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Montana road trip – day 7

Posted on January 7, 2012 by Mark

Although I wouldn’t say that the best was saved until last, driving through the Cascades was certainly a fitting end to a pretty amazing week away.

Having booked in to another small motel in Omak, Washington, it was time to leave Bonners Ferry. Our new best friend YELP wasn’t to enamoured by our prospective inn for the night, but it was the only place available and had a “you get what you pay for” ring to it. Turns out that we wouldn’t be paying anything as a drive around the outside was enough to make the decision that this was indeed a place to pass over.

So, next stop, Winthrop. We left the somewhat desert like Okanogan County and stared to get back to more forest like terrain. Winthrop is know for being a ‘wild west’ town, a kind of cowboy equivalent to Bavarian Leavenworth. This provided a neat second bookend to our introduction to strange town USA. Not strange weird, just strange, in an out of place sort of way. As it turned out, Winthrop was full and although we’ll certainly head back there to investigate, the homing instinct led us to carry on westwards.

The revised plan was to drive through the Cascades and grab a room around Burlington overnight. Naturally the last minute room didn’t happen, but the Cascades did. Although I wouldn’t say that the best was saved until last, driving through the Cascades was certainly a fitting end to a pretty amazing week away.

Utterly stunning would probably be an understatement. Where Glacier National Park and the Logan Pass was majestic in it’s scale, the Cascades felt close up and personal.

Maybe that closeness made for a more memorable experience, maybe it was making the journey near sundown, whatever it was, it was superb.

Note to self. Revisit on a bike!

Feeling suitably overawed for the umpteenth time in a week, it was back to civilization. The overnight stop around Burlington was essentially to visit the outlets. A out of place end to a week of splendid scenery and wilderness was to be immersed back in to consumerism. However, as with a number of things on this road trip, plan ‘b’ had to be adopted as once again we couldn’t find a vacant room. Another night in the car was not on the agenda, particularly being back in a built up area, so despite it being late, BC it was to be.

A sprint up I5, across the border and back home for around 1.30am.

The roadtrip was over. Some 2600 Km had been covered and more memories were filed and locked away, ready for recall and replaying on the personal Super 8 screen of the mind.

For those without a good imagination, take a peek at the Picasa pics. It’s a snapshot of the trip.

Comment of the trip, made to a guy whilst sailing on Flathead Lake in Montana. “This is the furthest east we’ve driven since arriving in North America” The proposition of Montana somehow being mentioned in the same sentence as ‘east’ was met with a confused look. Montana is real cowboy country. Montana is west.

The wonderlust will continue and 2012 will hopefully add a new twist to the roadtrip; scootouring, or 2 go mad on Vespa’s. I can’t wait.

Posted in Driving, Scenery, Travel | Tagged adventure, canada, roadtrip, usa, washington | Leave a comment

CAFC – a season to savour

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Mark

After a few short summaries on how the Addicks season has progressed, the “another great result” format is wearing thin. More league and cup wins followed by a couple of draws haven’t dampened my enthusiasm from afar, but finding new superlatives and praise is certainly getting harder as the weeks and games go by.

Pic from the CAFC website

Despite being restricted to glimpses of games on the BBC, through sites like not606, I can still feel fully involved in this seasons promotion bid, and that’s a good thing. And it’s just as well not606 exists as coverage of teams outside of the premier league is, well, somewhat lacking to say the least. Having said that, what I do find is an absence of gossip and other premiership drivel. It’s actually rather refreshing not to have to endure reading about the mindless antics of the well remunerated elite in the so called best league in the world.

Life in the 3rd division is all about the game, it’s all that matters and I’m thankful for that. But would I want to remain taking n 3rd tier footie? The Brit in me responds with a resounding no. From what I’ve seen, League 1 brings at times slapstick defending, neck aching inducing long balls and parklife finishing. So, I’m left with the tension that exists between the desire for a higher standard of footie and the knowledge that when the coveted land of the prem comes once again, CAFC news will be crowded out once more by the tabloid exploits of “enter big name of the day here” rather than being non-existent. Seems like a no win thing really. But that’s all part of supporting a club rather than being sucked in to the world of the trophy hunter. Maybe, that’s something to explore another day.

In the meantime I’ll look for new angles on what I hope to be Charlton’s promotion season,

Oh, and if I really want to take in League 1 level footie I can head for the nearest MLS game.

Posted in CAFC, football, sport | Tagged cafc, football, soccer, sport | Leave a comment

Montana road trip – day 6

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Mark

The Kootenai Falls were an amazing find, an unexpected highlight of the road trip.

Another night under canvas. We’d managed to avoid caterpillar infestation, which given the amount of caterpillars dropping on to my head and shoulders from the trees was a minor miracle. Ah, the delights of nature.

Day 6 saw us leave the little island paradise and start the journey home. The route back was once again through Montana, Idaho and Washington, but a more northerly road was to be travelled. With day 1 still firmly etched in to my memory, the first task was to find somewhere to stay for the night. Highway 2 would take us through Bonners Ferry, Idaho and our new best friend, yelp delivered the goods. A room at the independent Log Inn was duly reserved.

A real serendipitous moment was in store along the highway. Lesley spotted a sign for the Koonenai Falls and the parking area wasn’t crowded. Time to pull over and explore. The Kootenai Falls were an amazing find, an unexpected highlight of the road trip. With temperatures in the mid thirties, Lesley and I set off for the bridge, not knowing what ‘the bridge’ would be. Turns out it was a single track, wooden swing bridge strung across the Kootenai River. Now I’m not a great one for heights, but this was something not to be missed. I did have second thoughts though. A couple with dogs were crossing before us. The dogs, Rottweilers, reached the stage where terror cut in, backsides went down and front legs were stiffened. So, if I was to cross this bridge I had to be harder than your average Rottweiler. Something I’d not considered myself to be, I have to admit. Lesley in the meantime had decided that she’d take refuge in the shade whilst I risked life and limb for that one great pic. With the deepest of deep breaths I set out. Boy, was it worth while.

The river was flowing fast, the bridge anything but stable and the views, well, I simply wouldn’t have missed the experience. What made it even better was that it didn’t cost a penny. Plus, no safety guy around. Kootenai Falls It was at my risk.

The crossing back was a little more fraught as I met another family half way across. Making out way past each other on a 3 board wide bridge was interesting, but personal space was not compromised and without a whiff of fear emanating from my nether regions, I was back with Lesley. We continued to explore the area and I found that it was possible to get down to the waters’s edge, close to the actual falls. What an experience, no safety precautions included, just me deciding how close I wanted to go.

Click to watch a short video of the Kootenai Falls, Montana

The Kootenai Falls were an amazing find, an unexpected highlight of the road trip.

After the exhilaration of the falls, it was back on the road to Bonners Ferry, Idaho. Another glimpse of small town USA, a very homely room for the night, and an enormous meal at a local restaurant. Probably more calories in one meal than I’d had in the previous two days combined. And a very well deserved beer.

After 6 days on the road, this foray in to the USA had provided some absolute gems of experiences. There was more to come as day seven beckoned.

Posted in Driving, Travel | Tagged adventure, kootenai, montana, roadtrip, usa | Leave a comment

Montana road trip – Flag retirement

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Mark

I’d never really appreciated just how much the Stars and Stripes meant to Americans. After the retirement ceremony I was left in no doubt of its importance.

I’d spent an afternoon sailing around Melita Island on Flathead Lake. Lesley and I were passengers, the skipper a US Navy veteran. The temperature was in the mid 30′s, the lake a mill pond, beautiful weather and jaw dropping scenery. This was quite a road trip. One of the aims for the trip was to relax and I think I was probably an 8 or 9 out of 10 on the relaxed scale. Virtually horizontal.

Ward was spot on with his description of Camp Melita, it was certainly somewhere close to paradise. However, Ward was also spot on with his description of the cuisine. Scout food in portions for small people. But, for a short visit, that really didn’t matter. I can certainly sympathize with Ward and his need to escape for a meal every weekend.

I was informed by Ward that there would be a flag retirement ceremony in the evening. I was intrigued. In a former life I spent 8 years in the Royal Air Force and had never come across a retirement ceremony for the Union Flag or the RAF standard. What was a retirement ceremony? There was more. Forces veterans would also be honoured during the ceremony. Now, I’d never thought of myself as a forces veteran. Does one have to serve a certain number of years to qualify? I’d no idea, but today having served in the RAF, I was also a ‘vet’.

So, evening arrived and the camp gathered together. Scouts marched in with a large Stars and Stripes, which was to be retirement due to a flaw in the fabric. One of the preferred methods of retirement is burning. My mind understandably started to play images from news channels of the US flag burning in very different circumstances. Curiosity grew, what was I about to witness.

I’d never really appreciated just how much the Stars and Stripes meant to Americans. After the retirement ceremony I was left in no doubt of its importance. The evening will live long in my memory.

The reason for the stars and stripes was explained, confederation and states. Stories of honour and sacrifice. Pride in the country, pride in the flag and what the flag represented. When outsiders peer in to the US and see what appears to be over the top patriotism, this has to be where some of that emotion comes from.

The flag was gradually cut up, first stripes, then the stars. Each piece consigned to the brazier. A length of flag was retained, cut in to smaller pieces with those pieces handed to all in attendance. We were asked to acknowledge and remember the contribution of fallen service men and women, consider their sacrifice to secure our freedom. Very powerful. And there was more to come. Forces ‘vets were invited to line up and despite my reticence, Ward beckoned me forward to join the others. What a humbling moment. In those few moments I was given more recognition for the 8 years I gave to HM Forces than I’d ever received before.

The ceremony closed with everyone filing past the brazier to add their piece of flag to the fire and finally saluting the flag. Now this is where respect for others and remaining English had to be addressed. The line was drawn for me and there was no saluting the Stars and Stripes. Despite the relocation, I’m still English. Even if I get Canadian citizenship, I’m still English. I’m certainly not American.

The US Navy ‘vet that had skippered the sailboat earlier in the day approached me. With tears in his eyes he thanked me for participating. He was absolutely sincere. I’d respected his country’s tradition and the guy was very, very grateful.

The following morning, Lesley and I would bid Ward farewell and leave Camp Melita. But what a final evening. Maidstone and the UK seemed a very distant memory. Relocation had brought with it unexpected and poignant moments.

Posted in Places, Scenery, Travel | Tagged adventure, flag, melita, montana, roadtrip, stars, stripes, usa | Leave a comment

CAFC continue the roll

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Mark

Can the smile get any wider? Another week, another win as the reborn Addicks claim another 3 points at Brentford.

Pic from TeamTalk

When I left the UK the final London derby I saw was against Spurs. It was the game that consigned Charlton to the Championship. It was a miserable game.

This London derby, 2 leagues lower than the Premiership, seems far from a classic, but winning when playing below par at places where previous results had been poor is a sign that the this is team that wants Championship football next season.

Next week it’s Huddersfield who are undefeated in the league for 46 games (they’ve lost the important play-off games though!). This will be another big test of the Addicks promotion credentials. I can’t wait.

Posted in CAFC, football, sport | Tagged cafc, football, soccer, sport | Leave a comment

CAFC see off Halifax in the FA Cup

Posted on November 13, 2011 by Mark

My breath was held. Games like this against lower or non-league opposition have time after time proven Charlton’s downfall. To the more seasoned Addick, this game was 1-0 Halifax certainty.

Danny Hollands slots in CAFC's third. Pic from the Guardian website

But this season is different and the Addicks continue to score for fun. Another 4 goals, that’s 19 in the last 5 games, put paid to any giant killing hopes and Charlton are a game away from a possible money spinning third round tie against one of the current ‘big boys’. Check out the match report.

I’m supposed to be becoming Canadian, but I’m afraid that I still don’t get the idea of an 80 game season that doesn’t have a winner. So, sorry Canucks, you’ll have to wait a little longer to gain my affection. Oh, and as for the Whitecaps, I seriously hope the second MLS season is an improvement on this one. The fanbase is certainly there, the enthusiasm is too, Unfortunately the defence has been absent on far too many occasions and the ability to find the back of the regularly has also been a feature of the season. Amazingly Whitecaps end their MLS debut year with 2 of the 4 goals of the season. If only these flew in every week,

Posted in CAFC, sport | Tagged cafc, football, sport | Leave a comment

Montana road trip – day 4 and 5

Posted on November 5, 2011 by Mark

There are times that I have to pinch myself. This is now part of my life and accessible more than once in a lifetime. This is what the relocation was about, quality of life and adventure.

It was time to head to the meeting point and meet up with Ward. I’d met Ward during my ETNO sustainability working group days back in the late 90′s and early 00′s. The slightly surreal thing here was that I was meeting a guy from Belgium at a Scout camp on a lake in north west Montana, USA.

A quick couple of quotes from the old Camp Melita Island site. Firstly Flathead Lake

Tucked in the Flathead Valley of Northwest Montana, Flathead Lake sits next to the rugged grandeur of Glacier National Park and the western edge of several million acres of designated wilderness.

And Melita Island itself

Uninhabited, undeveloped, and completely surrounded by water, Melita Island is just as it was in the late 1940’s when the Scouts first began participating in summer camps there.

These snippets tell it as it is. A tiny paradise in the sun with stunning views, Melita Island.

Although only on the island for a couple days, it was simply a wonderful wind down and chill time (once we’d ejected the plague of caterpillars from our tent). Treated to a sail boat and speed boat ride, walking around the island, sitting down and just gazing at the lake. Wonderful, this was truly what the relocation was about.

Very chiled