Missoula MT

Seems to be a nice little town.  Well, "little" as in about 75,000 people! 

Looking for something to do, we found the Smokejumpers Visitor Center (link Missoula Smokejumpers  ) These are the first in line guys and gals who parachute out of planes to fight fires in remote places.  The fires have to be about less than 1 acre when they take the responsibility for the fire.  The Smoke Jumpers jump carrying about 80 pounds of gear and then have chainsaws, food, hatchets, etc, dropped in to them.  THEN they have to carry all of this stuff around plus haul it out when they are finished - that can increase a pack load to about 120 pounds!  We tried lifting an 80 pound sack - no go... About 60 men and 5 women work out of this facility.  Their average stay once they jump into a fire area is 3 weeks.

Here is the line where they pack their parachutes (the experts to this until each jumper learns). Actually, they all learn to sew, too.  They have to make their own jumpsuits, make and repair packs, etc! They work from May through October, and are off for the balance. What do you think they do in their spare time? Maybe hunt?  Look at that wall....

And, unbelievably,  here is the 1930's DC3 that they jump out of! First introduced in 1936, many of these relics are apparently still flying. This one is modernized with turbo-prop engines.

After our tour at the Smoke Jumpers, Luke was lead to the Museum of Mountain Flying.  A small hangar, it houses a number of old aircraft.

In the 50's, a devastating fire started near Missoula.  15 smoke jumpers went in, but the fire turned on them and only 2 returned.  Here is the actual DC3 that they jumped from.

At the advice of the girl in Wal-Mart, we ventured into town today for the Wednesday lunch at the park.  There is a nice park along the river.  Each Wednesday, multiple food vendors come out to offer lunch.  Luke had a spring roll and pot stickers.  I had a pita with falafel.  yum!

Lots of small shops, restaurants, and art galleries in downtown Missoula.  A nice leisurely walk-around in the area.

Tomorrow we hope to drive northward and see some more of the lakes in northern MT - supposed to be beautiful.  Actually, we'll be just southwest of Glacier NP!