Tuesday July 8, 2008 Helena, Montana

Tuesday July 8, 2008 Helena, Montana

This morning we were up and out to meet friends of ours, the Whitney’s. Theresa had worked with Bruce at HP while in Vancouver, WA. After much planning, Gary left his job, rented their house in Portland, OR, bought a 5th wheel and pulled their teenage kids out of school, for a nine month journey to see America and re-evaluate life!

Both Theresa and Gary grew up in Helena, so they graciously offered to show us around. We met at the state capitol to go on a one hour trolley tour. I love getting oriented to a town by a tour and this supported that. It gave history and current events. Actor Gary Cooper’s childhood home was on the tour. Their two kids (Brian and Laura) joined us and seemed to enjoy it as well.

Following the tour, we all went to “The Parrot café in downtown Helena to enjoy a bowl of their famous chili. Not only wass it known for the chili but also its old fashioned fountain drinks.

Theresa then took Bruce and I on a tour of the St. Helena Cathedral. The church replicates a cathedral in Vienna and was absolutely gorgeous! An elderly woman was anxious to tell us the history and meaning behind the various stained glass windows…all of which were made and shipped in pieces from Europe. I took a few moments to pause and pray for the many blessings that we have had on this trip and the needs of friends and family.

Upon our return to the campground we found a rather strange looking RV...strange in the sense that it appeared to be a motor coach (bus) in the front and an RV (sleeping quarters) in the rear with a giant pullout luggage area and a slide out kitchen. I had to calm my curiosity and spoke with one of the campers.

Apparently it is a group of 27 people (mostly Europeans) that joined in SF for a 50 day tour of the Pacific, up into Alaska, down into Montana, Wyoming and across to Toronto. Everyone is issued a nylon bag full of eating utensils, plate and bowl. Everyone cleans their own things, sleeps in the vehicle and travels as a group! Unique idea, but the sleeping quarters looked a bit claustrophobic!??