My cousin Jon from Florida has been dying to get to Montana. He decided in December to plan a weekend trip out in January for his birthday. It all worked out well with our time off and he was able to fly in and out of the 3 gated Helena airport!
First stop was food. We headed over to Windbag Saloon for a bite.
After that we walked around downtown and checked out some of the shops. Then we headed to Gulch Distillers.
That night we went to Lakeside on Hauser to listen to a band with our friend Grace from work. To our surprise, the band had to cancel last minute due to the band members having COVID. Oddly enough, many other bars had to cancel their bands due to the same reason. We decided to head back to our place and play dice. Matt, Grace’s husband, joined us as well!
The next day Jon and I headed up Mount Helena. I was so impressed with Jon that he wanted to go hike even though it was in the 40’s. He can attest, as long as the sun is out, it really isn’t that bad! Of course wind plays a factor as well.
As we were hiking up, we noticed deer in the distance.
That night, we all headed over to Silver Star Steak Company. A few people at work recommended this place and finally we went! Everything was delicious. I had the Bison Short Rib and I highly recommend it! It cut like butter!
After this, we stopped at home to grab ‘What do you meme’ and headed over to Missouri River Brewing Company. Grace wasn’t feeling well, but Matt showed up and we all hung out and played games.
We were not planning to, but we all decided to go to The Gold Bar and Western Bar that night. The next morning we somewhat regretted this as we had to wake up and drive to Doug’s Cabin. So, if you read my post Adventures with Wrigley (https://kyakel.wixsite.com/adventureswithkara/post/adventures-with-wrigley) you’ll know we have become great friends with Wrigley, the yellow lab, and his owner Anne. When we met Anne, we also met her boyfriend Doug. We all got along great as Wrigley was bringing us all of his toys. Doug invited us to his cabin that day, but things got so busy we were never able to go. When Jon booked his flight I messaged Anne and made plans for a cabin weekend!
Anne sent us the written out directions. I knew the drive to Augusta as we had done that on our way to Glacier National Park. As we drove in Aaron got out the directions and said, “Turn you’re your odometer to zero”.
Jon in the back seat said, "You sure these people aren’t going to kill us?”.
Well, have no fear, they are wonderful people, but there is zero cell reception to get there and it is on an at least 10 mile well maintained dirt road. As your odometer hit certain mileage, there was directions as to where to go according to the map. We found it with out an issue! As the mountains narrowed in with Castle Reef (we learned) on our right, we were all in awe of the beauty surrounding us.
Once we arrived, Wrigley was jumping next to my truck looking to see who it was. I got out to say hi and he jumped right in as if we were headed somewhere. It was so fun to see Wrigley in his favorite place, The Cabin. Doug’s cabin is located in Lewis and Clark National Forest and he has had it for over 25 years (might be over 30 years). He love to have new people come see it since it is owned by US. He and Anne knew exactly where to take us, and we started with a walk along Diversion Lake, and Wrigley trotted along.
Then Doug and Anne took us up a no-name mountain that we later called Jon’s Mountain after my cousin. The views were stunning and we had an awesome view of Sawtooth Ridge in the distance.
It was amazing how Doug and Anne knew where to go as we were not on a trail at all! We hiked a different way down which was great to see different views. Of course we took lots of pictures along the way.
The more Aaron and I travel, the more we realize the pictures we take really do not do a justice. Not only to what it really looks like in person, but what it feels like to be there. A weekend in a cabin was the perfect get away for all of us.
When we got back, the men went out and started the fire as Anne and I started making dinner and mixing up mules for everyone to enjoy. After dinner we went outside and enjoyed the fire and stars.
Anne had baked a tart for dessert and it being Jon’s birthday, she was able to find some candles to put in it!
After we had intended to play dice, but we all had an awesome time talking and just getting to know each other better. As we did this, Wrigley took a nice nap under the steps.
The next morning we woke up and I took my tea out for a little stroll with my man Wrigley.
He loves running around exploring every scent there is and he is the perfect buddy when you go to the outhouse! At Doug’s cabin there is no running water and really, it is not that bad. Doug and Anne’s set up was awesome. They have a system with jugs of water and a large container at the top of the stairs which has a hose to the sink. I was impressed as I have never stayed somewhere with no running water and I really didn’t notice it… besides when I needed to use the bathroom.
After breakfast, Jon, Anne, Aaron, Wrigley, and I all headed out for a little hike. Wrigley took a little detour at one point, but he came running for us on our way back.
In the photo below, the mountain you see with trees all over and just a small part of a rock face, that is 'Jon's Mountain' (left of the snow covered area). I labeled it with ^here^. That was where we were the day prior.
Once we got back, we all loaded up in Doug’s car and went for a little drive. He showed us Sun Canyon Lodge just down the road and then took us across Diversion Lake for another hike. This one we were able to see some wildlife.
Doug then took us for a drive to see the Gibson Reservoir.
Then back down to check out the dam.
After that it was time to head back to Helena. Doug’s Cabin was one of the highlights of our time in Montana. The peacefulness of the cabin was calming and the three of us did not connect our phones to the Wi-Fi which allowed us to really disconnect from reality. To think, this friendship all started with Wrigley!
We headed over to Broadwater Hot Springs & Fitness for some food and to watch the Bills vs Chiefs game while relaxing in the hot springs.
Last minute we decided to grab ice cream from Big Dipper before they closed.
The next day Jon left for Florida. It was such an awesome trip and I am so thankful he was able to visit us! And a big thank you to the Cabin Man Doug, Anne, and Wrigley for inviting us to their slice of heaven!
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