Anniversary Today

47 years ago today, the Boss twisted my arm and bit my ear until I said "I Do".  Just kidding.  The best thing I ever did.  Like all couples we've had our rough times ( long time ago ) but she's been a great life partner.  Here's hoping for many more.

Apgar Lookout

The view from Apgar lookout and the Boss on the Haflinger she rode to the top.  A relatively short but muscular horse.  It was a 2 hour ride to the top, about 95% uphill.

Great Ride

The horse ride in the mountains was splendid.  The view from the top, as well as on the trail was spectacular.

The Boss rode a Haflinger and I rode a draft horse cross.  My horse was about 17 hands and as wide as a car, according to my groin.  After about 4 hours going uphill and downhill, I felt like the Thanksgiving wish bone.

Here's hoping I can walk normal tomorrow.

Very Large

Had a half day horseback scheduled for this morning.  Opened the cabin door to falling rain.  We don't have rain gear, so was rescheduled for tomorrow.  We did visit the horse stables, and were very impressed with the size of those animals.  They're half draft horse, so about twice as big as our Mountain Saddle Horses.No way we can get our feet high enough to even come close to the stirrup.

Being Flexible

As it happens we're too early in the season for horseback riding on this the east side of the park.  We did find a posted 1 mile hike, up hill, to a falls.  The Boss actually made it, with many stops to catch her breath.  Going back down was much easier.  Having to baby her back for quite a while has taken it's toll on her physical conditioning.

Today we had an automobile tour through the Black Feet reservation.  We learned a lot today about history and about the conditions today.  Learned stuff not taught in school.

Tomorrow it's back to the west side of the park.  We'll try to get a short horse ride in advance of the longer ride scheduled. We'd like to test the condition of her back.

Oh Well

We had scheduled a jeep tour on the east side of the park tomorrow.  After calling the guy about when to meet, we found that he has had licensing issues, so it's a no go.

So tomorrow we'll drive into part of the park on our own, and check out the possibility of a short horse back ride in the mountains.  This will test the Bosses back.  Not sure she can handle the 5 hour ride we've scheduled for later in the trip.

Subaru Rental

When we finally arrived in Kalispell Montana, we rented a brand new Subaru Outback with just 4 miles on it.  This thing has every bell and whistle offered.  After driving it about 120 miles I have a few comments.

The truck that I drive is a 2007, and the Bosses car is a 2008, so I've not driven a vehicle with all the fancy stuff before. 

- I like the backup camera feature.
- Mixed feelings about the built in GPS that shows your position on the screen.  It's nice, but it makes it a lot easier for 'big brother' to keep track of everywhere you go.
- I'd rather not have all the programmable stuff.
- It handles surprising well for having the center of gravity that high.
- Having to buckle your seat belt and press the brake peddle before the engine will start just plain sucks.
- The fuel economy is good but at an expense.
- It has poor acceleration and struggles on modest grades here in the foot hills.  Very under powered.

Personally, I would not buy one.