As we left Glacier I saw a woman of my age on horseback. She wore a wide brimmed Georgia OKeefe straw hat and a buttoned up cardigan sweater which appeared to be hand knitted. Her dog trotted at her side and she was followed by a pack horse which carried a large basket on its back. My story for her is that she lives back in the mountain and comes to town once a month to do some shopping and get her mail. She left her mountain home at dawn and was looking forward to the news and conversation which would soon be hers. I wish I had a chance to talk to her and find out what her story really is!
Then in the evening we joined Diane's cousin Dianne and a group of her friends for an evening rafting trip down the Clark Fork. There were eleven of us with two rafts loaded with not only us, but deluxe hors d'oeuvres and a wide variety of libations.
We began the trip floating under the highway bridge and train trestle and quickly were in a lovely canyon. Dianne said they called it Hell's Canyon because the Indians used to attack us white skinned folks in that area. We continued leisurly making our way downstream, rolling past the University and the heart of downtown as the evening lights came on.
The float was fairly gentle with a few rapids as we descended and Dianne handled the oars admirably. One last rather awesome drop came near the end of the float. Diane was in the front, her cousin Dianne told her to pull back on the ropes at the nose and down we flew, crashing to the bottom and struggling back up, water splashing everywhere! It was wild and wonderful!!! Diane thought she was going to die! I thought I was going to be soaked and I was. We were screaming with victory as we righted and slowly finished our float downstream.
The women on this float were interesting, open and generous, a group you would like to know better. I am sworn to secrecy on the name this group calls themselves, but am able to share Diane's new title with you. The person who sits closest to the cooler and is in charge of passing everything is dubbed the "beer bitch". Diane did a pretty good job so we are thinking of making her our permanent "beer bitch"!
On today to Salmon, ID where we hope to find some good fishing!
Thanks again to Dianne and ">>>>>>>>" for a wonderful evening in Missoula!!
Patricia: Thank you for your wonderful travel blog. I am missing my sister Diane, and you are bringing her victory tour to life! Glad you were able to hang out with our cousin Dianne - she's a keeper! Carry on with your wonderful adventure, and keep writing. You have a gift!
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