June 13, 2014 (see pictures below, lots  today)


Hi everyone,


Started out with rain today and temperatures in the 60's but we traveled on.  We had the mind set that just because it is raining here it doesn't mean it is raining where you are going.  We took the a 70 mile loop today that took us through the old mining towns of Drummond, Hall, Philipsburg and Anaconda.   We took a two lane road that took us through some beautiful back country. 


As you can see by the pictures the buildings in these towns date back to the early 1850.  There was one store in particular that any one would enjoy, it was called the candy palace. 


Jim and I also  visited the Grant-Kohrs Ranch is a National Historic Site and is run by the National Park Service (Kohrs family gave the land and home to the National Park Service).  In touring the ranch we learned that in this area they get a lot of snow fall on the mountains but not a lot of rain in the valley.  The area depends on the snow fall in the mountains. The Deer Valley averages only 10 inches of rain a year. This is the reason that Mr. Kohr's cattle grazed over 10 million acres of land.  This was free, public grazing and other ranchers had cattle on the same land at the same time. The worst land in the arid West requires 250 acres for a cow and calf.  The National Park Service maintains 150 heads of cattle on this ranch.  I did post a picture of a longhorn and a calf. 


We got to tour the downstairs of the Kohrs home which had the original carpet, wallpaper and original furniture.  Unfortunately they would not let us take pictures inside the home which is also still furnished with original china, silverware and cookware.   


Outside we toured a working blacksmith shop, toured a bunk house, a barn filled with old carriages and bunkboards.  There was an old chuck wagon which served hot coffee.  At this point I would like to say what a great job that the people who work for the National Park Services do and we commend them for their service.  


Also impressive was the 100 year old lilac bushes and 150 year old poppies that sprout every year. 
Again we had a blast learning about the past.  As I sit here writing this I am gazing at mountains that still have snow on the tops.  As I am looking at Mount Powell (where the snow lies the longest) I am reminded what a lady told me yesterday.  She said that in the distant pocket of this mountain they pray that the snow holds out until July 4th.  At that point they breathe a sigh of relief and it means the streams will have enough water to keep water flowing for the year.  Conservation is important and we must all do our part.  


Tomorrow we travel to Yellowstone, we will be there for a week.   Jim has never seen Old Faithful, he is in for a treat.   Happy Fathers Day to all our Dad's, especially to my husband and our son Michael who are both incredible Dads.  


Our love to all,
Jim and Debbie