I feel like I’ve written ad nauseum about my love for Montana and I think it gets even “worse” when I go away in that “absence makes the heart grow fonder” kind of way. I have lived in northwest Montana for 15 years and the love has had its cycles as all love does. My other love of exploring sends me out and about and I always enjoy the adventure but there is also that ache for the place that is the place right for me.
“Home” – it is different things for each of us I suspect. I feel a lot of at homeness when I travel in the motorhome as I have the companionship of Bob and Karl, this rolling home which is comfortable and familiar no matter where it is parked, the company of family and friends via email and blogs. I love the routine of traveling this way and spending time in different places.
But there is always the “pine” for Montana and my small spot there. I tamp it down so as to enjoy the experience of where I am – else, why go? But on the way home, especially as I get to those places that have reminders of home, the excitement grows. The return trip is always so exhilarating and wonderful and I like to draw it out and enjoy that feeling of knowing that I’m on my way home. It is an odd paradox of wanting to be there and yet wanting to take my time and enjoy the getting close.
This morning, I am 404 miles from my house. I am at Western Wings RV Park. I believe that its main reason for being is as a shooting spot (clay), but there are level sites with water and power and a self-check in/out system. There are 2 of us here. I found it two years ago travelling to Colorado to see my folks. There is nothing else around – Roberts, ID is not a large town and it is some distance away. I took a lot of photos last night and am just off to catch sunrise over the pond and then be on my way home. Photos from here after I get home. But what a place to spend this night before the run to home…quiet except for the birds, so isolated and perfect temperature – I left blinds and windows open.
I’m on my home road: I-15 over Monida Pass, turning west on I-90 and 93 north from Missoula. This part I know and love and the miles go by almost too fast when I’m going home.