Montana

What can I say?  Montana has to be seen to be appreciated...  The landscape is ever-changing, gorgeous, inviting...  lush grasses, clear streams and creeks, rippling lakes, horses everywhere...

I visited Little Bighorn Battlefield National Park yesterday.  A park ranger/storyteller gave (without notes!) an excellent talk on the history of the battle and its significance, as well as the other issues surrounding the event.  I wish I'd had more time to spend there.

The rest of the day I drove and drove and drove, finally stopping to rest for awhile at Rockford Coffee in Bozeman, MT.  The barista and I got into a running conversation (between customers) about life and plans and nearby beautiful spots to visit. We finally settled on a plan for me to take a scenic route off I-90 on the Pintler Veterans Memorial Scenic Highway between Anaconda and Drummond.  It was truly beautiful, and I was glad for the chance to get off the beaten path.  Not longer after that I pulled into Missoula for the night.

I don't have my camera in the hotel room with me this morning so will add more photos to this post later, I promise!  In the meanwhile, here's a link to some photos. I didn't go into Phillipsburg or the Granite Ghost Town but I did see the same scenic views.  Also the very last photo is something I saw but didn't get a photo of -- very curious yard decoration!

It's quite cool here this morning -- I feel guilty enjoying this cool weather when my friends out East are sweltering in a heat wave.  Wish you all could be here with me!

Music for the day:  David Wilcox, John Hartford, Appalachian Journey, Arlo Guthrie & Pete Seeger (More Together Again)