Road Trip: Montana

On Monday evening, we rolled in late from our whirl-wind road trip to Montana. Road funk clung to us, as we clung to each other, wearily climbing the stairs to our quiet, clean sanctuary. A melodramatic gong announced that we were home and over the next several days we proceed to lay about, recovering and returning our home to chaos–its natural state.

Six days earlier, we embarked from Whidbey Island to Montana for a wedding reception on Saturday near Kalispell. We hoped to make Spokane as the first leg of our trip. The moon set large and orange over eastern Washington as we drove, blessing us with a glowing light. It was 10 pm when we got to Moses Lake and Chris was ready to stop. We consulted the magic 8 ball, and got a negative answer. Ignoring the sage, we stopped anyway and found that every hotel was full. So, we pressed on and called ahead to Spokane to reserve a room. At about midnight we arrived to the last room in Spokane, the spa room. Though we were only able to enjoy it for about 15 minutes we revealed in our luck and started up the Jacuzzi. Never doubt the 8 ball.

The next day, we woke up much later than normal and patronized the next door Denny’s for a bit of breakfast grease. Then we were back on the road. We arrived in Bozeman, Mt about 5 pm to check into our hotel freshen up and head out for an evening of visiting. We spent the night enjoying the company of good people and the distinctive ambiance of the Haufbrau. I was in for a treat, as the legendary Tex Tucker climbed up on the small corner stage to entertain us. My intention was to have 2 drinks–TWO!–I didn’t want to over-imbibe my first night. Alas, the excitement was too much and I had way more than two and I stayed up way too late. I was even offered a to-go cup for my drink as we left–only in Montana.

In the morning, I hung on to the edge of the earth trying with my willpower to stop it from spinning and Chris took me out to breakfast as Mainstreet Overeasy. We both ordered the bison, bacon and eggs over biscuits with sausage gravy. I ate slowly and drank plenty of water, but it was just the ticket for my persnickety and upset tummy. My body continued to punish my greed until well after noon, when we finally roused ourselves for a bit of sight-seeing. We drove up to Hyalite Canyon. It was so beautiful. Joy seeped out of our pores as Chris showed me his home.

Later we met up with some very important people, Chris’ friends from school, and ate at the McKenzie River Pizza company. I had a good time coloring and talking with Ciara while Chris caught up on all what everyone had been doing over that last several years. After we finished up we all just rolled out front to enjoy Music On Main, an little out door concert that offered plenty of people watching opportunities.

We walked back to the hotel as the sunset–it was a nice close to a wonderful day in Bozeman. Of course, we had to stop by and see Tex Tucker one more time. This time I was not tempted and kept my two drink minimum, which really helped the next day’s drive to Kalispell.

We got to town and didn’t connect with the wedding party, so we found a place. It is the first hotel I’ve ever been asked to sign a contract saying I wouldn’t write, photograph or discuss my stay at the hotel. They said it was to protect their “famous guest.” I very much doubt they had many famous guests, and from what I learned about the place I think the contract was there to allow them to spin their own reputation. Chris said he didn’t sign the waiver so he could write about it. Perhaps we’ll have a guest post about it later. Anyway, we stayed somewhere, I’m not telling. And I can’t tell you how it was or if I recommend it either.

The next morning, we caught up with the wedding party and went to brunch at the Bride’s family place–a place Chris spent a lot of time when he was younger. I finally got to meet the wonderful Holly and Endre and it was a beautiful day. After brunch, Chris and I drove out to Glacier Park while the wedding party prepared for their event. We decided to take the “Driving to the Sun” road. It was simply amazing. The road was cut right into the mountain back in the 1930’s and it takes you winding up the mountain to a summit. At first, I was a bit dizzied by the view. I felt that I had to look but was afraid that my gaze would take the car over the edge. Chris was driving and there was no way that would happen. I got vertigo when I looked over the edge–yet, I couldn’t stop looking. There were waterfalls and rock tunnels. I took a lot of photos but I haven’t finished going through them to post yet.

We got back to Heaven’s Peak resort for the wedding just in time to watch them finish setting up. The family put the finishing touches on a traditional Norwegian wedding cake with rings of almond flavored cookie, as Holly hung a white screen for the slideshow. The reception was very low key. The wedding took place many months ago and this was a celebration of the union. Children ran in the grass. Friends joined heads and heart to drink to the couple. The setting was relaxed and beautiful and perfect. During the slide show the bride and father of the bride brought us all to tears with their joy. It was a lovely event and I’m so glad I got to be a part of the celebration.

I filled my camera card with photos and they are all waiting to be processed and posted. It was such a beautiful day. That evening Chris and I camped out on the lawn. The best night of sleep we got during the whole trip. In the morning we thought about staying one more day but consulted the Magic 8 ball and it was decided to head home. We packed up the car and drove straight through, 11 hours, to our home on Whidbey.

Many decisions about our own wedding and our future were made on the journey. But most of all we were really inspired by the people we saw and the places we visited. Montana lives in our hearts.

Update: Read more about wedding decisions over at BigskyLonestar.com