McEwen Farming and Family Stuff

Thursday, 2^nd July

I thought there was very little to write about tonight as it was a travelling day.

However, there was some choice moments. Leaving Gardiner at 10.00AM  we arrived in Shelby 6.00PM. We are now only 3 hours from Calgary.

Ian was keen for a `proper meal’ so off we went to the nearest family restaurant. As we moved to sit down he saw 3 local men chatting to each other. Ian boldly interrupted them to say hello and introduced himself. I am watching this exchange. Silence from the men – clearly taken aback with this very open Australian. Ian sits down and we order our meal. I notice one of the men turns and looked at us – I smile- and he returns my smile.

After a few minutes, the gentlemen comes over  – `Your not from these ways’.

Introductions and away the conversation flowed. Our new friend is of a local family. His grandfather imigrated from Ireland and married a French girl! They raised sheep. Most Montana ranches were established on sheep. The greatest enemy of the sheep was wolves. Coyotes frequently attacked but the wolf would kill in a pen not  contented with one kill, he would kill the whole pen. Ian and the gentlemen talked on sheep – Ian showing photos – the conversation moved onto oil and onto Cuba and the current situation on the Canada. As our new friend said good-bye he apologised for his deafness. Two old farmers conversing, throw in deafness and heavy accents both ways you come out with much in common. – farmers love to talk about land, history of same and prices no matter what continent they farm on.

While passing through Great Falls, capital of Montana, we stopped and shopped for a few things. Ian had his hearing aid fixed, we had our glasses fixed and Alison had her camera fixed –all within an hour!!!!! How can you do that in a strange city????? With an Iphone/internet and a GPS!  This modern technology has significantly made our travelling and experiences very pleasant and relaxing.

We enjoyed the treeless great plains, magnificent rolling farming country and again the background of high mountains. Your imagination depicts millions of bison ranging freely over this country, indian tribes – this is cowboy and indian country.

Lovely day

Praising the Lord