Deviation Actions
Description
I turn the radio up as DeathCab for Cutie Plays "Why You'd Want To Live Here" and I'm transported to the Montana of my dreams... Snow covered vistas, rolling rivers and streams.
After 20 hours of driving, daylight is so close- And I leave Wyoming in the cold and lonely night. My body aches, and my eyes are so tired. I need to rest, but I am driven by something deep within my soul, I need to reach my exit, my new place I'll call home.
Route 212 just 2 miles ahead, and I give Isabelle a break, and let off the gas. The Trading Post is a welcome site, as I pull into a safe spot and shut off the engine...and close my eyes for a rest. I slip into a familiar dream, of trips and stops along my life, of journey's past, of 'familiar sounds, smells, tastes and touch....Your lips warm and inviting, your voice but a whisper in the dark.
Dawn breaks, and I awake. Snow covers my view, and I open the door to a new world. The Montana of my dreams.
The sunrise threatens to break over the peaks of close mountains, yellow and orange skies stain the horizon. Big snowflakes fall and cover my cowboy hat and sheepskin coat like a blanket, Ha, I automatically open my mouth and stick out my tongue for the flakes to land, tasting something both new and yet, familiar.
Walking into the Trading Post, I head for the restroom to get much needed relief, and as I emerge, a pleasant smile greets me from behind the counter. She's a young and pretty Native American, probably Crow, as I'm in the middle of the Bighorn Canyon Crow reservation. She has warm, welcoming eyes that make me feel young and alive. Like me, I can tell she is an old soul, with much to offer an old man like me. I smile back and tip my hat, and head to the coffee counter and select a dark, rich roast that screams extreme caffeine. The hot liquid tastes as good as it smells, and I swear to God, I've never enjoyed such a cup more than now.
The young filly takes my bills, and offers me a pastry along with a wink, "On the house cowboy."
"Montana agrees with me miss," I offer. "I'm finally home."
"Well, welcome to The Big Sky Country!" She beams at me. "And I hope to see you again sometime." I smile back and nod, tip my hat again as I I turn to leave, unconsciously turning my gold ring round and around...
"Have a dandy morning miss." I politely reply.
"My name is Running Creek," she beams. "Please- Please come back again."
I give her my best flirty smile and reply, "I'll do that Running Creek, I'll be sure and do that."
The cold wind answers me with a bite, as I exit. I climb into Isabelle and hit the engine, but she ain't turnin'. "Come on old girl, don't let me down just yet." And I hit it again, then again, and she comes to life. I place her into 4 wheel drive, and head east on the winding snow covered mountain road towards my final destination. I take it slow and easy, not wanting to miss any of the images that evoke such deep and lasting emotions that this place of such beauty has such an affect on me. I pass a famous landmark, "The Battle of Little Bighorn," Custer's Last Stand, and I'm in awe.
After about 10 minutes, the sun tops a snow covered hill with the trees warmly winking at me, and I have to pull over a grab a shot. "Snap!" My Canon captures the image and I put Isabelle back into gear and move on. 20 minutes later I slow down to a stop, and can't believe my eyes. I scramble to get my camera to grab this amazingly beautiful shot- a group of Wild Mustangs are plodding up the mountain slope in single file; the Appaloosa in lead, oblivious to my presence. A once in a lifetime shot I'm beholding- "Zoom!" "Snap! Snap! Snap!" And my God, they take my breath!
"Isabelle, this is truly, the Montana of my dreams!
-Kelly.
