Mystique: a fascinating aura of mystery, awe and power surrounding someone or something!
For a number of years, we have discussed spending time in Montana. Finally we did.
Having just re-read “Undaunted Courage” by Stephen Ambrose about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, we were set to explore history. Little did we realize or expect that our trip would lead us down paths of cultural, religious and … early American history. It would bring us to new friends with unexpected connections to Arkansas. In the photos below, including the captions, it’s fairly self explanatory but I will expand on a couple. In addition to recommending Stephen Ambrose’s book, I highly recommend another with meaningful connection to Montana … Timothy Eagan’s book, “The Immortal Irishman“. This weighty tome is about the Irish Revolutionary, Thomas Meagher, who became an American Hero and served as the Territorial Governor of Montana. So significant was he, his monument stands prominently in front of the Montana State Capitol. Patti and I were even able to stay in the early Thomas Meagher Cabin in Virginia City, the first Montana State Capitol. I referred to it as “staying in the Governor’s Mansion.”
Sacajawea is a familiar name to most of us … even if it took a coin to make it so. That said, we were fortunate to book a room in The Sacajawea Hotel in Three Forks, Mt … named because it lies near the point where the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin rivers converge to form the Missouri River.
Three of our Arkansas connections happened at Silvergate Lodging. Henry was from Little Rock. What an interesting adventurer, risk taker and off the grid businessman. Silvergate is less than one mile from the NE Yellowstone entrance. We enjoyed two nights in a small cabin and made the early morning trek into Lamar Valley where we saw moose, bear and bison. Missed out on the wolves … oh well, next time. In the evenings, we enjoyed another Arkansas Connection with Andrea and Chris. Not only did we enjoy the food and Prosecco in the Royal Wulff Lodge but a warm fire, an amazing tour of Chris’ Hemingway museum and conversation about Pauline Pfeiffer and Piggott, Arkansas. Chris successfully hosted the 2022 International Hemingway Conference in Silvergate and Cooke City, Mt. He and Andrea have even camped at Lake Ouachita State Park. Andrea deserves the red star for properly pronouncing “Ouachita”.
I’ve covered a lot but barely scratched the surface on this “greater than expected” Montana adventure. We saw so much history and so much beauty that it is difficult to say one day or one visit was better. Road trips are tiring but this one was energizing. Being with Patti was a special treat, especially when there was no internet, no cell service and no TV. There were other parts of our road trip that are not included because my focus was Montana. Maybe i’ll cover Pueblo, Co (on the Arkansas river) and Laramie, Wy (with a very cool cupcake shop) and Cody, Wy and Deadwood, SD in another blog … for now my brain is fried so I’m calling it quits for the day.
However, I do want to thank Taegan Walker. Patti and I loved our time with you and truly appreciate your help, your introductions and your precious smile, Big hug from both of us. See you soon in Arkansas! BTW, we love your Helena, Montana.
Jim Dailey 