Yesterday's drive from Fort Peck to Helena, Montana felt like a gateway to home. In the morning, we attempted to enjoy the quirkiness of Fort Peck - a temporary town put up to house workers building the dam in 1933. At this point, it seems to be...well...temporary permanently. The walk was tough though - mosquitoes on the offensive in mass quantities! We did manage to check out the Fort Peck Theater in town. It happened to be their 50th reunion weekend. The night before, we enjoyed meeting some of the original cast and director. They so freely shared their stories and reflections about how live theater unites people and communities. The trip to Fort Peck was worth it because of these special people - and homemade cinnamon rolls in the morning.
On the road, the great open grasslands began to rise and fall with hills, ridges and soon purple mountain majesty - a few peaks still had veins of snow at their summit. We started to feel the Pacific Northwest upon us. Storms rolled in the distance.
On the heels of a cleansing rain storm the night before, Mount Helena beckoned this morning. We woke as the sun was evaporating valley dew and climbed to a vista above the city. Our breathing got heavy very quickly, and not just because of the view. We were reminded of another profound difference between East and West: the varying definition of 'mountain'. We'll need to do some work to get back in Western Mountain climbing shape. We'll pack up the car now and head towards Washington State.
Facebook memories of our time driving cross-country last year keep popping up. They are such a sweet reminder of our time. But reading your words helps me to remember some of the same themes of our trip. Especially when we visited the Badlands. I really think everyone should drive across country (any route will do) to gain a deeper understanding of where we've been as a country (so much to feel!!) but also to understand people from across the country today. Plus, you can really appreciate the vastness of the good ol' USA. Happy trails as you finish up your journey of the heart and trail!
ReplyDeleteThanks for following us Audrey! Miss you guys already.
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