Big Sky Country

I am just loving spring. It is great to go out for a run in 75 degree sunshine, smell the blooming Bradford Pear trees, see the hibiscus and cherry trees in full bloom, watch my tomatoes, peppers, and basil sprout, and take a nap outside. In addition to the weather, I'm watching the Final Four which is great. I'm pulling for Butler. Right now Duke and West Virginia are playing and I can't think of two teams I would not want to watch more, but for different reasons. I'm sure all you Tech fans out there are having the same mental angst over who to cheer for.

I've been doing a little bit of traveling lately. My friend Andrew got married last weekend in Great Falls, Montana. When I first received the invite, I couldn't justify the flight out there, but I have never been to Montana and have always wanted to go. After a few buddies told me they were going, I thought why not? If I could describe Montana in one word, it would be vast. I never appreciated what "big sky country" meant until I went there. I never understood how the sky could be bigger in one place vs. another. You can see forever. I used to watch western movies and I couldn't understand how when Clint Eastwood would see someone far away and they would be like a 3 day trek from him. Now I get it. The plains extend forever only to be firmly interrupted by steep canyons down into the Missouri river, mesas rising up, or the Rockies towering over the plains. While I was there, I visited a dam (where I caused a rockslide), went on a 4 mile trail run along the Missouri, smelled sage from the wild, and became wide-eyed over the 1923 Model T belonging to the father of the bride.

As for the wedding, it was also great. All you can eat prime rib and salmon. The best part about the meal was the taste. Bride and groom entered the reception to Enter Sandman. Hokie approved. I told you I'd have the mustache picture soon. Enjoy. Assuming you and I are facebook friends, you can see all my Montana pics on there.