Change is In The Wind

The Lure Of The Mountains

Montana, you continue to puzzle me. You are a place of stark contrast, rugged terrain and fierce storms and yet I find such peace within your borders.

You either live or die in Montana, there is no middle ground. People here are tough and hearty. You have to be to live in winters that see temperatures dipping into minus 52 degrees.

Many a traveler ends up here, thinking “Yellowstone” the movie is for real. The romantic Montana has a vicious side to her. She lures the affluent in during the Spring, Summer and Fall only to test them through Winter to see what they are actually made of. Most fail and return to luxury or, cheat and stay here in the summer and go south for the winter.

We’ve explored dozens of empty gulches in the Big Belts behind our home or the Elkhorns on the other side of the valley.. We sit between the two. When the sunshine lights up the valley, as it does most mornings in Montana, I’m still a little starstruck by the view.

In the Winter green plants and grass turn brown, people seem to hibernate in their homes or the dive bars and folks stay put, not a lot to do when it’s minus something degree’s out. It can get lonely here, fast. They say you get used to that but my personality feeds off human interaction. The internet is a cheap, unfulfilling substitute, but it’s something.

Every weekend Kathy and I are out in those mountains. If you’re gonna be alone there is no better place than a snow covered road leading to wilderness. You can hike and never run into another soul.

We’ve met ton’s of friends at the gym in Helena. Those relationships are the fuel that drive me. But my soul is restless and longs for the next thing. My roots are not taking hold here, I think Kathy and I are more nomad than settler.

I hope Montana continues to be our resting place but I’m open to anything as long as it’s not stagnant. Spring brings a new administration, a new attitude in America and the death of tyrannical rule.

Freedom found its way into the soul of the American voter on November 5th and to Hell with anyone who tries to take us back. Hell No.

I have learned a couple of things in my life that stick with me. I am certain that uncertainty is normal and life is about learning to be comfortable with discomfort.

So let’s buckle down for Winter, lay our lives at the feet of the Father and move only when He says “Go.”

Merry Christmas and here’s to a truly Happy New Year.