Posted on January 22, 2017
July 31, 2016 – Hungry Horse, Montana
A timeline of the most remarkable July of my life:
July 4th – Miri and I walk around Hungry Horse and observe hundreds of people lighting off their own fireworks in the center of town. The celebration lasts for hours.
July 5th – Miri and I set out for a two-day trip into Glacier National Park (East Glacier/Two Medicine/Many Glacier). We hike trails, converse, remain silent, encounter our first bear. It’s my first back-country camping experience, and it feels like one of the greatest things I’ve ever done with my life.
July 12th – Miri and I go cliff diving in the Hungry Horse reservoir with Beth and Chuck (Tom’s daughter and son-in-law). We feel alive. It’s a month of many “firsts.” Lisa arrives.
July 13th – Miri leaves for Washington. I am saddened.
July 17th – We cater a fundraising event featuring zookeeper Jack Hannah. I serve him a slice of cheesecake. The positive response to our work is overwhelming.
July 22nd – Lisa and I attend a private book reading with Meg and Tom at the historic Wheeler Cabin in Glacier National Park. The author (Terry Tempest Williams) expresses her concerns about conservation and her feelings toward the native people of this country. She signs a book for Meg.
July 24th – The four of us hike the Highline Trail in Glacier National Park. It’s great to see Meg and Tom get out for a hike. The terrain is unbelievable. I think of my family, wishing that they could see the “Crown of the Continent.” Tom and I see a grizzly near the road as we drive out of the park.
July 26th – Lisa and I drive up Desert Mountain to stargaze at her request. We catch the sunset as well. Unexpectedly, we also witness a faint showing of the Northern Lights.
July 29th – Amanda (a co-worker at the rafting company) and I hike the 20-mile Pitamakan Pass trail in Glacier. This becomes my favorite hike thus far. Miri would have loved it. I enjoy getting to know Amanda better.
July 31st – I enjoy my final dinner with Meg and Tom. They will be missed, and so will this place.
“For you Meg, Nicholas, Lisa, Tom. Blessings – your hands upon the Earth. 22 July 16” – Terry Tempest Williams
Wish I could do the same !
🙂 Thanks for your support!
Truly amazing. How many journals have you filled so far? It’s been wonderful being a mental traveler with you, an awesome tour guide. Thank you for taking us with you. Stay safe Neeksan. I miss you something awful!
Thanks! Still working on filling my first one actually…I truly appreciate you taking the time to join me! I will, and I miss you all too!