Missoula

Sunday, July 8, 2012

My trailer is parked in front of Charlie and Tyler’s house.  I’m sitting in front of a fan keeping tolerably cool. 

The reunion was more than I expected it to be in every way. Some of the cousins had been to Alaska, so I immediately recognized them. Others recognized us.  In 1997 when we attended that reunion, we just popped in and out.  This time, we got to meet and talk to lots of people.  It was so great to hear people talk about Daddy and Mom. I'll make a whole post -- with pictures -- of the reunion experience.

The weather was perfect.  Quite a bit warmer than I’m used to, but not intolerable, and Beth got all the way down to one pair of socks. The poodz were warm, but not in distress; I managed to find shade for them throughout the day.

The main event was Saturday, and this morning we gathered for coffee and cinnamon rolls.  As people left there were lots of hugs and photographs.  Then it was off to Missoula.

Instead of going south, I went past Duck Lake and out onto the prairie/plains.  It’s pretty obvious as the miles roll away why this is called Big Sky Country.  I tried to imagine the plains covered with buffalo and my Blackfeet ancestors camped along the streams.  As we approached the Continental Divide headed to Missoula, the whole landscape changed to wooded hills and clear rivers.  This part of the country reminds me of the high desert of Oregon. 

This is Divide Mountain.  I remember it from when I was a kid.

I’m sure I’ll make this trip again; there’s so much more I want to see and do here.

Gratuitous haiku:

Cattle grazing in

Damp stream beds overlooked by

Rock promontories.