Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast - Missoula

A couple of year s ago or so I started a conversation with Elaine at Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast on Twitter, although at the time I didn't know it was Elaine I was chatting with. We found each other because Montana people like to meet and support other Montana people, we're funny that way. If it's made in Montana we're for it.

Anywayz, Elaine thought we should come down for a visit but we usually travel in Clementine, our RV, because I'm a dog. Good news! Blue Mountain BB has a dog friendly room! So, I said we would do just that. It took me a couple of years to get Kinsey on board but this week we made the trek and are glad we did.

The home sits high up on the mountain over looking Missoula off to the north and Bitterroot Valley off to the south. The Bitterroot River flows along directly below.

Entrance to Blue Mountain BB

Everywhere you look it is clear that this is a home where animals and all things natural are welcome guests. Oh, people are welcome too but can only to speak from my perspective.

We had a lovely room with lodge furnishings and playful bears hanging around everywhere.

Elaine and Brady run the place. I have to take Kinsey's word for it but she said the breakfasts, Brady is the chef, were to die for, real gourmet fare. Kinsey wishes she had taken photos of them. You can find lots more photos and info on their website.

Dining and living area

If you are coming to Missoula and the Bitterroot area you should check this place out for sure. If you do, tell them Molly Montana sent you. I'm not sure if this will get you a warm welcome or a boot in the butt but I did try to be a good guest!

If you are looking for good old fashioned Montana hospitality you couldn't go wrong at Blue Mountain Bed & Breakfast. If you have never been to the Bitterroot Valley, take it from me, it's a hikers paradise. More on hiking in the next episode.

Until next time,
Molly Montana

©Kinsey Barnard

The Perfect Gift

Oh, Boy! Oh, Boy! I've really hit the jackpot this time.

I found Kinsey the perfect gift! When I brought it to her I was knew I was a rock star. And, what was this perfect gift? It was a deer shed. Now I know this would not appeal to most people but my mum is a bit of an odd duck. She loves getting natural things, as long as no one is harmed in the getting. So when I presented her with this half of a perfect 8 point rack she was over the moon.

With all the deer around here you'd think one would stumble on them all the time. We have not had such luck. And, often when you do find them they've been out there for a couple of seasons and have been munched on by hungry critters. Not this baby it was in pristine condition. In the photo it looks kinda small but it's really a nice size.

Molly Montana and Deer Shed Antler

In other good news Kinsey recently read that Australian Shepherds are among the top 20 longest living canines. This means I could have as much as another 15 years if I watch my P's and Q's. That probably still won't be long enough to see Kinsey off this mortal plane but she may have slowed down some by then, she'll be 82. But, after watching a video this morning of Queen Elizabeth celebrating her ninetieth I think Kinsey will be around long after 82.

Stillwater Forest

Well, at last I got to go someplace new. We took a nine mile walk in the Stillwater Forest. Actually we stuck pretty much to the road as there is still a lot of snow off the road. But, that was no problem. On the whole walk, which was a little over three hours, we saw exactly one pickup.

Stillwater Forest Montana

This is grizzly and black bear habitat and the bears are waking up hungry from their winter nap.  Kinsey carries bear spray and a .357 magnum. If attacked her plan is to use the bear spray first and if that doesn't work the gun. Over the years we have encountered lots of bears and never had any problems. We hope it stays that way but you never know so we are always alert and aware of our surroundings. We take nothing for granted including are great good fortune to live in such a fabulous place.

Along the way we passed a marsh where some trumpeter swans were a swimming.

Trumpeter Swan Stillwater Forest Montana

It was a beautiful day. And, the best news was the foot that had been giving Kinsey some trouble worked like a charm. She's been giving acupuncture a go and it seems to be paying dividends.

Thank goodness the good weather is here I should get to go explore lots of new places this year.

Molly Montana

©Kinsey Barnard