peacesofgreen

Garden of One Thousand Buddhas

In the small community of Arlee, MT, off the beaten path and pretty much in the middle of nowhere, is the Ewan Garden of One Thousand Buddhas. Last Thursday, in pouring down rain and intermittent hail, I arrived at this serene place, donned my rain gear, and enjoyed an hour of meditative walking amongst what I am trusting is, one thousand Buddhas.

Despite the gnarly weather and my freezing cold hands, I enjoyed the Buddhas in all of their states of existence, from nearly perfect to crumbling. Because really, while we are each nearly perfect, we too are in a state of crumbling and decline.

Brief Wi-Fi Moment

Hello friends and family! My travels have been amazing and I am happy to say that I am in a spot with some service for just a few minutes. I will be heading forward into some more gorgeous country here soon and wanted to touch base and let everyone know that the journey is more than I could’ve asked for.

I got to spend the last two nights outside Devils Tower.

I am still at a loss for words… Sacred space, sacred place.

I will write more tomorrow night; for now, I continue east.

Avalanche Lake

I drove into Glacier National Park as far as the road would allow, which took me to the Avalanche Lake trailhead. The road beyond will not open before June 22.

Words really cannot describe this amazing hike and spectacular place! Awe-inspiring, to say the least. Here is a collection of photos, which really do not do the place any justice.

My recommendation to you is to make the journey yourself. I hope to go back again in the coming years and explore farther into the park, and even make my way to East Glacier. I met Jack and his Norwegian wife Barrett along the side of the road taking pictures and was told there’s a great dive of a place that serves an excellent steak!

Changes in the Weather

The start of day four is cold! I’ve been at Glacier National Park since Tuesday evening and last night brought two thunderstorms with rain and hail and wind. Exciting until this morning when I had to pack up a wet rain fly and damp tent.

However, two other great adventures were had prior to the storms. The first was my visit to Wallace, Idaho to see the Mummified Mermaid. Isn’t she beautiful?!

Wallace also claims to be the Center of the Universe. There is even a sign saying so, therefore it must be true. Got off the interstate to see the Savenac Historic Tree Nursery and stumbled across this place. Great milkshake and Rainier Cherries.

I now have a full appreciation of why Montana is called Big Sky Country. I’ve never seen a sky like it! Stayed at the Timber Wolf Resort and Campground. Great location, about nine miles out of Glacier National Park; fantastic hosts. I highly recommend this place. Not only do you miss the crowds in the park campgrounds, but you’ll have the opportunity meet some pretty nice folks.

The second great adventure was my hike to Avalanche Lake. Alas, I’ve miles to drive. Another post later in the day.

Limonita

“She’s a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis…” Tom Petty has been gracing my travels, as has some fabulous music from my cosmic doppelgänger, Lindsay. Thanks for the shared playlists!

Meet Limonita. She’s a good girl whom I have yet to introduce to Elvis.

Last night I stayed at Camp Coeur d’Alene. Nice campground along Lake Coeur d’Alene. Was awakened by red-winged blackbirds and others I could not identify at 4:15. Drifted back to sleep for a bit.

Heading east.

The Heroine’s Journey

For the early opening of the day, the closing is quite late. Tomorrow I will introduce you all to Limonita. You’ve heard of limoncello; I’ve acquired a limonauto. To be fair, she has handled like a champ and aside from a check engine light I thought was resolved by the mechanic at 7am, she has run quite smoothly. Let’s not talk about about bent wheel that also was replaced this morning. Sigh.

What is a heroine’s journey without obstacles to overcome?!

It is nearly midnight, and while Roslyn was a nice stop with a bite to eat at The Brick, a stroll past what was once Dr. Fleischman’s office, and a meander down the road to Roslyn’s cafe, the highlight of the day was the spectacular sunset that lasted for nearly two hours!

I am both pleased and sorry to say I took no photos; I was doing 70 mph. Pink and tangerine to purple and crimson. Stunning! And the full moon rising along the opposite horizon, red to orange… breathtaking!

My tent is pitched, my sleeping pad inflated, and I am grateful to have had a hot shower. Now to turn off the headlamp and fall asleep to a moon climbing over the mountains and the serenade of bull frogs.

It’s Been A While…

I am continually surprised by the passage of time and speed of life. Having not written in nearly four years, I pick-up with another cross-country move to Wisconsin. Perhaps beyond.

Stay tuned for stories of adventure, transformation, and random ramblings.

Happy Last Day of Summer!

How’s the weather?