It was hard to say goodbye to Montana. It’s funny how a place that I’d never thought about visiting could have such a profound effect on me, but I expect that will continue to happen as I discover the many other beautiful places this country has to offer.
Dave took me under his wing my last few days and ensured that I had all the necessary farm/Montana experiences. He put me on the tractor, which was terrifying, but ultimately a good experience. I had a bit of deja vu from falling off an ATV many years ago (big, bumpy machines still scare me), but I made it out alive and can honestly say it was pretty fun.
We also visited the National Bison Range, which is huge and located really near Arlee. I found it ironic that there were signs on the way into the range advertising “buffalo jerky” and “buffalo burgers,” but I guess the wild game aspect of the range is as important to local people as the preservation. And as I heard from many trustworthy people in the area, it is actually a necessary part of controling the area. But it still makes me sad.
Regardless, the bison range was pretty amazing. We saw lots of birds – meadowlarks, pheasants, etc. and got scarily close to bison grazing on the side of the road. Knowing how fast these big guns can run made it all the more scary, but it was amazing to see them up so close.
My last day, we went to the Missoula Farmer’s Market, which was lovely. It was nice to see a smaller farmer’s market with all the greens and flowers. I tried to make the best of my last day, and by the evening I was taking in every aspect of the house, the air, and the landscape. I went out to the garden around dusk to do one last round of watering and felt nothing but bliss from my Montana experience. I felt that even though everything I had contributed to the farm had been taught to me, that maybe I did have a small impact on those vegetables, and hopefully they will be better for the love I tried to give them.
In the evening we had a BBQ with some friends of theirs, and Lisa, an amazing farmer and BLM employee, brought out some sticks of dogbane, which we peeled into strands of fiber that the Native Americans used to use for weaving. I sat there peeling those sticks and felt really meditative in the process. I think these simple processes of me working with my hands and using my body have been really beneficial for my mind. But my bliss was interrupted by one of the dogs pulling a chicken out of the coop and begin chewing on it. Luckily, she was okay.
Just half a day or so before I was headed off to Yellowstone, Lisa was toying with the idea of coming with me, and decided to come along! We had to drive in separate cars, but it was so nice to have her companionship along the trip. All I’m going to say about Yellowstone is that it’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. We lucked out with great weather, a fairly light crowd, and the most amazing campsite ever (right next to the river). I feel like I’ve lived just that much more for having been there. See Yellowstone photos for the rest.
Glad you like Yellowstone.
Glad to see your self-portrait!