| 6.30.15 If the zombie apocalypse happened today, I would've survived it. After passing through Butte, Montana, the Griswo...I mean Arnold family arrived at the home of Dave and Christie. They live completely off grid near the Flathead Indiana Reservation. Ironically, I just finished the episode of Bones with the black bear poacher who was a Flathead Indian. At least I think so; Elaine would know. Anyway, they're not hooked up to the grid of electricity that connects the rest of America. Saying they live off the beaten path is an understatement. There's a long, dirt and gravel road up a mountain, and we bumped up and down for a good while before arriving. We were welcomed by a huge expanse of land covered in wooden barns, ponds, farm animals, and a centrally located log cabin. Everything was surrounded by an adorable split rail fence and evergreens filled the mountainside. It was visually stunning, and that's just the outside. Past a breezy front porch and inside, were book shelves. They were built under the loft stairs and on the side walls. You can always tell the quality of a person by the books they keep on their shelves. Based on all the sci-fi and fantasy novels, these were great people. A giant, brick stove filled the middle of the house. I was introduced to the restroom, complete with warm running water from the gravity spring located on the mountainside and pumped into the house without using any electricity. My dad, the engineer, could give you specifications. I, however, will stick with words and descriptions. There was a big Tom turkey that fluffed up his feathers until he was about twice his original size. I think he likes me. His name was Tom. Christie had three German shepherds, the mother Jana (pronounced Yana) and her pup, Kaladin. There was another there named Luka, and then a Great Pyrenees named Cirrus. Along with Christie and Dave, there was Daves sister Ruth. Ruth brought her friend Beth and she brought her grandson AJ. Alex and AJ hit it off immediately and they were inseparable the rest of the night. Dad and Dave stood in the kitchen speaking incoherent science and trying to figure out how to live-stream the World Cup game. I don't know if you watched it or not, but you should have. Germany is #1 in the world, and the USA is #2. However that was no longer true after tonight. The USA is going to the World Cup finals on July 5!!!! I think my victory dance might have freaked out our hosts a little but, but it was a small sacrifice in the name of women's soccer. I was impressed, not only by the landscape, but also by the giant wooden Jenga game. I did not reign victorious over my mother, but I put up a good fight. Turns out we were going to end up in our tent. Alex was overjoyed until AJ asked him to spend the night inside. We ate some of the most delicious meat over an open fire. There was much fireside discussion, and I've discovered that engineers all seem to have this pre-programmed affinity for sarcasm. I felt right at home. The moon burned full and brilliantly. It was so bright we didnt' need flash lights. The only sound all night was of Cirrus, who spends every night awake and barking to scare away the predators. She was extra alert tonight thanks to us tent campers. I thought about that kicking and screaming dealio, Andrea, and I'd definitely try it, except I'm the first kid, remember? The goody-two-shoes pleaser who keeps everybody from killing each other. I'm pretty sure my family would be lost without. me! |
2 Comments
Andrea
7/1/2015 06:32:26 pm
Whew! You miss one day on the computer and it's like missing half a season of "The Amazing Race." (I don't actually watch TAR, but imagine it's something like the Arnold/Griswold Family Vaca.) I'm all caught up now, however, and wishing I were there. In my own cabin. With contemporary plumbing. From the writings, I've determined several things: 1) Glad we visited Yellowstone in Sept; no mosquito problem. 2) I sooooo wish I could have seen Big Daddy make good on his bet! 3) You guys didn't spend near enough time in the Tetons. Go back and hike around Jenny and Phelps Lakes (we saw a moose family, eagles, bears, mule deer, etc). 4) Sarcasm is an inherited Arnold trait, proudly worn and needing to somehow be incorporated into the family coat of arms. 5) Regarding kicking and screaming... It is indeed the responsible decision that you should return home for now. But you will finish high school soon; and then, hey! How will they grow up if you don't let them make and learn from their own mistakes? ;-) Keep the posts coming!
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Andrea
7/3/2015 07:13:13 pm
Love this log home...at least what I can see of it! Also, you may be used to seeing turkeys roaming about, but not here. So I'd be very excited to have one or two of those greetting me, too.
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AuthorI'm Bridget, the official creator of my family's Yellowstone blog. Archives
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