White Sulphur Springs, Montana

Leaving Missoula

We had a wonderful time in Missoula. Willard and Charles golfed, and golfed, and golfed. We met with Brandy and Alisha for breakfast two weekends. Charles prepared some great meals that we all enjoyed. We toured the Smokejumper's Museum and took a tour. And Charles asked if we would like to entertain at the Manor. Of course we said yes. It was a great experience. The residents said they really enjoyed our music. We even had a chance to have dinner with our 2005 Fulltimer's friends, Smokey Joe and Pam who were workcamper at the KOA Campground. We always enjoy visiting and we hated to leave, but it was time to move on down the road. So we left early Wed. morning.

 

Conestoga Campground

http://www.ccmemberships.com/05-pages/04-news.html 

The office at Conestoga Campground

We arrived at Conestoga Campground in White Sulphur Springs about noon on August 1. The farming and agricultural community has a population of about 900. There are several large cattle ranches in the area. And it's a favorite place for the sportsman for hunting and fishing.

One of the Ringling brothers moved here during WWI and went into the wheat and dairy business. The Ringlings at one time owned over 100,000 acres in the area and at one time contemplated establishing a circus headquarters here.

The Castle Museum

We first visited the Castle up on the hill. It was a wonderful tour. There's a nice slide show on their web page.http://centralmontana.com/listings/102.htm

 Arrowhead Meadows

Willard golfed at Arrowhead Meadows 9 hole golf course several times while here.


One day we hiked up to Memorial Falls.  It was an excellent one hour round-trip hike with 0.5 mile walk to two scenic falls just off Highway 89. The trail followed the creek.Check it out at http://giltphoto.com/MemorialFalls-w.htm We only hiked to the lower falls.

Fort Logan

We  visited Fort Logan. There wasn't much there, but it was a nice afternoon country drive in the big sky country.

Hot Springs

I love the Hot Springs here in town. They have three pools, each one a different degrees (98*, 102* and 105*).



Native Americans traveling through this valley were the first to discover and make use of these Hot Springs. 

They felt the hot mineral water had a strong medicinal effect, healing the body and strengthening the spirit. 

They called these springs the "Wampum Waters." Wampum translates roughly as "good" or "beneficial."

Many tribes, including the Flathead, Blackfeet and Crow, came here to use these waters to heal

their sick. Since some were warring tribes, a truce had to be worked out and this valley became neutral

ground; a Valley of Peace. It was permissible to kill your enemy on the other side of the mountains, but

not here. Here you had to co-exist, be peaceful and share the waters.

Shopping Trip

We also went to Helena for some shopping. It was a beautiful drive through the canyon.

Playing Music

The campground has an Ice cream Social each Wed. and Sat. We entertained at one of the events. They seemed to enjoy our music.We sit outside and play most afternoons. This evening several more musicians showed up and we had a nice little Jam Session.