Early, September 21, 2024, my son, Sean, and I boarded a one-way flight to Montana. Our plan was to fly into Bozeman, Montana, tour around the Montana/Wyoming area for a few days, and then drive our rental car from Great Falls, Montana back to Buffalo, New York. Our goal was to be back by Thursday, September 26th. We left ourselves the option of getting a hotel, most likely in Cleveland, Ohio, and arriving on September 27th if we needed to.
In the end, we made our goal, arriving at about 6pm on Sept. 26th; we drove 2,771 miles (over approximately 60-65 hours) in the cobalt blue Ford Bronco we rented; my phone was disconnected from my service carrier’s network for most of our trip (that WAS NOT planned); we ate mostly cold cuts, cheese, protein bars, and apples from grocery stores (though, we had a wonderful meal at Revelry in downtown Bozeman); at one point, too tired to eat dinner, we chose to sleep instead. Our favorite audiobook was Skullduggery Pleasant, by Derek Landy, narrated by Rupert Degas; Shadow Over Insmouth, by H.P. Lovecraft, narrated by Phil Reynolds, was our second favorite. At various points, the driving was hard; Sean and I both had thoughts of giving up the ghost and flying home, but we made it, and it was wonderful.
The following are some of my thoughts—and, of course, pictures—I recorded/took while on my trip.
First, a disclaimer
The words I used to describe the awe-inspiring views we took in are inadequate. Similarly, while my camera was able to do a better job of it, I believe it simply is not possible, whether through words, photos, painting, or any other medium, to recreate the truly magical sights we were so fortunate to witness.
Day 1
Sept. 21, 2024 AM
We flew out of Buffalo. As we were flying into Chicago, we saw the morning sun reflecting off Lake Michigan. It was absolutely stunning. I know this is just the beginning of the wonders God has in store for us.
I’ve befriended a stuffed monster, Sully [sic]. [Jotted down a note related to a writing project].
I’m so grateful for this opportunity!
Day 2
Sept. 22, 2024
The Canyon and Falls at Yellowstone [National Park] have[sic] to be some[sic] of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen! [Another note related to a writing project].
Day 4
Sept. 24, 2024 2:22 AM
Going to the Sun Rd. [Glacier National Park] was magnificent. At Heaven’s Peak, I was moved to tears on multiple occasions. Being at that elevation—over 9k feet—made me think of Moses on the mountain top.
Driving through Blackfoot reservation was hard. So much poverty (shacks). Once we reached Great Falls, we were too tired to find food. We went to sleep early. Sean’s music woke me up, which was annoying, but I get it. Will try to get some more sleep. This time, though, painfully aware of my hunger.
P.S. I was shaking in my boots driving along the Going to the Sun Road!!
P.S. # 2 Fixing my phone still proves to be elusive. There is a [cell phone service carrier name] store literally across from our hotel, but, of course, we have to set out before it opens. Hoping to stop in Bismarck on the way to Fargo.
[Later that Day]
Gigi’s Café, Glendive, MT
Café inside a gas station alongside a casino.
A group of locals was talking about someone who shot a bear and what that someone would do with it—a bearskin rug was the consensus.
One of the women is with someone (possibly her mother) who looks to have dementia. As I looked over, I noticed the [affected] woman had soiled herself a bit. I then gathered that the one woman [the caretaker] was leading the other to the bathroom.
My assumption was correct: it was a mother and daughter. They left their group early so the mother could get fitted for glasses.
The pie here looks amazing!!
[Later still—same day]
I thought the landscape would immediately flatten once we reached ND. I was wrong. It still looks very much like MT, particularly Heath [sic].
We drove by the Painted Canyon (ND). It’s beautiful.
[Finally!] Day 5
ND is far more developed than most of what we saw in MT. Though, it feels like MT has intentionally made that choice. Fargo (the city) is nothing like the movie that bears its name. It’s well designed and has a certain Midwestern charm. The street in front of our hotel has inviting shops, diners, and coffee shops. I could see that [the street] continues onto another block that is under a type of overpass (maybe utilized during the harsh winters).
Got some clothes at a cute boutique.
Broadway North! [the name of the cute street]
Day 6
[Early morning; approx.4:15am]
Made it to Madison. At first, I felt discouraged. I was feeling unsettled about my hotel choice after getting a sense that the Hotel ________ owners seemed a bit off. I also didn’t like what I saw as we made our way downtown. Then we came upon Washington Ave. and saw the stately capitol building. We stopped to eat at a bar called the Tipsy Cow. The food was great. While at dinner, I found and secured a different hotel. Wisconsin’s foliage is beautiful, particularly that which we saw a little after crossing the state line.
I’m up now at about 4:30am the following morning. We have a long travel day ahead, and I’m strongly considering leaving now, or, at least, preparing to do so within the next hour.
P.S. Got my phone fixed in Fargo.
[Later that day]
Sept. 26, 2024 10:30pm (Approx.)
We ended up leaving early after all and got to Buffalo around 6.
What a journey! I [am] glad we went, and I [am] grateful to have spent the time with Sean. It truly was a blessing.
Of course, it’s sad to say goodbye to our journey, but it is great to be home, in my bed, and able to tuck the girls in.
