of the down opportunities for multi-day rafting the Salmon to Snake – All now very familiar to me.
Night ended with Bill providing a walkthrough of the work done on what was an enormous project of love.
Overall, a vey enjoyable day!
John's Epic Cycle Adventures 