Tag: Montana

The Joy of Home Part II

I’ve taken a small hiatus from my travel posts since returning from my last trip. It’s nice having a home base, and even nicer if it’s free of moving boxes. I’ve been home for two weeks now, and have made good progress on getting my living space organized and comfy. I’ve put together several pieces of Wayfair furniture (thank heaven for my past experience with Ikea purchases), set up a nice space for my tea preparation, and put all my travel books in a place where I can browse at will. Life is good.

What I love most about my new home is the view. My balcony overlooks the Missouri River, and since it faces West I’m treated to a stunning Montana sunset every night.

Now that I am fairly settled and can find my shoes and socks, I’ll work on the blog for my recent trip. Thankfully I kept extensive notes and I have a stack of papers and reminders to assist me. Stay tuned, dear reader.

The Joy of Home

Traveling, to me, is a joy, an adventure, an education, and my personal prescription for staying young. HOWEVER, coming home is balm to my soul. That home is in Montana makes that return even happier.

The thing about this past year, of course, is the fact that I didn’t actually have a home to return to. My brief visits over the past year have involved hotels and Airbnbs. During my last visit in March I went apartment shopping, because I was starting to feel the need to have a real home base. I found the perfect place, one that ticked off all my wish list, so I rented it to start on my return on May 4.

The view from my balcony in March; Spring hadn’t yet arrived.

That meant I had only six days on my return to get moved in before leaving again for Prague. That’s my first stop on a Prague/Budapest/River Cruise/Ireland escorted tour itinerary, with a return to London for more theatre at the end.

At this moment I’m at the airport, starting my next trip. My apartment isn’t completely organized, but my kitchen is useable and I can find my underwear and shoes. All the important stuff.

Just after the movers departed.

So off I go on the trip that’s the culmination of my year of travel. I’m both thrilled to go, and sad that I’m leaving my lovely new home so soon.

I’ve had the privilege of seeing the world, but always Montana calls me home.

A River Runs Through It

Yes, a river literally runs through it.

There’s something mystical about coming home, no matter where it might be. In this case, as I arrived back in my home state I drove along the Blackfoot River, the one Norman Maclean paid homage to in his book. As I drove along I learned of Robert Redford’s passing , so I stopped to pay a silent thanks for creating one of my favorite movies and for getting the heart of Montana right.

The best line in the movie: “The world is full of bastards, the number increasing rapidly the further one gets from Missoula, Montana.”

It’s good to be home, even for a short while.