Independence Days

 July 3, 2002- Wednesday

Missoula, MT to Seeley Lake, MT

The Missoula airport was small and designed in a hunting lodge style that welcomed visitors to the ruggedness of Montana. There were virtually no lines at check-in or security, and after a perfunctory trip through the gift shop, Brian and I hugged goodbye for the couple of days he would be away at a wedding. The kitties and I did not stick around to watch the plane leave; we had plans of our own. 

Backtracking a few miles up into the Rockies, I pointed Herb north along a scenic route that took us to the town of Seeley Lake, my Fourth of July destination. The gas station, gift shops and outdoor store of Seeley Lake clung to both sides of the narrow highway amid tall pines. At the far end of town I claimed my reserved room at the Seeley Lake Motor Lodge. Kathy, who recently became owner of the motor with her husband Bob, gave me the keys to unit #3, admired Herb and told me the kitties were welcome for a few extra dollars. It was so hot outside and so cool in the room that I gladly paid their way.

Leaving the cats in comfort, I explored the shops on both sides of the street. There were lots of cute black bear and moose gifts, mountain crafts and Native American handiwork, but I was not in the mood for souvenirs. I was, however, in the mood for a root beer float and the one I got at the old fashioned soda fountain really hit the spot on a hot, dusty day. 

The only other thing I bought was a little gift for Brian- a thin nylon cord with clips on each end designed to attach to the back of a cap and to your collar to keep your hat from blowing away. Brian phoned me in  the evening, but I kept his present a surprise. 

 July 4, 2002- Thursday

Seeley Lake, MT

A nearby lakefront campground and park with tall evergreens provided a cool place for the kitties and me to spend Fourth of July morning. I took it easy and conserved my strength for the midday parade. Back in Seeley Lake, Herb and the cats remained at the motel as I hung the video camera around my neck and walked one block to the center of town, positioning myself to capture parade highlights on tape. People dressed in red, white and blue lined both sides of the sunny street and I was actually grateful for the sliver of shade from a lamppost at my back. 

The parade started with a small, eagerly welcomed color guard, and close on its heels began the tossing of candy to kids in the crowd. Candy throwing was a theme throughout the parade- antique fire engine, candy, pony cart, candy, Shriners in little yellow midget cars, more candy. My favorite of course, was the 14 piece community band which rode on a flatbed trailer. The finished America the Beautiful as they reached me and started on You’re a Grand Ol’ Flag. That gave me a nostalgic lump in my throat as I thought back on my many years of playing in Fourth of July parades. Seeley Lake put on a good long parade which wound up after floats, classic cars bearing dignitaries and lots more candy. 

As soon as the last car passed, I made a beeline across the street to the soda fountain, beating the milling crowd to root beer float number two in two days. This time I even videoed my decadent treat. Refreshed, I retired to my un-air-conditioned yet cool motel room and worked on the computer until the banging and cracking outside enticed me to watch locals lighting some very sophisticated fireworks and rockets in the parking lot. The big fireworks began after dark and I walked to a restaurant that shared its lakefront lawn with crowds of onlookers. A spectacular display of pyrotechnics ended a festive Independence Day.