Emigrant, MT to Bozeman, MT

I love being woken up to the light of sunrise bouncing off mountains:) The wild beauty out here just kind of sucks away your soul, bounces it around on its knee, and then hands it back with a laugh. You cannot help but be filled up with wonder and an enormous grin. Addicting.

Llele got some action today! It was a hot morning and we said goodbye to Sue after she helped us drop off the car at the Pine Creek Trailhead (our morning bike's destination). The ride really wasn't long but almost entire last mile or two (of a gorgeous ten) were a strenuous climb. Something about climbing in such distinct elevation changes makes it pretty rough. Sweaty and proud, we recieved a breathtaking view of the valley though; that alone makes it all worthwhile. From there we took a nice mile hike up to the Pine Creek Falls. Since it's bear season, it is really important to make noise while you are hiking - and this is where I can honestly tell Papa: every item you gave me for this trip is for safety, thank you. We played harmonica for almost the entire hike up to the falls - making music and warding of those great big, fuzzy, intruiging teddy, err, grizzly bears. The view from the top of the falls outshone even the treat at the top of our bike ride. Powerful mountains tilt your neck upwards, sky bigger than anywhere else pulls at your peripheral vision, and the gush of ice cold mountain water churning downward tugs your heartstrings. I think I might be falling in love with this wild landscape;)

Love affair continuing, we arrived in Bozeman just in time to catch some of Sue's artwork at her gallery there. She creates beatiful pottery. For the rest of the evening we wandered through town, grabbed food at the enormously fantastic Co-op, and settled down to read. At the recommendation of a previous Bozeman local, we met up with Milton (Milton Menasco - check out his music!) and his partner, Amanda. These two individuals offered us truly stimulating conversation and music for the rest of the evening. They have continued the tradition of this trip: open doors, warm hugs, and generosity to rival the skies of the Big Sky State.