Big Sky Country - Montana

When you drop to the other side of the continental divide in Montana you enter a different landscape.  The landscape of huge ranches (10,000 acres is a small spread) Native Americans, cattle barons, rodeos, and mining.  Welcome to Big Sky Country!

The sky really is bigger than most places.  The clouds come in quickly and a sudden rainstorm in the midst of sunshine is not uncommon.  Cattle roam across the highways here and motorists are warned with the ubiquitous “Open Range” sign that they have the right-of-way.  Deer (white tail and mule deer) are plentiful, as are antelope, and elk.  An occasional moose and bear can be seen at dawn and dusk … if you know where to look.  This type of country breeds people who are down to earth, honest, and hard working … folk from California, who are regarded as either fruits or nuts, are treated with a guarded tolerance that seems to say … please don’t do or say something incredibly stupid.

Our Campground here in White Sulphur Springs, however, is run by a very outgoing couple who are both helpful and kind.  They suggest a variety of activities for the guests, but are happy if you just want to sit and relax.  We do a bit of both.  We gott our laundry done, watched TV, did some quilting, played the concertina, caught up on e-mail, and Skyped with Jason & Jen.  We met a really nice couple from Utah (Ray and Glenda).  The salsa she shared was dynamite!

We also got out and took in some local attractions.  The Baer Museum was wonderful.  Mr. Baer built a house on the lower Musselshell River after making a ton of money in the Alaska gold rush selling thawing machines to miners and speculating on a few gold mines (apparently successfully).  He returned to Montana and raised sheep …  at one time he had over 300,000 head … the largest sheep ranch in the world at the time.  His two daughters decided that the area needed a bit of culture so they took off for Europe to collect antiques and art work …  the collection includes Marie Antoinette’s bed, Louis XV furniture, a few Chippendale pieces, some Italian art … etc. 

Here are a few pictures:

One of the daughters (in her 90s) would always grab a hat to greet people who came to the door.  If they were friends, she would tell them she just got home … come on in and I’ll put on some coffee.  However, if they were salespeople or she didn’t want to be bothered she would state she was just on her way out … perhaps she could catch up with them some other time … so sorry!  Here is the collection of her “door” hats.

We also visited the house of a fellow who made a few bucks in mining.  His house is now a museum filled with artifacts from all over the region.  Here is an outside picture.

We also had a chance to go four wheeling in our jeep.  We went up and over some mountains (about a two hour trek).  The jeep handled wonderfully and we got to see some really beautiful scenery and, of course, a few cows.

On the other side the little town of Townsend was having a rodeo … so we stopped and enjoyed the festivities.

It really was a very relaxing week.  Until next  time… do what you love.