The Bitteroot Valley is about 30 miles across edged on the west with the Bitteroot Mountains - the highest being over 10,000 feet. Went horseback riding with Teka (the epitome of a cow girl!} Visited with Kim, Heidi's husband. He is quite passionate about the Messianic movement. Needless to say, we had several 'passionate' conversations! Spent the evening with Tanya and family. Sang songs, played the violin, talked and laughed and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Making contact with nieces and nephews, after not seeing them well over 15 years, has had a significant impact on me. I am finding that God is using these visits as well as the trip in general to soften my heart (I have been in tears or more than a couple of occasions). Am hoping that tomorrow morning will have clear skies and smooth sailing as I am determined to go over the Bitteroot Mountains via Route 12.

Awoke at Sam and Mona's home to a magnificent day. The nicest morning since leaving Boston. Hard to leave. Had a wonderful visit with Same and Mona. A warm and friendly home. I have tried to stay off interstate highways, but out of necessity I took Route 90 across to Missoula and then down about 50 miles to Hamiton - the Bitteroot Valley that runs along the eastern edge the those mountains. Snow capped and rugged. Am staying at Heidi's home tonight, and then spend Saturday evening with Tonya and her family. There were fifteen people around the supper table! Had a wonderful reunion with Heidi and family. Went to bed exhausted after a 420 mile trip.

Arose to a very low cloud cover. Have decided not to go over Bear Tooth Mountain. Too risky. Headed south and exited Yellowstone on Route 20 East. Made our way to Cody, Wyoming. Rode much of the way in rain. Very cold. 40 degrees. Still very spectacular all the way to Cody. Ran into a terrible rain storm and spent one hour sitting at Wendy's Restaurant. Made a mad dash north to Sam's home which sits in a magnificent high plain where you can see for over 50 miles in one direction. Two horses, five sheep, one cow, assorted chickens (we had one for supper) and three beautiful children. It is so good to be here! A wonderful time of connecting with family. I leave tomorrow for Massoula and Heidi and Tonya's places. Debbie is going horse back riding with Christine tomorrow and then flying out of Billings on Saturday. Have had a wonderful time with Debbie over the past 6 days. Will miss having her with me. Will write again when I can find a computer.

Wednesday morning we awoke to partly cloudy skies! Thank you, Lord. We started out by going over Washburn Mountain (got some neat pictures in the snow! Close to 10,000 feet. Met a couple from Nashua, NH who had been on the mc for 6 days. Went to Mammouth Hot Springs, on to Old Faithful, saw a many geysers, a few hundred bison, elk, and deer (no bear). Were captivated by the beauty of the park. If you go no where else, you must come here! Arrived back at our cabin by late afternoon. Are planning on going over Bear Tooth mountain tomorrow on our way to Sam and Mona's house just south of Billings, Montana. That's at 11,000 feet. Will have to see what the weather is like. To bed by 10:00

Tuesday morning we just automatically put our rain suit on. Glad we got pictures of the Tetons when we came in the other day. Today the tops of them are covered in clouds. To enter Yellowstone from the south is to enter a world of snow covered mountains. Breathtaking! Was cloudy and somewhat rainy all day. Didn't matter however as we were enthralled with the beauty of Yellowstone. We drove all the shores of Yellowstone Lake across which were towering snow capped peaks. We went over Norris Pass (about 8500 feet) in rain and cold. Arrived at Canyon Village mid afternoon tired (no exhausted!) but happy. Following supper we explored the north rim of the canyon and the amazing water fall at the far end. The water is very high and quite dramatic. Got back to the cabin and fell asleep by 9:30 p.m. Hoping tomorrow will bring a little better weather. By the way the mc is filled to capacity weight wise. Running with an additional 400 lbs on it.