Page 16 - FF USA Exchange Diary September 2016

DATE: Tuesday 26 July FROM: Daphne

We woke up to another beautiful day in Kalispell. Today we're off to an Indian museum.

We all met at the Nazarene Church where 16 of us all boarded the bus, and off we went. Our first stop was a
quick view of the Conrad Mansion, which was restored by Sam Bibler with raised funds from the people of
Kalispell. This truly is a magnificent example of the architecture of its time.

The bus then took us along the lake front where we had the constant wonderful views of the Mission Mountains on
our left. We crossed onto the Flathead Reservation where we stopped at the Nine Pipes Museum to be met by
Bud Cheff our tour guide for the trip. Bud started his collection of Native Indian memorabilia when he was very
young and now has an extensive collection. When the collection got too big he opened the museum so that others
could also enjoy seeing all of his treasures. Bud it turns out, is one quarter American Indian Iroquois Mohawk. Bud
surprised us with a song and a little Indian dance to finish up the tour. A very delightful gentleman.

We entered and had a very satisfying lunch at the Nine Pipes Lodge next door, some taking great pictures of the
surrounding views. On our trip home we first stopped off at a cherry picking farm, where we all had our fill of
yummy cherries. Then it was off to Big Fork for a little shopping. Big Fork is a very quaint area renowned for its
arts. We departed the bus back at the church. Ron and Daphne took their hosts Vicky & Leland out for tea and on
the way home saw a balloon, so they became "balloon chasers" and followed it until it landed and they took many
photos. Another great day in Kalispell.