December 31, 2006
In the midst of my usual frenzy of activity I was straightening up in my office, and on the bookshelf I spied my travel journals from college. During that time in my life I was the prodigal child, always off somewhere thousands of miles from home, returning briefly to get some home-cooked food and one of two billion lectures from my mother (hence the avoidance of home for those years). For those summers I took off with whatever would fit inside a suitcase or a backpack, not knowing what in the world I was about to get myself into.
My travel journals are a composite between scrapbook and diary; my writing surrounds notes, photos, receipts, and ticket stubs. And I think that my summer in Montana was the most beautiful journey, the one where I learned the most about myself and the one where I put everything on the line. The year 1997 was the the both the best and the most heartbreaking in my memory, because I had built two idyllic lives, one in New Orleans and on in Montana, that had to be abruptly left behind.
Yesterday I read the Montana book, looked at the photos, and cried. What makes me sad about it was that there I felt so fulfilled, yet had almost nothing. Most of my life has entailed the struggle between what I am prescribed to do and my inclination towards an anti-establishment lifestyle. Both New Orleans and Montana are perfect places to escape feelings of societal obligation.
God, it was beautiful. Breathtaking, overwhelming, unreal, fantastic beauty. I want to digitize the photos so I can post some of them here.
Since that summer, I have been wanting to return for a pilgrimage, and I think that is a realistic goal for 2007.
So there is my single New Year's resolution.
Happy New Year!
Posted by megabeth at December 31, 2006 02:09 PM
I did not know you'd spent time in Montana! That must have been absolutely beautiful as far as the scenery goes. I'd like to go there and see some of the mountains; I almost went a few years ago but wound up in Colorado instead for a few days.
Posted by: Stan at January 2, 2007 10:52 AM
two of my favorite places. montana and new orleans.
about the prettiest place in the world, and liver transplant central.
brace yourself for new orleans, though.
saying it has changed is like saying getting hit in the head with a shovel sounds like a tiny silver bell.
Posted by: redclay at January 3, 2007 12:33 AM
The upper tier of states have a lot to offer with some incredible scenery, lots of space, and very nice people once you get to know them. Knew a guy who's family moved to Montana in 1860-something. In 1998, they were still known as "the new people." Slight disadvantage to a close knit area I guess. So are you going to adventure through any particular areas? What about a random drawing for chances to meet Megabeth?
Posted by: Outlaw3 at January 3, 2007 10:44 AM
I like Colorado and Utah but I think that Glacier National Park is prettier. Subjective opinion.
A friend of mine went back to New Orleans a few months ago and couldn't stop crying. I haven't been brave enough to return.
If I'm going to MT for a vacation, the whole idea is to disappear! I mean figuratively. I want to go back to Glacier and the Bob Marshall wilderness.
Posted by: megabeth at January 3, 2007 10:51 AM
Thanks for the tip-if I go in that direction this year (or anytime soon) I will look at Glacier National Park. I made it to Mt. Evans in Colorado (14,000 feet!) and it was really something, though I can't say I climbed that far--you can drive most of the way. The road up Mt. Evans goes up to the top for the most part but man, there are not really any guardrails on it. Talk about driving REALLY slow. And yet I was getting passed!
Posted by: Stan at January 4, 2007 11:54 AM
Post a comment