Cabin Creek, Ruby Valley and More of YNP

Our next adventure took us into southwest Montana to visit a family connection of my cousin, Olga, in Northern Ireland.  Olga helped set up our meeting since she visited them last year and thought we would love their corner of Montana.  She was so right!  Frank and Chris have a beautiful 3 room cabin at the base of the Ruby Mountains--gorgeous views, lovely veggie garden, perfect landscaping including a traditional white picket fence!  We want to move in next door.  Our visit included a tour of the Ruby Valley.

And a ramble through an old homestead.  The huge old barn was first to grab our attention!

Frank shared his favorite fishing spots and birding knowledge and Chris took us to her wool spinning cabin in a historical Nevada City cabin restoration.  We also spent a delightful evening at the Virginia City Players Theater production.  My Irish family has added two wonderful new friends and a beautiful Montana valley to my roving life.  Thanks Olga and Neville!

On our next days off our camp host friends, Ken and Missie, joined us for a hike up Cabin Creek after we stuffed ourselves at a Campfire Lodge breakfast.  Their friends, Dana and Scott, joined us too!  The narrow creek canyon is filled with stately Douglas fir, a nice change from the Lodgepole Pine of Yellowstone.

After much planning and anticipation on both our parts,  Ann and Frank, my sister and husband came to visit on Aug. 25-29.  It was so much fun being together that the days flew by and we didn't get to do all we had planned.  The weather was perfect and Frank proved himself a magnet for great parking spots in crowded lots.  So we didn't waste much time and got to all Ann's trip picks and a few more.

The Midway Geyser Basin River Bridge.

Grand Prismatic Spring.

The Lower Falls of the Yellowstone River.

Ann also stretched our knowledge of the park by suggesting a Yellowstone Lake Scenic Tour.  We all were totally entertained by a great crew as they shared local history of the Lake area.

Ann and Frank's visit was a wonderful way to top off our summer here.

With only 9 days left, we are excited about our trip to Oregon and seeing our Oregon family and friends again.  It is sad to leave friends behind here, but our co-hosts Dave and Barb will work with us at Silver Falls State Park in Oregon.