Friday July 4, 2008 Ennis, Montana

July 4, 2008 Friday - Ennis, Montana

Our campground was across the road from the Ennis fire station where residents began arriving at 6am for the annual Fireman’s pancake breakfast. We skipped the breakfast in anticipation of the Lion’s Club Buffalo BBQ following the morning community parade.

We met our friends in town and had a great time watching the parade in support of all the various groups and organizations from the area. The weather was sunny and warm so to sit in the tree shade of the city park and enjoy the BBQ lunch was a welcome relief.


At 2 pm the annual rodeo began and so did the wind! Bruce and I joined our friends half way through the event. It was so much fun to sit with people that could actually explain what the competition was all about. Both are horse savvy and understand what judges look for in the various races. Unfortunately the strong winds made the lassoing events impossible, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of the crowd.

After the rodeo, we returned to the trailer to wash the grit off of our faces and teeth, pack up our dog and head out to our friends home for an evening of dinner and conversation. Neighbors Nonie and Bob joined us. They had retired to Montana from Clayton, California. He was a vet, so in the cold Montana winters they hitched up their 5th wheel and travel around acting as a traveling vet for the professional competitive horse circuit in the warmer south western states.

Ann and Larry Leonard first came to this area in 1980 on their honeymoon, staying at a Dude ranch and falling in love with the picturesque valley. After repeated summer visits they decided to begin looking for an investment and were lucky enough to find a wonderful log home that suit their vacation needs…out away from a crowded city and easy access to a river for fly fishing. They travel each summer from Redlands in southern California. Their generous nature has allowed others like us to visit and partake in the simpler and quieter life of Montana... a life rich in nature and abundant in beauty.














Ann and I had been friends in high school, but had not spent much time together as adults. It was an absolute delight to reminisce, but also spend time talking about our respective lives and dreams for the future. We will definitely visit again!