Page 29 - Flathead Beacon // 6.4.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM OPINION JUNE 4, 2014 | 29

CLOSING RANGE Dave Skinner

Montana, Still a Treasure

L
AST WEEK I WENT ON AN toes that swarm in. In six months, it’ll
East Side writing trip, to the front be 32 below, the road gumbo under ice,

of the mountains between Rogers and the cows need fed. Then it starts all
Pass and Swift Dam. I’ve always liked over again with the irst free water in the
that country, starting with family hunt- spring, season after year after decade.
ing and camping trips when we lived at Folks who spend a lifetime doing
Malmstrom Air Force Base.
that develop a rather substantial sense
But the real deal was sealed for me of place and match their “scenery” just
when I worked harvest in the Golden ine, thanks. They’re just as much a part

Triangle in the early 1980s. One exam- of Montana as the rocks, trees, wildlife
ple: Picture yourself covered in grain and sky, and worth getting to know.
dust, parched and starving, attacking a So, now that you’re just itching to
big spread on a red checkered tablecloth score some of Montana’s real treasure
held down with rocks. The machines for yourself, here’s some suggestions for
are all silent, and the ongoing debate
a safe and productive trip:
First, when parking out-
side of town, always park into

“NOW THAT YOU’RE JUST the wind, or at least sideways.
You’ll understand why the
ITCHING TO SCORE SOME OF irst time you don’t.
Second, keep at least one
MONTANA’S REAL TREASURE hand on the steering wheel
above the dash and be ready
to wave. If you’re too busy to
FOR YOURSELF, HERE’S SOME
wave, maybe you need to back
SUGGESTIONS.”
of the throttle a little.
Third, there’s no such
thing as fast food. Real, yes.
Fast, no. For locals, going to
town to eat out is a special oc-
over rock-and-roll versus country has casion to be indulged in. Relax, indulge
reached temporary stalemate.
them, and yourself.

We’re alone with our thoughts yet Fourth, the further you are from
together as the sky becomes a massive pavement, the nosier people get. Let
vault of orange, red and blue. We silently them be nosy. In many parts of Montana,
nurse dessert as an excuse to watch the east and west, time spent jawboning is
sun tuck behind the far mountains as never, ever wasted.
the wind stills. Then, on the remaining Fifth, the best tour guides don’t
zephyr, just a kiss now, comes a whif of charge you a cent. My late friend, Denver
pine.
Post columnist Ed Quillen, understood
That was the inest supper I ever had this, writing that he preferred exploring
in my whole life, no reservations neces- places where folks care nothing for what
sary. Best of all, I got to share it.
is in your wallet – they’re just glad for
I guess you could say a connection your company.
was made. It’s a connection I try to keep, Sixth, be ready to rough it. Not every
not just with a wonderful landscape, but town has a motel, and even if there is a
more importantly with some wonder- motel, it’s probably not rated in the Mi-

ful people. So every chance I get, every chelin guidebook.
excuse, I hit the dirt for more Montana Seventh, forget scheduling. Just go.
treasure.
Aim yourself at whatever looks most in-
We’ve all heard the blather about teresting, and see what comes at you. If
having a “society to match the scen- you skip something because you are “be-
ery” or a “sense of place” – usually from hind schedule” – you probably won’t get
people talking in the abstract because a second chance.
they’ve never grasped the reality.
Last, but certainly not least, travel

This time of year, Montana is noth- prepared. Take excellent maps, roll on
ing but green grass and a crystal sky, prime rubber with spares, bring tools,
just like you see in the tourist brochures water and food. If you break, get stuck
and cofee-table picture books. But in or just do something stupid, odds are
three months, it’ll be so hot and dry you someone will be along to help. Or not. Be
can get a steak dinner just by opening ready for not.
your mouth and chewing the mosqui-

Mike (Uncommon Ground) Jopek and Dave (Closing Range) Skinner often fall on op-
posite sides of the fence when it comes to political and outdoor issues. Their columns
alternate each week in the Flathead Beacon.