So How Do You Get to Browning Montana???

So after a trip that started on 6:00 pm on Saturday and ended at 10:00 am Sunday that included 2 flights (the flight to Denver was a bit bumpy) a 4 hour layover in Spokane, WA and an 8 hour train ride through Washington, Idaho and Montana we a here in the heart of the Blackfeet Nation, Browning, MT. Our travels included a nice night walk in Spokane to a Burger place called Dick’s that would be similar to a 50’s style drive in. Good Burgers and Shakes. Some of the locals referred to it the way us St. Louisians would refer to Ted Drewes. 

As we made a feeble attempt to sleep on the train we awoke to awe inspiring mountain views as Glacier Park and the Continental Divide came into view. The anticipation and the questions from the boys grew. Upon arriving at the station in East Glacier, you get a great view of snow covered mountains and the lodge that sits at the foot of the Park Entrance. As we got off the train we were greeted by Brother Dale, Brother Ray and the entire 8^th grade class. Not a welcome party but a travelling pass by, they were getting on the train to take a trip to St. Mary’s College in Minnesota. 

We then loaded our gear on the Bus and headed to Browning, while Brother Ray gave the boys the history and orientation of what to expect. We were in plenty of time to attend mass with Fr. Ed next to the school and the friendly nature of the Blackfeet was on display. The community aspect that many of the boys do not get to experience was in full effect. Following Mass we took a fly by tour of the school and got some lunch at the local Subway (There are only 2 chain eateries in Browning the other is a Taco John’s) Following lunch Brother Ray gave us the Nickel tour of town, followed by grocery shopping and off to the Bunkhouse at the Mission. 

What is the Mission? It is the site of the Old Catholic Mission and school used to educate the Blackfeet, now it is the home of the Brother Ray and the Lasallian Volunteers who work at the school. 

The rest of the day was spent setting up shop in the Bunkhouse, going on a hike to the Buffalo Jumps (another story or an old one if you page back) and a trip to the Two Medicine River where many of the boys took a quick and cold swim. Thankfully it was close to 70 degrees yesterday. We finished up the night with an orientation movie, dinner and some cards and games. 

Now starts the real part. This morning they are in the school work with students. More to come on that ….