Montana

Montana . . . just like you imagined

Frank's flight to Montana was mostly uneventful.  The real fun of the trip started on the way from the airport in Helena to his friend's house.  The scenery was just awesome.  There was a little snow on the ground and the temperature was in the 40's . . .quite a difference from San Diego.

The road to Jim's property

Frank and Jim Dillon were roommates for two years at Cal Western University in San Diego, and have remained close friends ever since.  Jim lived in a house overlooking the Pacific Ocean in San Diego for many years.  He loves birds and in San Diego he had a collection of several hundred birds.  It was quite a sanctuary for the avian friends in his backyard there.

Overlooking the water in Pacific Beach, CA (in 2010)

Jim checking on his many birds

One of the luxurious avian habitats in Jim's Pacific Beach back yard

In 2011, Jim (and girlfriend Leslie) pulled up stakes in Southern California and set up home in Boulder, Montana . . . just about as different as you can get from the beach lifestyle.

Jim's Montana 'cabin'

From the back balcony . . . pristine and quiet

From the front of the house . . . equally spectacular

Jim moved many of his birds (and their cages) to Montana, as well.

The summer homes for Jim's birds

Jim's house is just what you might expect a Montana log home to look like inside.    It reflects the wide-open spaces of the great outdoors.

Living large in Boulder, MT

The outdoor view decorates the dining room

Jim doing chores on his property

Leslie . . . Jim's long-time significant other

After the first few days, the weather warmed up, and the snow disappeared.

Seeing deer on the property was a daily occurrence

Frank spent the week in Montana just enjoying the scenery, and spending time with Jim.  The trip was a perfect way to rest up for the rigors of the upcoming Reunion Week in Oceanside.