10JUNE2011 at Belle Fourche, SD - Awakening and on the road at 0530 I was happy to be into Wyoming and then Montana before an hour had past. Stopping at the Sinclair store in Alzada I got fresh coffee and opined that Alzada could have a town slogan "The Traveling Montanan's Favorite Town." I'm certainly loving it right now. Traveling on I am struck by the spring glory that is Montana. Green is in places that I expect rarely see green and it is warm ... and sun splotched ... and bearing that subdued clean fragrance that is so unique to the northern plains. It is a combination of fresh water, emerging flowers, wet willows and clean air. Those lucky enough to view it on horseback may toss in a dash of leather and the smell is complete. Before reaching Broadus I saw a rancher atop a small mesa apparently enjoying exactly what I just described. Red/yellow/white shirt, brown vest, bluejeans, boots, bandana and cowboy hat ... just standing atop the mesa, maybe counting cows below but just as maybe praising God for the blessing of such a wonderful day/life. Such sights are rare in summer, winter or fall, but can be expected in spring.
I travelled slowly, holding about 55mph and the pavement slipped easily by. After brief stops in Broadus, Ashland, Lame Deer and Hardin I pulled off for a short nap between Billings and Laurel. Continuing on at about 1215 I stopped for a buffalo burger in Reed Point (Where a sign says "We are so happy ewe stopped by") then in Bozeman to visit with old dear friend Joe Mahurin. I've known Joe for 39 years and 11 months and I love the guy. A more solid person does not walk this earth; being in his presence is simply something one is drawn to do. Joe had a well to work on near Four Corners so we parted and I motored in to Helena arriving at about 1730. Felomina was surprised to see me and we had a wonderful reunion replete with hugs, walk arounds, hugs, talking, pimento cheese sandwich and hugs. It is good to be home, truck all cleared out and no more travel plans - for now anyway.