One Tough Mother

Since moving to the great state of Montana, I’ve had the privilege of watching winters come and go in the mountains. Over the years, this nearly seven month season has left behind epic snowstorms and record low temperatures. The winters that didn’t fill your boots when walking in the driveway were “bad, but not like they used to be.” After moving to Montana from the midwest, what nature represents has taken on a new meaning. This mother is not to be underestimated. Granted, she’s happy to show you how gentle she can be, portraying her beautiful sunsets and cloud formations. But beneath her veil of cool breezes and starry nights, she reminds us of our place in the world by hurling wind, snow, fire and rain whether or not we are prepared. Referencing her as mother so often thought of as a term used for someone who holds you dear and will forever keep you safe, a a misnomer. So watch out kids, this mom is packing a punch, not your lunch whenever you’re not looking.

Her Underbelly was ripe like kindling

The Bridger Foothills fire reared its ugly head September 4 at 3:00 p.m. The cause was a lightening strike that apparently had occurred several days before. A bolt called a hold-over lightening strike nestled itself in a tree waiting for the perfect time to “blow up.” The wind that fateful day in combination with the summer heat made for perfect fodder. The violation of the Bridger Mountains that day and into the next consumed 30 homes and over the many weeks ahead 7,000 acres. The ugly black trees and moonscape left behind will be our daily reminder of her destruction for years to come.