Flathead Lake

This morning we slept in a bit and then got dressed to go for a hike. We stopped at the grocery store last night so we were able to eat breakfast at the cabin. It was so nice not to have to go out to eat. Sometimes that is what gets oldest when traveling. Jackson found a hiking trail near the Swan River which flows into Flathead Lake. We hiked along it for about 5 miles.

Taking a break by the water

I wore a hat to try to combat ticks. I clearly don't do well with hats as I cannot pose and wear one. Oops! 

We were able to peep on a deer accidentally, too. 

Does a deer pee in the woods?

"Excuse me, folks, can a girl get some privacy?!"

Other than looking at us like we were rude the deer just hung out right near the trail. I think the deer around here are pretty used to seeing people. That or they're just chill like all of the people in this part of the country. 

"I like this photo, but that tree is in my way!"- Me

"I'll move it out of the way!"- Jackson

Jackson is so funny. I complained about the tree ruining my photo and he agreed to go hold it down. The tree wilted under his weight and he went flying down the hill. I screamed. He laughed. He was fine and enjoyed giving me a hard time about how much he sacrifices for my blog. He always calls it "my blog" when he is talking to me and then calls it "our blog" to everyone else. I feel like he needs to pick a side. ;)

FINALLY! I got the photo I wanted! 

In the end I needed to just move down the trail a bit to get that tree out of my way.

A view from the lake

After our hike we came back to the cabin and made PB&J sandwiches before heading out on the lake. Is there anything more lake-like than PB&Js? Jackson thought it was SO weird that I wanted to have them instead of ham sandwiches, but whatever. They were awesome. The guy we are renting the cabin from owns a water sports rental place so we got standup paddleboards from him.

Jackson taking a break on the water

Jackson did standup occasionally, for a short, short time, but I was only snapping photos when we were taking breaks.

Heading to shore to go to the Dragon Boat races

Jackson got to shore first and was able to snap a few shots of me coming in, too.

Hi!

Putting in work.

Still coming in...

Look how clear the water is!

Dragon boat races

They were really cool races

The winners!

We stopped in at the little festival celebrating the dragon boat races. We had what have to be the best noodles ever made. Hands down. (http://www.islandnoodles.com/ ) It turns out they only do a booth at little festivals and don't have an actual location. I wanted to cry.

Jackson eating our Island Noodles...AMAZING!

The festival was missing a lemon shakeup vendor, though. That was a disappointment. Clearly regional specialties like this haven't made it out this way yet. ;)

Our attempt at a clear water picture

You cannot believe how clear the lake's water is. I could actually see the boat's anchors hit the bottom when the water was exceptionally deep. I got brave and tried some yoga poses on my paddleboard. I got a few done pretty well and was shaky on others. I continued my streak of not falling off the board. Jackson....did not. He improved from his first try at Saxony Lake, but he still just isn't a great SUP'er. That's OK. He says he is in "disbelief" that I am better than he is. I don't know if that should offend me or not. ;)

Making fun of me...AGAIN

We tried to stop in at one of the original MacKenzie River locations for dinner but they did not have a television to allow us to watch the Michigan vs. Notre Dame game. WHAT?! A restaurant with a bar and no television? Lame! We went on down the road to a place called the Montana Club per the hostess' suggestion.

We had some pretty good nachos!

We thoroughly enjoyed watching the Wolverines smack down the Irish. We were having a nice dinner when these people sat down next to us. They were watching a different game and the woman had be over-served. Before long she was talking about how her date had taken "magic pills" and was now an "animal in bed" and she felt like a "sex slave" and needed a break. Ma'am, you look to be my mother's age, I need a break from YOU. Vomit!!!

T.M.I.

We got home and noticed that the sky was FILLED with stars so Jackson assembled these cots and we watched the sky for a bit. It was just gorgeous.

Stargazing 

I cannot believe this is the same sky that we see from Indiana every night. It was literally bursting with stars. I cannot recommend enough coming out to Montana, folks. It is just an absolute must.