Mixed about Montana
A puppy pitstop in Missoula
On our way to Bozeman, we stopped in Missoula at Jacob's Island off-leash dog park, a hidden gem near the University of Montana. It's a tiny sliver of land in the middle of the Clark Fork River where dogs can swim and explore without gates or fences. If not for the distant sight of buildings peeking across the river, it could have been a wild, forgotten sanctuary.
The moment we unclipped their leashes, the boys faces lit up. Darby dashed ahead, his nub of a tail wagging furiously, his eyes full of hope as if willing a tennis ball to materialize for him to chase into the brush.
Zero, ever the sleuth, dropped his nose to the ground, sniffing as if piecing together an invisible trail of clues.
We meandered along the dirt paths, the sound of rushing water and rustling leaves filling the air. Their joy was contagious, their excitement turning a simple walk into an adventure.
Cozy in Bozeman
Bozeman feels naturally protected encircled by snow-dusted mountains that rise sharply around the sparsely forested valley. Unlike Idaho's soft, velvety hills, these peaks are jagged and commanding.
Bozeman has an unfinished feel, with open land stretching between scattered housing developments. The homes are new and spacious, surrounded by playgrounds and parks, hinting what the town might become in five to ten years.
Despite its name, the Bozeman Hot Springs resort felt more like a collection of lukewarm pools. Inside, kids splashed and played as their shrieks echoed off the walls. Outside, a band blasted cover songs into the night, filling the air until 10 PM, missing the soothing tranquility we'd hoped for. Still, hot water is hot water.
After a chilly plunge into a cold pool, we savored the brief sensation of heat as we slipped into the warmest one we could find before walking back to our campsite in the cool night air, stars glittering above us.
On our second evening at the hot springs, we discovered the steam room. It was exactly what we needed—a humid, enveloping warmth. A cold shower inside provided quick relief when the heat became too intense, balancing the experience perfectly.
Downtown Bozeman exuded charm. We found a sunny spot at Shine Beer Sanctuary for lunch, enjoying food from Lapa Grill and Soup Shack while Jeremy sampled two beer flights. Afterward, we wandered the main road, passing ice cream parlors and bustling bars before stopping at a distillery for cocktails.
Jeremy's first round included a Gin Lime Ginger drink for me, crisp and tart, while his BSD Old Fashioned was sweet, with a pinkish hue. For the second round, he chose the Bourbon Cream Soda, rich and indulgent, reminiscent of a White Russian. My Huckleberry Press was refreshingly tart and delightful, featuring muddled huckleberries, their signature huckleberry vodka, and a splash of Sprite.
Afterward, we strolled back to the bus and returned to camp, spending the late afternoon tackling a few chores under the fading sunlight.
Billings fucking sucks
We arrived at a brewery with outdoor seating and they said not only would they not serve food outside, but that there is a city ordinance that does not allow any restaurant to allow dogs on their patio. What kind of policy is that!?
We gave up on getting food and decided to visit the Shiloh nature preserve to walk the dogs and realized it was tiny. Not much of a preserve. More like a park with a pond running through it.
Utter disappointment.