The Stelzle's Trailer Travels: August 14-17: MONTANA

We didn't think we would make it to Montana this trip, but we are so happy it worked out. We really wanted to see Logan and we also always love seeing our great friends, Don and Mimi Eastep. Actually, they feel more like family to us. They live in Livingston, which is one of our favorite places! Don and Mimi have an incredible property right at a fork on the Yellowstone River. It is so beautiful to watch the river and all the activities of fly fisherman, beaver, deer, pelicans and Canada geese. There is a show to watch all day long. Logan met us in Livingston, so that was a huge bonus! He brought his dog, Buddy, who next to Clover, is the greatest dog ever. Clover loves Buddy and they had the best time running around together. Don and Mimi seemed genuinely happy to have us visit. Seems like whenever we visit them, we make a large presence with our camper, ourselves, Clover, etc., but they don't seem to mind! Mimi had been in the kitchen for what must have been days preparing for our arrival. We were spoiled from the instant we walked in the door with homemade cookies, homemade ice cream sandwiches and drinks....Jake had his first regular Pepsi, and let's just say he was wound up with the sugar and excitement of seeing everyone and being there. Mimi made a huge fantastic dinner of country style ribs, baked beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, corn on the cob, corn bread muffins made from special cornmeal and delicious apple crisp for dessert! We enjoyed some Venteux, too! Don and Mimi are Venteux Club Members as well. We spent the evening on the deck smoking cigars, drinking wine and catching up. It was perfect. Logan and Jake stayed in the Shasta and Scott and I stayed in their lovely guest room, which Mimi had decked out with fresh flowers, chocolates, etc. She made homemade waffles, fruit and bacon for breakfast.... we are spoiled! Jake and I went with Logan to visit a farm and then we spent the rest of the afternoon fishing (no luck) and relaxing by the river after a trip into Livingston. We love that town! Logan headed back to Missoula to get some work done, but we would see him the next day. Mimi had another fabulous dinner planned, this time the main feature being delicious pulled pork. Another great evening with the Easteps! Before we left the next morning, yep, breakfast of homemade cinnamon rolls. We would have stayed there forever if we could, it is such a special place to us.

Logan met us in Deer Lodge to show us his operation for Zoo Mountain. We got the full tour and it was very interesting. Afterwards, we headed to Missoula and saw Logan's store in downtown. It was really cool to see it all and understand more what he has been working so hard for. I can't believe he is only 20 and has accomplished so much. He is quite the entrepreneur, but still plans to finish school, only 20 credits away! We are impressed. We parked the Shasta in Logan's driveway and headed to the river. Last year when we visited him we went tubing and loved it, so we did that again in the afternoon. It was super fun! Buddy comes along too in his doggy like jacket. We had a nice dinner at a restaurant on the river. The weather has been just perfect! We said goodbye to Logan Tuesday morning. It was a great visit!!