24-26 September H2H Bison Ranch and St. Maries

September 24  Moved from Clarkston, Washington, to the H2H Bison Ranch near Worley, Idaho. This working bison ranch has five RV sites with 30-amp electricity, water, and sewer hookups. Bison wander the adjacent fenced acreage, and are well cared for. During the summer season the owner cooks BBQ dinners and serves groups of guests in a large three-sided dining hall. A fire ring with chairs invites evening relaxation. Like last year when we stayed here, we are off-season to enjoy the "dude ranch" activities--we don't really miss them, though. This is quiet, pleasant, and near Patrice's relatives.

After setting up we checked with Patrice's cousin Denny in Plummer (about five miles from us), then on to St. Maries, where Patrice's mother and her siblings grew up--the Gallaghers. There were six children in the family and only Francie, the youngest, is left--she is a vibrant 81. Sally and Rosie live nearby, sisters to Denny. We met Francie and her gentleman friend Bill for dinner at Sally's Handy Corner--yes, cousin Sally owns it. Just by chance meatloaf was the dinner special--my favorite, and we all had some!

Aunt Francie at home in St. Maries   

September 25  We went into St. Maries today for lunch at the St. Maries Senior Meal Site. Francie takes the money and handles the finances for this community lunch service. Cousins Rosie and Sally showed up today to visit with us--all the family in St. Maries know Patrice as "Lollie"--a nickname that she's had since she was a baby. Ham and hotdogs in sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, corn, melon, and cookies for desert--great lunch.

After lunch Bill came over to Francie's--he lives in Fernwood, about 20 miles from St. Maries. We all spent most of the afternoon at Francie's just visiting. Bill and I took a ride to see all four of the forest products plants operating in St. Maries. They all work three shifts a day and produce a huge amount of lumber and chips--there's a huge market out there.

We visited a bit too long again this evening, and most of the 45-minute drive was in the dark and the rain. Weather's supposed to be a bit better tomorrow.

September 26  [Patrice writing today] Yup, it was better weather today. We woke to sunshine, blue sky with puffy clouds. It was a nice day for Philip's 78th birthday, and we had a pleasant time all around.

It was about an hour's drive today to the Spokane area, and to the True Legends Grill at Liberty City. There we met Russ and Patti, our next-door neighbors at our lot in North Palm Springs. They didn't come to their lot this last winter because Russ was ill. They will make it with bells on this year, probably arriving before we do. Lunch was great, conversation and company was just terrific, and it was great to see Russ his old self, full of fun and bull.

Russ and Patti

We then got some gas at Costco, did a bit of shopping, and checked out a low bridge that might give us trouble on Sunday on our way to Republic. Should be no problem with the bridge, and traffic will be light on Sunday.

Found our way to son Kriss's apartment, where he stays during the work-week and travels home to Malo in the weekends. Wife Julianne joined him this weekend because they are taking a short trip to Idaho, and Kriss won't be home until next weekend. Our grandson Kleyton is home taking care of the critters at the house; Uncle Kent and Aunt Arleen are nearby and helping out.

Kriss and Julianne

Carlos hasn't seen either one of them for a year, and talk about happy reunions! He couldn't get enough belly-rubs, loving attention, and smooches. Such a little bundle of joy.

We had dinner and made tracks for the Bison Ranch, in the dark and under starry skies. It was a great day!