So, before we delve into what my June consisted of, here is a song that I enjoy. It reminds me of growing up in a small town with all the feels. Enjoy.
So, let's start from beginning. Sit down and buckle up, because June was a wild ride.
The start of June I headed back to D.C. and although I went there about 1.5 months before that for the Cherry Blossom run (check out previous posts!) I headed back there this time for work. I needed 10 miles so my Betty Teammate who lived there before gave me this easy route from my hotel in Chinatown to George town and back. It was great to run down the streets of D.C. in the early morning and then by the water. It really only takes 2 trips to D.C. to learn your way around it (really almost 1). The city is on a grid itself and the subway system is easy to navigate. So, I ran around the monuments (Washington is still my favorite), watched the sun come up with Lincoln and reflect of the reflection pond (see what I did there) and of course, the White House and Capitol.
Upon my return, I finally did Yoga in the park! Yes, once a month they have free yoga in the park here in Helena. And they also do cool hikes with yoga. Check them out Free Range Yoga Project.
After yoga, I went for a run at the Helena Reservoir. Can you believe I have never ran there? I followed a runner for a bit (he was way ahead of me so it wasn't creepy) to make sure I knew where I was going. 2 loops and it was so pretty!
Where I crossed off a lot of #AnnaBucketList17 was on a press tour I designed. My job is to give journalists a taste of Montana so they will write kick ass stories and make people want to come here! I know, I am lucky and I have a great team I work with everyday. So, I get to tell help tell the story of our great state as well. So, this trip I was able to knock some items off. So, I will just list them:
The Murray Hotel in Livingston: The history of this place is amazing, as well as who has stayed there! Hand crank elevator, anyone?
When you stay at The Murray or just in the Livingston area, walk to Gil's Goods (literally right next door to the hotel) and get a great breakfast!
Fly Fishing: We rented a private lake where you could see Emigrant Peak. I had never been fly fishing and Montana Fly Fishing Guides made this such a fun experience with everyone. I stood and cast the whole time. And learned some lingo:set, strip... Then we had a BBQ on the edge of the lake. I highly recommend this company! I caught 1.5 fish-ha!
The Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks. What an iconic place to stay. Not only is this beautiful hotel located in the Heart of Three Forks, but you can rent bikes and commute around (they have a basket and a cup holder) or go for a ride on the paths around a lake and along the town. Just walking in the lobby is breathtaking. Plus, they give you a hot lavender towel for your face and champagne. Um, hello.
Pompey's Grill: Located in the Sacajawea. We had the privilege of eating here and local ingredients. The food is absolutely top notch. The chef is amazing. Also, the family that owns this and the hotel, also owns Wheat Montana. Montana's rich heritage of family lineage is not lost on these establishments and we met some of the family when we were there as well!
The Blacktail Ranch-Wolf Creek: You can stay in the ranch main section or cabins. There is a museum on the property and horse back riding (which you can only do if you stay there). The cookouts were amazing and there is a beautiful stream. The views on the ride are stunning. Sandra, the owner, has pictures in the main dining area that tell the story of the ranch through the years. This brought me back to spending summers on my family's ranch in Sheridan.
The World Museum of Mining in Butte: This little historical town was awesome to walk through and get a taste of Butte back in the mining days. We then went 100 feet down in to the mine right there. Very cool to see inside of a mine and hear the history of the men who worked in it!
The Broadway Hotel in Philipsburg: Every room has a theme. I stayed in the Britania room (the owners homeland) and it was beautiful. She has a sweet dog that keeps you company while you drink your coffee in the morning. There is a great wide open living room/sitting space that was remodeled and has beautiful wood structures, chairs and a library of all you an imagine. And it's on top of the brewery, so, #winning. Oh, and we at the SilverMill restaurant. Very good and the chef is from Florida and always flies down to get the freshest ingredients for his key lime pie-the whole group agreed-best key lime pie, ever!
Ringing Rocks: We headed up a rocky road up to the secret place of the ringing rocks. Anyone can go, but not many know of it. Bring your hammer and the formation of the rocks have created a music phenom. We were lucky enough to get a brief history briefing. Check out more here.
The Finlen Hotel in Butte: My dad has talked about this hotel and I wanted to stay there for some time. Located in downtown Butte, it's a great place to stay and walk places. The lobby and ball room are exquisite and you can feel the parties that took place back in the day. Also, we had a tour at Headframes Spirits Headquarters and listened to the tour/history at the tasting room as well! Everything we tasted was amazing. And a dirty girl to end the night!
So that ends my press trip-bucket list moments. On to the rest of June!
I did the Solstice ride with the Helena Cycle Club. We climbed hills and then went for burritos. Dreams do come true!
I then came home 1.5 days to pack up for my Kalispell-Whitefish tour, as well as run the Glacier Half Marathon.
I stayed one night in Kalispell and stayed right downtown at the Kalispell Grand Hotel. This place is rich in history as well and has cookies in the afternoon and a great breakfast in the morning. Plus, there is a ghost on the 3rd floor I am told. We didn't meet, this time. I walked to dinner at the Desoto Grill down the block and then went to Montana Coffee Traders the next morning. Also, it's a straight shot to my favorite running spot in Kalispell- the old Historical Trail-miles of paved trail in different directions!
Later that morning, I went to Glacier National Park and hiked Apgar trail. I met a nice older gentleman on the way down that I befriended (anyone surprised??) and heard his story of migration to live in Montana. It was fun having the day to be in the park and explore the West and the East. I then headed to Browning to meet the Well's for the race.
After we were all checked in, Bill, Nancy and I checked out the Indian Relays. Wow. This is such an amazing event and the athleticism is crazy. It was great to see the Blackfeet do this and welcome all races to the event for free. If you ever get a chance to see it up close, do it.
The Glacier Half Marathon was great. The views (after 5 miles straight climbing) were amazing. I get to call this state home! The best part of was having Bill Well's put a medal around my neck! Then I headed out to Whitefish, but not first without stopping to see buffalo.
I used this time to explore HWY 2 and take in the views. Breathtaking. I couldn't get enough. The river guides you to your right or left and the color is something else. I went to the Hungry Horse Reservoir as well. I can't remember being there (but this is where my parents will usually chime in and say "Oh yes sir, we took you there when you were 2"). I took some pictures for work and walked around.
My first morning in Whitefish I got up early, grabbed my wetsuit and swam at City Beach. It was nice because I was really the only one there and the water was clear! Seeing the bottom was so cool and like everyone who swims open water, you just hope you don't see anything creepy. For the record, I did not.
Then I ate Wasabi in Whitefish. OMG. This was amazing. We sat at the front window and watched downtown walk by as we ate sushi and tried a sake sampler. I highly recommend this!
One of the places I stayed was at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Wow. They are a AAA Diamond award hotel and I never had the opportunity to stay there. Of course, I loved that the water was right there. I went down to the bar outside before dinner and the next morning I got my coffee and went down by the water and mediated. Water is always calming to me, either to be in it or by it. I slept soo good there! The rooms are superb. Plus, staying by the water is always the best!
The next night I stayed at the Snow Bear Chalets. These are tree houses right off on of the slopes of Whitefish Mountain. So, you can ski, bike or hike to the front door. I was the first person to stay here. And they are amazing. That night I ate at Tupillo-what a dining experience. Make sure to visit there!
The next morning I headed up to see Riley at Whitefish Mountain. I hadn't been up to Whitefish Mountain since it changed it's name from Big Mountain (which is what still some of the locals and old timers call it). I went ziplining, ate lunch at the Summit and then took the Alpine Slide down. Riley was a great host and she handles their PR. Most common question I got while touring Whitefish was: "Are you a skier?" Last time I skied that mountain I was a senior at Carroll. Hmm, it looks like I will need to hit the kiddie runs this winter.... The view from Summit-wow! You can see all the way to Glacier National Park on a clear day. I will be back! Oh and they have so many family friendly activities as well! Oh, and I did a little hike the day before on Whitefish Trail.
Lastly, on the way home I checked off one more last item for June and that was stopping on the way home on the 93 to see The Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. I have wanted to see this for about a year now and no matter how tired I was, I was stopping. This is such an incredible place and peaceful. I love the stories, seeing what people left behind as offering, the big statues on top of the hill and the calming pond on the property. It was a great space to reflect, hope and appreciate. Put this on your next detour.
Wow! That's a wrap on June. Remember life is about exploring. Explore this great state, explore the world and explore your possibilities. We have so much to see. And as always, you do you.
Oh, and follow me on IG at Irish_tri_runner to see more adventures!
