I spent a few weeks in April driving scenic roads in Montana. I wanted to take my mind "offline" and clear my thoughts and this trip succeeded in leaving me refreshed and focused. My friends in Bozeman graciously let me stay at their home for some of the trip and it was so nice to have no schedule and the only goal of taking photos, finishing a book, and what beer I'd like.
I started in Big Sky with a stay at 302 Cabins. Since it was still off-season, finding things to do and food were a little tough but I managed to have a great bison burger at Corral Bar and a flight at Beehive Basin Brewery. I made my way all the way up the mountain in my rented Chevy Impala to see the sunset and found a nice spot between two impossibly pretty ski chalets. The next morning I woke up to not a dusting, but a full on foot of snow piled on my car. After a nice guy at the cabins helped me clear all the windows, I started to make my way to Paradise Valley.
Chico Hot Springs nestled in the valley was a highlight of the trip, as was every view in Pray. I woke up to faded yellow grass and blue skies (when it wasn't raining) and planned my day according to dinner reservations. I fell in love with countless horses and small ghost towns and as usual, plotted how I can own a remote cabin here one day.
The last days of the trip led me to friends of friends who have a home in Condon. To my heart's delight they have a huge property with a log cabin, and yes, a tiny cabin with a four mile driveway. I stayed and watched them work the land with their energetic yorkie terrier and we gathered each night for a home cooked meal and conversation. It was the perfect way to say 'til next time to Big Sky country.
