I have always been ten kinds of proud to be from Montana. They call it 'God's Country' for a reason. When I met my husband Spencer, he thought that me being from Big Sky Country was the coolest thing. Exotic, even.
We always wanted to go, but life has a funny way of turning certain life goals into obstacle courses. We were finally able to make it home for an epic trip. I was hardcore memory-laning, and The Doc took at least a thousand pictures. It was quite magical to see my home state through his Florida-raised eyes. He absolutely loved the wheat fields around Havre and the Hi-Line. He was surprised at how small Gildford actually is.
On a side note, a big shout out to my Dad for maintaining his crown as Mr. Montana. Every time I sent him a picture, he knew EXACTLY WHERE WE WERE.
Every time.
Here is a quick peek at five days in the four oh six.
When in Rome
It is well documented that I am not exactly an outdoors-y kind of gal. Which is pretty funny, considering my land of origin. I love being outside, I am just not a big fan of the creepy crawlies. I have a phobia about one particular creature. So...my outdoor time is spent in parks, on certain golf courses, at the beach, and walking around historic areas. But, I really wanted Spencer to see Mother Nature at her finest.
We went fishing.
I will forever respect my Uncle Dave for being a great teacher and for not making fun of me (mostly) and my Aunt Franky for encouraging me to go. We lucked out and had perfect weather and the most scenic of views. Sometimes, it is a good thing to step out of that box. And then screech and jump and run back to that box!
Eats
My husband has listened to my unique language and tales of Montana eats for almost nine years.
Juicy Whips. Uglies. The superiority of Montana beef. Potato oles. Ma's. Cheese dipped cheese. LodgePoles. Marionberries. Wheat Montana. Clubfoot. Fat Alberto.
These items have been built up over the years, to an almost iconic status. We ate, and ate, and ate some more. Spencer's favorite? The Ugly Burger from Rod's Drive-In, a place that I worked at in High School for three years.
I may have also experienced bouts of some sort of huckleberry-induced shopping blackouts.
Lewis and Clark and Nikki and Spencer
I loved doing tourist-type things. Things I had never done whilst living in the great state of Montana. One of the best is the tour at the Gates of the Mountains. This little boat trip starts right outside of Helena. It was gorgeous, informative, untainted, and indeed one of the last best places.
My Peeps
The best part about this trip? The people. I hadn't seen my aunt and uncle in close to a decade. They embraced me and welcomed Spencer in like he had always been part of our crew. Friends and family I hadn't seen for years took time out of their busy schedules to take us to dinner, to lunch, for drinks at the Sip N' Dip. There is something magical about people who knew a different version of me. Those who remembered me being scared to camp at eight. Those who were friends and then became family. The family who became friends. Those who remembered my signature wave and my Taco John's order. The ones who held me up through the long, long years as a single gal. I love each and every one of them, the length of The Missouri.
We reminisced, we laughed, we maybe cried, and 100% were happy to meet the man who makes me the best possible version of myself.
My only regret? That we didn't have a month to see every person I know in the state. We were there for five full days, we ran the whole time, it wasn't nearly enough.
Where are you from? Do you get to visit home often? I know one guy who can't wait to become a Montanan-by-marriage.
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