August 2, 2016 – Bozeman, Montana

As I arrive in Bozeman, I find myself in awe yet again.

With the Bridger Mountains to the northeast, Big Belt Mountains to the northwest, Madison Range to the southwest, and Gallatin Range to the south, Bozeman’s geographical location is nothing short of awe-inspiring. I thought the summer set the bar too high, but maybe not…? I eventually locate my new temporary residence, which turns out to be close to the MSU campus. I immediately feel like I’m back in Iowa City.

Be careful, Nick.

Entering the basement apartment, I meet my co-workers/roommates: Mitsui from Brazil whom I will be rooming with, and Kevin and Elisabeth from Vermont who share the other bedroom. There’s a half kitchen and half living room. I’ve had worse. After some time I also meet Michelle, who resides in a truck camper down the street, but shares the community spaces with us. Five of us total. They all seem nice. I decide to get settled in.

Later, we all take bikes to the nearby bowling alley to engage in some team-building time over cold brews and colder lanes. We’re farmers, not bowlers. We then decide to try our luck at pool at the nearby “Rocking R” bar. More beer, more laughs. We stay too long, then ride our bikes home under the stars. A beautiful first night.

I think I’ll like it here.

The first day of work is good, but hard. Physically demanding. HOT. I’m not properly hydrated, per me. Brock, who seems very kind, gives me tasks such as weeding, transporting wood chips – as well as massive logs – and creating frames for concrete steps. I observe newly constructed buildings, a pond, a hugelkultur pile, and various farm animals (chickens, goats, rabbits, cats). There are various garden and orchard areas. Seems like a great place.

Brock gives me permission to film for my project, which excites me. After work, I walk around downtown Bozeman and apply for jobs. I also apply to Big Sky resort for the winter.

I feel truly fortunate to be here, now.

“Solo travel is a rare opportunity to (somewhat) disentangle yourself from the influences and expectations of your everyday life. It’s an opportunity to follow your own rhythm and interests. To sit quietly and discover whether your feelings for a piece of art, a hike, music, a destination, an experience of any kind, are real. To discover who you are when no one is looking.” – Janice Waugh