Cousins Hiking the "M"

   On our first day back in Missoula, we thought a little bonding time was needed with our cousin, Greydon.    So, while all the VIP's in the family were off playing golf,  the kids and I hiked the "M" and went to the carousel.

   For those of you not familiar with the M mountain, it is on the  edge of town, behind the university.  A giant M (now made of concrete) has stood on the side of the mountain for a hundred years or so.  The trail up usually has a steady stream of joggers sweating and huffing and puffing their way along. This morning though,  the weather  was cool and windy, so all the fair-weather hikers stayed at home.

      The trail zig zags up 11 steep switchbacks, gaining you 620 feet in the half hour or so it takes to hike it.   The view from the top is impressive.  We also saw a fox catching it's breakfast along the trail.   Here Greydon and Mattias are trying not to topple down the mountain.

     Unfortunately, Sylvia did topple down the trail on the final switchback.  After washing off her knees and hands we decided the Carousel was the perfect medicine for skinned knees.  Here is a goofy faced picture of some goofy cousins.

    I love the artistry of the carvings on the horses.  Sylvia branched out from her usual ponies (Pal and Avalon) and rod a new one, "Cherished Angel"  It had an adorable dog carved on the back, and lots of butterflies all over it.

    Here is our smiley carousel expert. The horses go a top speed of 11 mph, so it is an adventure for the big kids as well as Sylvia.

     Greydon figured "Paint" would be his lucky horse, but unfortunately none of the boys were able to catch the brass ring and win an extra ride.

     It was a fun was to start the South-of-the-Canadian-Boarder McMullin reunion.  Hanging out with cousins is always an adventure.