Montana's Hidden Gems: Stone School Inn

Stone School Inn Built 1911

I have already shared some things that returned to Montana and some things that are finding a new home in Montana, I guess its time to share something I have found in Montana! This is only the beginning of many posts of Montana's Hidden Gems. Perhaps these posts will draw you to this remarkable land.

Glacier National Park is a must on every American’s bucket list. I will regularly share some pictures and thoughts from the park, but there are many gems hidden in the areas surrounding the park that you might want to add to your list. Let’s begin with the Stone School Inn Bed & Breakfast in Valier. I joke that I am running my own non-profit B&B for friends and family, but the Stone School Inn is the real deal and it’s a short drive from the east entrance of Glacier National Park and Going-to-the-Sun Road!

St Mary Lake

We wandered over the other day to see if we could get a glimpse of the building and find a little info. The owner, Susan, was more than gracious as she invited us in and gave an informative tour of the old building. Built in 1911, it still holds the charm of that era while providing upgrades like air conditioning and Wi-Fi to which we have all become accustomed. The staircase that greets visitors reminds me of my old elementary school in another resort town, Lava Hot Springs. 

The five bedrooms have private bathrooms with two of the rooms showing off claw foot bathtubs. Each room holds a charm of its own. Breakfast is optional, and Susan will even pack it to go for those headed to “The Park,” fishing on Lake Frances (it’s only a short stroll away), or going on a dinosaur dig in Bynum, MT. That's right, a dinosaur dig!

Sunset viewed from Lake Frances

The Dining Room, Game Room, and Library are all open to guests. What a great place to host a family reunion or a retreat for your quilting or writing group!

 Although this hidden gem appears off the beaten path, it's right along one of the main routes (I might add most scenic) to Glacier National Park and the Going-to-the-Sun Road. A gorgeous view of Lake Frances and the Eastern Front of the Rocky Mountains is right outside your door! Visit Montana and stay at this unique bed and breakfast while you explore other Montana treasures.

Note: The Stone School Inn is available for purchase. If you are looking for and adventurous business opportunity, this might be right for you.

Learn more about the Stone School Inn in Valier, Montana HERE.

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Get Away to the Oregon Coast

Arch Rock near Gold Beach

This trip to the Oregon Coast and California Redwoods was long overdue! Gratefully, things like Giant Sequoias, Coastal Redwoods, ancient Myrtle trees, and the rocky Oregon coastline endure so tardy travelers like us can enjoy them whenever we get around to visiting. The sights and sounds of the trip did not disappoint, even with snow, wind, and rain!

Our drive took us along US-199 north of Crater Lake (we didn’t stop as the snow and low clouds promised a poor view) and through Prospect, OR where we took a side trip to view a natural bridge on the Rogue River. I recommend taking time for this short hike – rain or shine.

We stopped in Crescent City, CA and asked the volunteers at the Park Headquarters Information Center where our best views would be given the rainy conditions. Following their advice, we drove US-101 south, stopping at the Klamath River Overlook and then on to Exit 765 where we followed the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway.

It was amazing! Humongous trees, lush undergrowth, drizzling rain, and an occasional yellow Banana Slug made for an eerie experience for this high desert dweller. I could almost imagine Sasquatch residing amongst the moss and ferns – if I believed in Sasquatch!

Corkscrew Tree

I think Sasquatch lives here ...

... or maybe here!

We chose Gold Beach as our headquarters for the next couple of days and wandered north as far as Coos Bay and south again to Brookings. Gold Beach is small and quiet, just like we like our towns!

The cranberry bogs near Bandon intrigued us and we resisted the temptation to trespass. We would have loved to get our hands on one of those plants to learn more about their tart fruit.

Gold Beach

Whaleshead Beach

The weather cleared on our last day and we enjoyed some beach time, a hike to an ancient Myrtle tree, and beautiful scenery along the water. I especially appreciated the rock formations! I guess it’s in my genes.

As the climate transitioned from coastal to high desert on our drive home, I was once again struck by the beauty of the open skies of Eastern Oregon and Idaho. I loved the visit to the Oregon coast with its greenery and crashing waves, but I still love my Idaho skies and the open vistas of the desert. After all, I’m not that crazy about slugs.

And ... no, I didn't go for a run all weekend!

Running Granny Green encourages women, especially grandmothers, to gain greater fitness by providing tips and inspiration to insure long years of joyful grand-parenting. The cookie recipes are a bonus!

Happy Running!
Carol - aka Running Granny Green

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Tips to stay healthy on vacation this summer

Summer is fast approaching and you know what that means. More traveling. Family reunions, summer camps, business seminars and family vacations will take many of us from the comfort and familiarity of our own homes to some fun, but foreign, places. While travel can be fun, it’s a change and change can be stressful. Stress can lower your immune system and offer cold and flu bugs the opportunity for growth. Have you ever been sick on vacation? It isn’t fun.

What can you do to prevent illness from ruining your trip?

1.       Plan ahead. Try to keep your mealtimes and menu as regular as possible. This is easier if you are driving because you can take your food with you. Plan for healthy snacks such as dried fruits and nuts rather than giant bags of chips and prepackaged cookies. If you are flying, take small snacks in your carryon. Pack something with protein and a little friendly fiber to keep you full until you can find an affordable healthy meal.

2.       Hydrate. It can be tempting to avoid rest stops and public restrooms by cutting back on your fluids, but the tradeoffs can lead to fatigue, headaches and sluggishness. Obtain a water bottle that is easy to find and carry. One that attaches to your bag or belt is recommended. If you are traveling by air, take an empty water bottle through security and fill it in a drinking fountain before boarding your plane.

3.       Exercise. That’s right. You are on vacation – not dead. Take an opportunity to explore the beach or mountain trails on foot. Rent a bike and cruise along the local green belt. Go for a swim and work out the kinks you earned in that cramped airplane seat. Visit the workout room in your hotel. Everybody is on vacation – chances are you will have the treadmills and rowing machines all to yourself!

4.       Sleep. Attempt to keep regular sleeping patterns. This can be challenging if you change time zones. While it’s tempting to spend late nights catching up with cousins at the family reunion, too many late nights can lead to fatigue, cause stress and set you up as a target for cold and flu bugs. Have fun but be wise and don’t let too much fun derail your wellness plans.

5.       Maintain hygiene. Yes, it’s elementary, but it’s true. Washing your hands is one of the best ways to avoid illness. Can’t wash? Hand sanitizer is the next best thing and the bottles are small enough to pass airport security. Make it a habit of washing at every opportunity just to be safe.

What if you are injured or become ill while away from home?

1.       Plan ahead. Know what health care options are available in the area you are planning to visit. If you are traveling out of the country, check with your insurance carrier before you go. You’ll want to know how it covers and how to get reimbursed. Take along a personal first aid kit so you have the essentials. It should include hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, bandages, a small ice pack if available, ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen, allergy and cold medicines, as well as any other personal prescriptions. Make certain you have enough prescription meds to last your entire trip.

2.       Hydrate and rest. The same practices that can help you avoid illness will help you feel better once you become ill.

3.       Maintain hygiene. Once you have become infected you will want to do your best to avoid sharing your illness with others. Remember, the same practices that help you avoid illness will help you avoid sharing it. Wash your hands, use tissue rather than handkerchiefs, and even wear a surgical mask if necessary.

4.       Find a physician. If you are staying with family, chances are they will have a family doctor that will be happy to see you. What if you don’t know anyone in the area? How will you find a health care provider with which you can be comfortable? Fortunately, the internet continues to make the world smaller. This new Find a Doctor service by Amino, Inc. will help. You can locate a general practitioner before you go or find a physician quickly once you become ill. It’s fast and easy to use, quickly sorting physicians by experience with your criteria. Give it a try so you will be familiar with it when the need arises.

Don’t let illness steal your summer fun. Be prepared for wellness by taking care of yourself before you travel, preparing to stay healthy along the way, and knowing how to cope with discomforts if and when they arise. If you need help, seek a health care provider so you can be get back to enjoying your travels.

Have a happy vacation, stay healthy, and as always ...

Happy Running!

Follow me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.