A road trip through the state of Montana (which, btw, is a big fucken state) through unexpected smoke, tiny towns, and the moment someone flipped the geography switch to: mountains.

Driving through nothing, Day 2. Seriously. This state is never-ending.

But – today’s nothing was covered in a layer of widespread smoke, apparently coming from several wildfires in western Montana and central Idaho. I had no idea smoke could travel so far. And hang around for so long. I’m super sensitive to smoke anything, so spent most of the day with a sore throat and headache.

Pit Stop

Needed a pit stop, so pulled over in the metropolis of Chester, Montana – population 852. One stop here: a supermarket, which is also a liquor store, post office, casino, rest stop, and diner.

More nothing. And more smoke.

More tiny towns with bars and casinos. And buildings that don’t look like they should be habitable. But somehow, they are.

Then, on about hour 4 of our trip . . . someone flipped a geography switch to MOUNTAINS. Like out of nowhere mountains. Absolutely incredible. I kinda want to know the geology here, but I kinda just want it to be magic. DAMN.

Whitefish

Arrived in Whitefish, Montana. We’ll be here for the next four days. Found a brewpub, had a beer and an absurdly expensive cheeseburger. Two burgers and two beers should not cost $80. Those are NYC prices, there.

Walked through the downtown. Lots of cute stores that I didn’t really “shop”, because despite what Ken would tell you, he is *not* a patient shopper.

Trying to buy myself a pair of cowboy boots, but haven’t found the “one”.

Our Airbnb is a cabin on the outskirts of Whitefish. It’s super cute. And I think I can handle the view for the next four days.

Critter count: 3 antelope, 4 mule deer, 1 massive herd of bison .

Travel date: September 9, 2024

Cheers!