A Montana Journal, ca July 2025.

And so the sun, ascending in its glory and attending to its duty, preordained by the Father Hisself, brings light and life to all the world. And I, by His grace, am again a fortunate partaker of the event. And so we ride. Me and Ol’ Black Tahoe, my trusted steed, trailed today high into the Beaverhead, across the Great Divide and down into the valley they call the Big Hole. The land here is wide and open and gently swells in endless expanse to horizons of still-snow-topped mountains on ever-side. These wanderer’s eyes can barely accept the beauty of it all. Yet I am grateful for such what He has made, and what He prepared in abundance as witness to His very being. We come along the Big Hole River, what dominates all endeavors within this valley, and trailed beside its imposing currents. And finally coming to passage leading toward territory of our intent, we pushed ahead and heavenward. After but a few mile in, day’s travels was cut short by trail too treacherous for proceeding further in this wilderness country. 

Tho pleasing and pleasant to begin, jagged rock, narrow edge and severe, steep terrain soon threatened even Ol’ Black Tahoe’s sturdy and confident gait, making common sense what come from experience (and age) override need to continue our advance. So we turned and retreated slow back down to trailhead. Yet still, the Creator’s hand gave consolation and more beauty to behold as we reined up along river’s shoreline. Here we rested for many peaceful moments considering His unfailing protection, misfortune avoided and all the trails what are still to come. I have not died today. And that is a fine thing. Yours truly…


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