Our trip to visit my aunt and uncle in Montana

Ally runs off into the sunset at my uncle’s farm
Culbertson, Montana
October 11, 2006

Two weeks ago, Mike, Ally, and I drove to Montana to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins. It’s hard to believe that it takes two days of driving to travel just two states away! Because we had weddings on both Saturdays that week, we had only six days to travel–two days of driving, two days in Culbertson, and then two days of driving again. But it was worth it!

We planned our visit for that week, because Mike’s good friend, Richard, was visiting from England. He drove from Minneapolis to Montana, and met us at this small town near the eastern border of the state. Culbertson has only about 800 residents, and its nearest town is about 30 miles away. My aunt and uncle live in the town, and own a farm nearby. My mother grew up in this small town, and lived on this farm during the summers.

The farm house still stands, but it is gradually falling down, which is sad to see. We slept in a newer cabin near the original farm house. At night we could hear coyotes all around, and look up to see crystal-clear stars and the Milky Way. In the mornings, we’d open the door to wide open spaces and blue skies.

It was fantastic to see my aunt, uncle, and cousins, and to meet the five children that my cousins adopted a few weeks ago. My uncle gave me a tour of parts of the farm that I had never seen. My aunt took us to the school where she works, which is the same school that my mother attended. Mike, Richard, and I explored the farm by four-wheeler. Ally sprinted through the fields, having the time of her life.

Richard, having a blast on the four-wheeler

Me, climbing on some of the old farm equipment that they have retired

Mike and Ally

Richard teaching me how to use that four-wheeler

Brave Mike got on with me, despite my inability to steer or brake.

Ally wanted to ride on it, too

Ally hurt her leg while trying to jump over a cattle grate, and Mike carried her all
he way back to the cabin. (Don’t worry, she was just fine.)

The old granary. I love this building.
It is the subject of my best-selling photograph in my online store.

My uncle Jim took me on a tour of the farm, while the boys played on the four-wheeler.
All of this land is part of the farm. Amazing.

Jim showed me this gorgeous rock formation.

And this one, too.

Jim. He’s the nicest guy you could ever hope to meet.

Mike, Richard, and I went out to the “Montana Bar,” which was a perfect dive.
Here a group of local guys were chanting something about being Montana boys.

Some of the bar’s decor.

Love it

Richard, looking perplexed in the bar.

I love this one of Richard discovering my uncle’s gun in the cabin.
Brits don’t run across guns too often. 😉

I love this one of Jim in his workshop. He makes wonderful metal sculptures,
including these flowers and Christmas decorations. He gave us a poinsettia to take home!

Richard was delighted with Jim’s Studebaker! It belonged to my great-grandfather.

Tomorrow I’ll post some more pictures!