When I gazed up at the mountain I was about to hike, my first thought was, “This will be a piece of cake.” Man, was I in for a rude awakening! It’s absolutely mind-boggling how people just conquered new lands. Lewis & Clark must have been some bad mfs if the stories I learned about as a kid are true. No wonder so many explorers met their maker while exploring. Many times on the journey up I couldn’t help but think of the Nature Is Metal account.
That said, super glad I did the hike, it was just much harder than I anticipated. Also very grateful my stepdad gave me a gun to carry because God forbid had a bear shown up and I had been unarmed. It was reassuring knowing I could defend myself. I’m usually one to listen to pods when walking, running, exercising, but not on this hike. The whole time I was listening for wild animals.
Anway's, it’s a peaceful life out here, one I can get used to. An added bonus is how nice it is not spending money because there are no stores close by. Looking forward to more Montana days.
7/9/24
Conor Jay Chepenik
