Pictures like those posted below, taken yesterday during a hike with friends in Glacier National Park, make it easy to see why I love Montana. Glacier National Park represents a small section of the state, however. Much of the state is beautiful and doesn't get enough praise in our blog.
Late last week I had to travel to Billings for work, which is never my favorite trip to make but offers an opportunity to check in with co-workers on the other side of the state (well, Billings is actually in the middle but it feels like the other side of the state being a 7 hour drive and all). While talking to coworkers/friends, the topic of our "sweet spots" or favorite places came up. It was then that I realized I do find other parts of the state beautiful in their own special and different ways.
In fact, on a run Friday morning I myself thought about how underrated the area surrounding Billings is. It has its own beauty with rimrock, desert-like dirt and expansive views. It's truly "big sky" country. The morning light had a color unlike the morning light over here on the west side, and I actually felt mildly euphoric enjoying the understated beauty Billings has to offer. I'm willing to admit that Billings has beauty too.
Driving home from Billings I passed through the east side of the Rocky Mountains, again in the early morning orangey light, and made my way through the Bozeman area, Butte, the Seeley-Swan valley and back to Kalispell. The entire drive was characteristically pleasant. A drive through a post-card.
I'm sure I've mentioned this before, but the main thing that drew me to Montana was the fact that my general sense of well-being is boosted dramatically when I'm in beautiful places. The euphoria that accompanies a great view is something that doesn't seem to fade or wear off. All of life is more manageable when surrounded by beauty and reminded of the greatness of nature.
Mix in some good friends and what more could a person ask for really.
11 comments:
Simply. Gorgeous. Shots.
Love these, Danni.
You are so right. I'd like to add that the cool mornings and low humidity allow us to play anytime!!! (That's after spending weeks in ND sweltering)
Living in a beautiful place really is euphoric. Beautiful photos!
What do you think of Glasgow? Hubby has had job opportunities there from time to time.
Agreed! I was bummed you couldn't come out to California last weekend but it worked out well all the same. Yesterday I was driving through Battle Mountain, Nevada, which the Washington Post once bestowed the title "The Armpit of America." I was struck by its understated beauty, with the rolling desert and stark mountains. I agree that beauty is wherever you find it.
That said, your pictures of Glacier are incredible! What trail is that?
Beautiful. My sister just moved to the Fish. Got to go visit soon.
Thanks Ti! I like your profile picture there. Sassy!
Karen I've never been to Glasgow but I know it's on the "highline" which is cattle ranching country. Definitely not mountains and maybe high desert prairie? Maybe I should go there sometime on a scouting trip. I would probably not leave NorCal for Glasgow though...
Iris when are you coming back over here next?
Mary how cool! She's practically my neighbor then!
Jill it's the Highline Trail, which is pretty popular and fairly easy though 14 miles including the jaunt up to the Grinell Glacier overlook.
Go ahead, tease:) Mother Earth is beautiful in so many ways, places and people.
This post makes me wish I'd scheduled a backpacking outing this summer. :( Maybe I could entice Chris into the back country if I planned a short backpacking trip next summer with you and Ted. What do you think? The Eastern Sierra is stunning....
Hey Jenny I'd love a backpacking trip next year! Ted would probably be interested so long as it was suitable for human non-ultrarunners.
Danni, I'm on it. :) Just mentioned it to C, and he said "that would be awesome."
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