Willow Creek Hike

Saturday we went for a hike up Willow Creek Trail. It was the first hike we’ve gone on in a while. When we got to the trailhead there were more cars than I expected there. A man had just returned from biking up the trail and another from riding his horse. The horseman told us he got about 1 mile up the trail before his saw got too dull and he turned back. The cyclist told us to keep an eye out for his family as they had turned back before him but were not at the vehicle. We quickly proceeded up the trail as the flies in the parking lot were unbearable. Keegan slowly trudged up the trail for about 50 feet before he decided he’d had enough. So we put him in the carrier and continued up the trail. Before long we came upon some huckleberry bushes. Most had nothing or tiny green berries developing but a few had some huckleberries. We gave one to Keegan thinking, since he’s not a big fruit fan, he’d turn away or just not like it. He readily ate it and asked for more. We couldn’t pick them as fast as he wanted them. He loved them! Soon, we were fresh out of huckleberries and continued up the trail.
Soon we were climbing a pretty steep trail and soon after that we’d hit the point where the horseman’s saw decided it’d had enough. Looking at the many downed trees we were going to have to climb over (with a child carrier on mind you) we also decided to turn back. On the way back we saw a sign the cyclists family had left for him and then we passed the cyclist headed up the trail to find his family. Hopefully he did.
It was great to get out and hike. Keegan had a smile on his face the entire time and by the end was singing quite the bumpy tune in Cobey’s ear. The bugs were horrible, the majority of the berries were far from ready, and the trail was steep. But in exchange we got to see a beautiful still full flowing creek, a few berries to eat, and good exercise, and not to mention, enjoy the smell and beauty of the woods.

Keeg loves the carrier, mom and dad not as much.

checking out the creek we were crossing.

headed back down. Was pretty steep.

Hmmmmm....those look like fruit and you know how much I don't like fruit.....but I'll try it.

oh.....

Wow those are GOOD!

It has been too long old friend

Sorry it has been a while since I posted on our blog.  Things have been busy, but honestly, no busier than usual.  Since Father’s Day (the last post), we’ve had a great time with family and friends.  Fourth of July weekend we spent in Troy, Montana.  Unfortunately, we did not actually spend the 4th there.  Troy, Montana knows how to celebrate the founding of our country!  We did get to make merry at an old high school friend of Cobey’s wedding.  It was beautiful all around.  Beautiful country, beautiful weather, beautiful bride.  Cobey’s dad’s band, Backadit, played back-up for Alan Lane at the wedding which was another plus!
 
In mid-July, I started my permanent federal position at the Rocky Mountain Labs (RML).  I’ve worked at RML for over 2.5 years now and was in a fellowship position.  That position was due to end in October as I was on my last year allowed.  I really enjoy my work, coworkers and the town and am glad to be a solid fixture here.  I have finally obtained my goal of being officially a scientist; my position title is “Microbiologist” really it sounds bigger than I am, I’m just a lab technician but it’s RIGHT where I want to be!  BIOLOGY ROCKS!  Cobey is still working at the Missoula (Interagency) Dispatch Center for the State of Montana (DNRC) with dreams of one day getting a position in the Bitterroot Valley so he does not have to commute those unspeakable many miles everyday.
 
At the end of July, was the 9th Annual Purcell Mountain Jamboree.  It’s pretty much a music festival that Cobey’s family puts on (mark your calendars: next year it’s July 21st).  Friends, family, strangers, hitchhikers, etc show up, listen to (and/or play) music and drink beer!  We hadn’t been since 2008 and were told we’d be disowned from the family if we missed this one.  The reason being it was Cobey’s dad’s 60th birthday celebration as well!  We had decided we didn’t want to miss another Jamboree anyways, packed up and headed north.  Cobey and I played some songs, Keegan did lots of dancing, and I sang a song with the Backadit band.  There was great music and it was great to see the family especially those who traveled up from New Mexico and California!
 
Other than that the kid is growing bigger and stronger and constantly wants mommy-horseback rides around the living room.  It’s a really slow and gimpy 3 legged horse because the child wouldn’t stay on long without me using my arm as the (sort of) saddle.  He talks more and more; much of it still gibberish but some of it actually discernable to us.  His repertoire of words include (mind you most sound the same, but he tries and knows what they are for):  chickens, kitty, shoes, cheese, milk, more, all done, Isis (puppy that gets yelled at a lot), juice, Cheerios, hi, and dad.  Notice that many of those are food related.  Yea, he likes food.  Below is a link to my performance at the Jamboree with the Backadit band.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyV3w5Mcp8s