Helena, Montana

We spent our first night at Black Sandy State Park, where the camper next to us was from Towson, MD.  On our drive here, we met a motorcyclist who grew up in the same neighborhood as Charlie.  It is a small world!  The park is a major draw for local families with a boat.  We only stayed one night before moving on to an RV park because there were no water hookups and no showers -- did I mention it was 90 degrees here yesterday?

I was able to accomplish two genealogy goals in Helena -- visit the cemetery where my grandparents and two aunts are buried and visit Ramey city park.  My Aunt Kathleen was very involved in local politics and served as the mayor for many years.  She was a very popular woman who taught English at Helena High School and Russian at Carroll College.  The local schools and government offices closed on the day of her funeral and the park, located adjacent to the high school, was dedicated in her name.

We strolled through downtown Helena, stopping for latte/coffee and crepes and enjoying the beautiful weather -- low humidity is such a treat to this Maryland girl!  There is a lovely no-traffic walkway through part of Last Chance Gulch with small shops, wonderful architecture, and public sculpture.

You know you're not in MOCO anymore when you see these signs.

Have you EVER had to put snow chains on your vehicle?

 

 Ahh, to be able to drive faster than 55.

Can you see the 12 feet high markers for the snow plows?

Still praying for my friends suffering from the heat back home -- thinking of you!  And for all Americans endangered by all the fires in the West!  Bless you.

(Photos:  park to honor Kathleen Ramey; rich architecture; fun snail sculpture; Carroll College est 1909; bison at museum; chain up area; 75 mph; 12' snow markers)