July 25 – August 1 Libby, Montana

This portion of our journey was much anticipated. Not only did we get to see Laurie and H in their natural habitat, friends from phoenix were also there. Steve, Danny and Betsy preceded us by a few days. As you may know, we started a gourmet cooking club several years ago. The group includes Laurie, H, Steve, Peter and JY. The other members back in Phoenix are Bernice, Curt and Rita. They were in our thoughts.

Laurie and H are Montana natives. They moved back to their home state about 1.5 years ago. The Walsh’s bought a 2 story house with a basement approximately 5 miles from downtown Libby. Consequently we all had plenty of room. Most meals were eaten on their back porch. Deer were often in the back yard along with wild turkeys.

We arrived in Libby in time for a dinner of sauerkraut and sausages that Laurie made. Afterwards we went to the local theater in town and watched an award winning documentary, the “Biggest Little Farm.” The film was about the successes and failures of a couple (and their dog) as they developed a sustainable farm on 200 acres of land outside of Los Angeles. It was quite profound. Holly joined us and we all went for ice cream afterwards.

One hot afternoon we went boating with Laurie, H and Holly. Both Holly and Peter rode the tube behind the boat while H drove. It was a blast for them. JY did want to chance the bumpy ride due to her back surgery. Peter and JY developed a rash/sunburn on their legs on that sunny afternoon on the lake. It was fun though and very scenic.

We enjoyed going for lunch and shopping at the local Amish store. The sandwiches were great and the grocery prices reasonable. In fact JY ordered a cheese and meat platter for that night.  This was for a get together with H’s brother and his wife who were visiting from Seattle.  H’s parents live in Libby and were there also. This is H’s family home town. That night Steve made his famous lasagna for the crowd.

Remember, there was a group of “gourmands” living under the same roof, so we were eating pretty well. One night Betsy made a yummy light summer meal of shrimp salad and croissants. (Betsy, we need that shrimp salad recipe.) One night JY cooked the remainder of the salmon Peter caught in Astoria, Oregon. Orange Glazed Salmon is always a hit.  And Laurie cooked up a delicious breakfast most mornings. Laurie and H were the best hosts.

Besides sharing meals, they showed us around Libby and area.  We did several small hikes while in Libby including Kootenai Falls and the Swinging Bridge and a hike along the river.  Laurie brought bear repellent on the hike along the river. We also drove to Ross Creek for a picnic and walk through old growth cedars. H’s brother, his wife, niece and boyfriend joined us for this hike. We also had other guests with whom we shared sandwiches, an older couple who said their nuptials in this park many years ago.

It was sad when Steve, Danny and Betsy left to continue their travels. In the past we have shared meals and discussed books but never spent so much quality time together, as Steve said “cohabitating” and getting to know each other better. (We miss having coffee with you all…)

One late afternoon there was a scare for the Libby community. It is fire season and sure enough one started not far from the Walsh’s home. We could smell the fire into the night, but due to the valiant efforts of the volunteer fire department, the blaze was contained to within a quarter mile of their home and eventually put out.

As sad as it was to bid farewell to our friends (Steve, Danny and Betsy), we were left with the opportunity to deepen our friendship with Laurie and H.  We so enjoyed those deep conversations over coffee, while hiking and eating out. We thank you for letting us into your lives in Libby, Montana.

As many of you know, Peter lived several years in different parts of Montana. Although Libby wasn’t one of the areas he lived, he fell in love with the area. He would live there if he could. Quote – “Home is Where the Heart Is.” And Montana is where Peter’s heart is.

A quote from John Steinbeck:

“I’m in love with MONTANA. For other states, I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love.”