It has been a year since I saw Becca and her husband Ryan. I had gone through some of my things that have been packed for years and had asked her which things she as they just bought a house. I came to Montana laden with bags.
That night after unpacking we hiked a hill that had the letter M on it for the University of Montana (it overlooks the University). We hiked to the bottom of the M to see the sunset.
The next day, we went to a trail that overlooked the bitter roots. These are plants that grow in a valley between those mountains. These are roots that were used by indigenous peoples and still used today in food and medicine. It is also the state flower of Montana.
A few friends thought we brought snacks for them.
Afterwards we stopped at a Bitterroot brewing to have huckleberry beer. Yummy as well as the food we ordered.
We also rented a bike to go bike riding. Unfortunately I am not over the fear of wrecking and being injured and prefer trails that do not have gravel. Instead we found a paved area that leads to a beach along the river. Beautiful and relaxing.
We also drove through the bison preserve that is a protected area and had amazing information about the indigenous people and the almost extinction of the bison.
We had not traveled very far into the refuge when this big boy was seen walking down the road. We let him have as much of the road as he wanted.
The garden of 1000 buddhas
On the way back from the bison range, we stopped in Arlee. This spiritual site was beautiful. There are one thousand statues of Buddha arranged in a circle. There are spaces and carved sayings on rocks to inspire for meditation, reflection, and peace.
into the wind
It was a really short visit and next year there will be more days in Montana. I miss my family and will be spending more time each year with her