The Great Bear Inn

As we make our way closer to our destination home for the next few days, we continue to marvel at what surrounds. All we have ever heard of the beauty of Montana is evident. And, as populated as Yellowstone was, Montana is not.








We have reserved several days at a little inn we discovered in our search for the perfect getaway while visiting Glacier National Park. The Great Bear Inn is a challenge to find but as we round the corner of the long drive we immediately know we've made the right decision. The owner, Susan, welcomes us as if we're long lost friends, showing us around her beautiful home and making it clear we are to settle in as if it's our home, as well.


Hummingbirds zoom toward the many feeders dangling from the back porch, large open areas invite outside. Every corner is decorated lovingly and perfectly, we are definitely home in no time.


Part of the package here is a gourmet dinner served each evening by Susan's chef son, Ryan, and his kitchen mate, Jake. They welcome us into their kitchen, showing off tonight's delicacies, our mouths watering in response. This is going to be lots of fun!



We leisurely unpack and settle into our amazing accommodations waiting for our fellow housemates to return from their daytime adventures. Happy Hour we're told begins sharply at 7!

Reconnecting in Ohio

Niagara is filling quickly as the Memorial Weekend is approaching, we have timed our trip perfectly. Today we head to Ohio to stay at Casa Connelly (my dear friends, Susan and Jack, who have just recently retired in Medina, southeast of Cleveland). Our journey takes us back through New York and Pennsylvania, skirting the Eerie as we come into Ohio. Despite the weekend travel, we have a pleasant and easy trip and find their beautiful home with no problems.

It has been too many years since we've last visited, Susan and I have known each other since college! Their home is beautiful and so are they - and the welcome is just what we need for the holiday weekend. As with all good friends, time is quickly dismissed as we settle in to enjoy our time here. Dakota, their beautiful lab, also is happy to see us and the weekend begins with cocktails and snacks on the outside deck overlooking a gorgeous ravine and we begin the catching up process. Jack grills baby lamb chops and veggies and we embark on a delicious feast yet keep in our new healthy mode - it doesn't get any better!












We settle into our luxurious accommodations and sleep very well, needless to say. As both Susans are fighting spring respiratory issues, we have decided to opt for a low key weekend and it's perfect. Celeste finds a plethora of hummingbird photo options in the back yard and has much fun capturing their habits.

We manage to have a birthday celebration intended for all, as we've each had momentous ones this year and the past three but not together. Mrs. C manages to prepare the beautiful cake even though she's not at her best. Despite our coughs, we enjoy!


Our visiting is the highlight of our trip but we do sneak in a little excursion on Memorial Day. A trip to Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides a unique viewing of the blue heron nesting and babies hatching - an amazing sight as dozens of nests are located in just a couple of trees along the outskirts of the river. We enjoy the mothers flocking to attend and the little ones readying for their impending release into the world. It is an incredible peek into the efficient world of nature and we thoroughly enjoy!

A little trek on a tow path along the river is very inviting and it is lovely to see so many families enjoying the gorgeous spring holiday amidst this beauty. As the weekend winds down, we can't miss the sunflower planting. Jack, Susan and Dakota aid Celeste in finding the perfect spot for our ritual. It is the ideal closing for a marvelous reconnection in Ohio!

Our thanks and love to all three of you - we had a wonderful time!!!