Montana

So we are off to Montana in a few weeks. I can't wait.

Nikki and Georgie will be flying. Georgie's grandpapa and I will be driving. He is going to fly out here to DC and then go as far as Great Falls with me. It's going to be really fun.

We've settled on an itinerary of DC-South Bend, IN-Sioux Falls, SD-Billings. On that third day we are going to drive through Badlands National Park. They have a scenic by-way that veers off the interstate and doesn't backtrack.

Speaking of national parks, I just realized that we should really make a priority of going to Yellowstone NP. Maybe for my birthday, thanks to the Columbus Day holiday. Not sure I want to be on an Indian reservation on Columbus Day anyway.

My other priorities for Montana are to go to all of the cities I had heard of in Montana prior to meeting Nikki. That would be Helena, Bozeman, Billings, and Butte. I've already been to the other one I had heard of -- Missoula -- which was nothing like I pictured.

I also want to go to as many brewpubs as possible. We definitely will go back to Flathead Lake Brewing Co., which will always be my favorite brewpub.

I want to do something related to Lewis & Clark. Not sure what that is yet. Maybe the museum in Great Falls, maybe just read Undaunted Courage while on the Blackfeet Rez.

I want to get to know some locals. If we live in Heart Butte, I want to take Georgie down to the community center on a regular basis and talk to the older Indians.

I want to take lots of nice long walk in the quiet, 2500 miles away from all of this city.

I want to get to know my in-laws better.

I want for anyone reading this (well, if I know you that is) to come visit us while we're there. If you can that is, no pressure. :)