Closing Down "the Zoo"?

 Missoula.  They call it "the zoo" because.........there are party animals?  it's a college town?  it's a wild west kind of circus?

On Thursday night the Reineke clan descended on the big city.  Griz Eileen, who is 87 years young, went with us everywhere and did not hesitate to participate in the activities.  We first went to Caras Park for the Thursday Night in the Park event.  They had live music and lots of food vendors with everything from Thai to New Orleans Red Beans and Rice to BBQ ribs.  The park is down by the river and it is a really nice setting.  They have built a covered stage for the bands and bleachers for spectators.  The band played some really nice blues tunes, but it was too loud.  They had eight speakers, each the size of my car!

I know this all sounds pretty simple and relaxed, but trying to get the group to make a decision about where we were going, when we were going, etc. was like trying to herd a bunch of sheep.  There was always one straying from the herd.  Where are Mollie and Maggie when I need them? 

We left that venue and headed for Al and Vic's Bar to shoot some pool.  Griz Eileen was pretty hot shooting pool.  I'm sure she was the oldest player in the place.  Then it was time for some barhopping so we headed to Charlie B's.  They serve food there, so of course, we had to try some.  It was a rockin' crowd there and once again, the music was too loud, but being a college town, everyone looked to be having a good time and enjoying it.  With all our gray hair we did our best to fit in. 

As we walked back to our car, we passed the Ironhorse Brew Pub.  They have a yellow warning sign there to watch for drunks crossing the street.  I'm sure it is needed after walking around the "zoo" for a couple of hours.  We headed home and left it to the young people to close the place down.  We found out later that Dylan and the rest of his firefighter crew took over for us and closed the place down around 3:00 a.m.  Don't tell his parents.

Ironhorse Brew Pub

On Friday night we headed to the Missoula Osprey Baseball Game.  Their mascot has a nest across the field.  It was difficult to get a photo looking through the net and zooming across the field, but I took one anyway.

The Missoula Osprey won the game.  We ate popcorn and peanuts and cheered them on!  It was a great way to spend the evening.  There was no "closing down the zoo" on this day.  We needed more time for naps and lots of rest just to make it through the baseball game. Go figure!