We loaded up and set off drifting down the river. The boys completely failed to notice, at least consciously, that we were in a completely beautiful place, the gently flowing Bitterroot river meandering between tree lined sandbanks framed by mountains displaying that last of the winter snow. They didn't notice any of this (but I did).
The boys focused on the exciting mechanics of fishing and boat floating.
Stopping at the first suitable gravel island Scott gently showed the boys how to hold and cast the fishing rod with its sparkling lure into the river and pull it back in and the boys got stuck right into this. During the 6 hour trip the boys had various goes, from shore line and from the drifting boat, at casting the lure behind some likely looking log in the stream or deepish looking pool. Perhaps because of Scott's gentle instructions they seemed diligent in keeping on having a go although despite one or two excitements particularly for Joshua we failed to land any.
The boys mellowed into the whole experience and were keen as well to sit by Scott and help with the steering with the oars as Scott pointed out the flow of the current and asked their opinion on which way we should head down the river.
All together a timeless moment or as Scott called it 'a stolen moment', a moment that money can't buy. I've got a bunch of great pictures represented here is just a sample to give you the impression.
Other excitement in the day, the Morton girls and Rach went to Missoula, which Rachel really liked, including a ride on a Carousel with distinctive hand made horses. The girls were most excited by the chance to go into a shop with an escalator - who needs Disney!
Rejoining together we went out for dinner at a steak house where the Read and Morton kids continued to bond although they drank so much fizzy drink that they fitted in little food and failed to massacre the 10 inch tall mud pie.
The adults tested out their meat eating capability and also failed to finish their shared mud pie.
Johnny x
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