2009 NORTH TO ALASKA ROADTRIP: Day 97 MONTANA MADNESS GREAT FALLS

Sing Along With Us

When Keith heard my suggestion about singing to him or reading books outloud, he went out to purchase the biggest capacity IPOD he could find. Now, we've loaded up the IPOD with all our favorites - The Doors (Pam), Willie Nelson (Keith). No American Idols for this gig. We still need a lot more. The suggestions from Alex and Nick are unintelligable to me. Keith just keeps saying he wants both kinds of music. I'm not certain what it means but the playlist for Country & Western is growing.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

A friend of ours heard about our "journey of faith, fisher, forests, family, friends and fun" and suggested we set up a Blog. A what? So here we are....on the road again with Bocahontas and Buba. Blessed with the freedom of time, we were inspired by two of our favorite causes. So we organized a road trip to Alaska which should not only be fun but also an opportunity to spread the good word about The Fisher Houses , The Orthodox Christian Mission Center/Programs and some of our National Parks. We are participating in a 2 week Mission in Tyonek, Alaska with the OCMC group in June. Feel free to check out the planned trip on the calendar link. Caribou Cabins? Blue Moose? Tundra Lodge? and our soon to be "favorite" Motel 6. Any and all suggestions, prayers and good karma are welcome and very much appreciated....poor Buba, in a car with Pam for 5 months. Lions, and tigers and bears oh my! Toggle down to the calendar and see where we are over the next months. We ask for your prayers.

Grab yourself a cold one and come along for the ride. Enjoy and laugh along with us viewing the daily blogs which are archived on the left side of this page in chronological order. We started April 22- Happy Trails!

The Fisher House

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The Fisher House Foundation, through the kindness of donations received, provides "comfort homes" that are built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers. These homes enable America's military families to be together during extended treatment for serious illness or lengthy physical sessions....very much like the Ronald McDonald homes for families of children in a similar situation. We were first introduced to Fisher House while visiting Brooke Army Medical Center (Burn Center) in San Antonio. We were so moved by the dedication and love of the staff and volunteers that we returned for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Currently there are 44 Fisher Houses (more in the works) and our goal is to visit all of them and spread the good word to family and friends. Please feel free to peruse their website for a detailed explanation about the Fisher House Foundation and programs. Perhaps you will be inspired by the work this group does on behalf of our Armed Forces.

Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC)

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center is the official foreign mission agency of all the Orthodox Jurisdictions (i.e. Greek, Russian, Serb etc.) The goal of the OCMC is to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ where it presently does not exist and to establish vibrant Orthodox Eucharistic Communities throughout the world. We have had the privilege and pleasure to admire the work of this organization (headquarters located in St. Augustine, Florida) for years and now that we are retired we have the blessing to participate. We are on the road to Alaska to join a Mission Team in Tyonek for a couple weeks to do some construction and teaching in an Athabascan Indian Village. "If I had a hammer"...you'll be happy to know I deep sixed the acrylic nails in anticipation of caulking and painting. :) Please take a peek at the OCMC web site for details on all of the programs they are involved with throughout the world. And do stop in to see Father Martin and his kind and loving staff when you are in St. Augustine! We will also be visiting family, friends and Orthodox Churches while on the road to share the marvelous work of the OCMC.

National Parks

Most people know that the National Park Service cares for national parks, a network of nearly 400 natural, cultural and recreational sites across the nation. The treasures in this system – the first of its kind in the world –have been set aside by the American people to preserve, protect, and share, the legacies of this land.

People from all around the world visit national parks to experience America's story, marvel at the natural wonders, and have fun. Places like the Grand Canyon, the Statue of Liberty, and Gettysburg are popular destinations, but so too are the hundreds of lesser known yet equally meaningful gems like Rosie the Riveter in California, Boston Harbor Islands in Massachusetts, and Russell Cave in Alabama.

The American system of national parks was the first of its kind in the world, and provides a living model for other nations wishing to establish and manage their own protected areas. The park service actively consults with these Nations, sharing what we've learned, and gaining knowledge from the experience of others.

Beyond national parks, the National Park Service helps communities across America preserve and enhance important local heritage and close-to-home recreational opportunities. Grants and assistance are offered to register, record and save historic places; create community parks and local recreation facilities; conserve rivers and streams, and develop trails and greenways.

We hope to see you soon in a national park and invite you to explore the ways we can help you preserve what’s important in your hometown.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Day 97 MONTANA MADNESS GREAT FALLS

On to Montana. Pleep finds this sign very helpful and wants to make certain he does not get down off Buba's shoulders during our walks.

C.M. Russell Museum

This museum holds thousands of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and illustrations that Charlie Russell (1864-1926) created from childhood throughout the end of his life. The 5 galleries are arranged to show how Charlie evolved as an artist, as well as to celebrate the culture of the American West. His subjects were based on

western history and his own experience,

including cowboys, Plains Indians and wildlife. Buba is in heaven-all that cowboy stuff!

This guy is a beloved icon of the American West and also one of Pleep's favorite artists. Of course Pleeps favorite was the Bison Exhibition which showcases hundreds of Plains Indians artifacts and western artworks...and Buffalo's of course! We met the new Exec Director, it was his first day on the job. Poor

fellow had to meet old'Boca. Of course she proceeded to not only grill him about everything but unloaded all of her ideas and suggestions.

Pleep also loved

visiting Charlie's Studio (a log cabin next door) as well as Charlie's Ho

use-yep right next door too. This cowboy artist had a prolific artistic life. Buba & Pleep really like the front door. They think they have found the perfect door for the new

ranch Buba wants to get in Texas when the trip is over.

Constantly on the lookout for buffalo items. Pleep spots the perfect hat for Pam. He thinks we should get one for running around the

Boca streets too. No one would mess with us in this rig.

The big surprise is that this little ol'museum in Great Falls is really a world class surprise. Good work!

Now it's on to the Montana State Fair. Bocahontas is very excited to hit the

state fair. Maybe there will be good shopping opportunities.
Pleep agrees shopping would be good. All he needs is a pair of cowboy boots and a saddle.

At last, the real American experience at

a state fair. Oh yes more corndogs. Plus sausages, hot dogs, fried Snickers, the eating choices abound.

No state fair is complete without a John Deere exhibit. Buba is eying a couple of new models that he thinks would be perfect on the new Rancho Bubba in Texas.

The side show is one of Pleep's favorite parts of the state fair. He begged and begged to be allowed in. We had to keep him on a tight rein and turned down several offers from the management. They thought adding Pleep to the mix would be a plus.