Happy birthday to me, time is half past 3 (am)! Not exactly as I would have planned the morning of the big 60 but my problem as I drew up the itinerary. Long days travel from Las Vegas to Island Park, Idaho ahead. Aside from getting up early for the 0615 flight Las Vegas to Bozeman, Montana via Denver the day seemed to go swimmingly. Messages from all my email friends, Kate, Chris and Lou cheered me up no end. My thanks to you all. The travel and transiting were smooth and trouble free and Bozeman was a real snapshot of a US regional airport near Yellowstone, quite unique and, if I can use the term, quaint!
Car hired and off we set in a new Ford Edge. Very nice! We were soon out of the built-up area and into what we imaged as the typical Montana rolling hills with snow covered mountains in the distance. Trees changing colours and extensive ranch land gave way to rugged mountains and the valley of the Gallatin River as we headed south along the MT 191. In direct comparison to Yellowstone there was next to no traffic and the roads were not quite as windy. As a consequence we made relatively swift progress covering the 120 miles to the Timbers Condominiums in 2 hours or so.
The accommodation is a little dated but large and in the style of log cabins. It just fits in so well and we are all quite happy with where we are. A quick visit to the nearby grocery store was followed by a ceremonial opening of cards and pressies which Linda had dutifully carried around since leaving the UK. I guessed this was going to be a little special and emotional and so it transpired to be.
Many witty cards and a very special present from Linda, Chris and Kate which caused another ‘tots emoshe’ moment – a flight in a Spitfire! A boyhood dream which I never thought I would realise and I really cannot express my thoughts and gratitude enough. I hope a group of family and friends will be at Biggin Hill on the day of the flight. I would like to thank Ed for capturing the moment on video (not!)
The day ended with eating out in a typical restaurant / dinner at Ponds Lodge. The food was great, the service was excellent and we all had an enjoyable end to a long day.