PB and I took a road trip to Montana. We drove 80 mph across smooth blacktop highways. We pulled over occasionally to pick up snacks and fill the gas tank. We stopped for the night and enjoyed a comfortable air-conditioned room with a soft mattress and hot shower. Breakfast was prepared and ready for us in the morning. We passed the hours by listening to audio books, podcasts and ball games.
As we sped down the interstate, I couldn’t help but think about my great-great grandparents, who journeyed from Wisconsin to Montana in 1886. They headed west to claim 160 acres of free land as a result of the Homestead Act, enacted by Congress four years earlier. There were no paved four-lane highways, no rest areas with flush toilets and no Holiday Inn Express hotels with hot breakfasts.
If Grandpa John and Grandma Harriet could see us now, they would be in awe at the speed in which we travel and the luxury we enjoy along the way. Life sure has changed since 1886.
Thankfully, some things haven’t changed —
things like mountains, rivers, and the famous Big Sky.
“Oh, these vast, calm, measureless mountain days…
in whose light everything seems equally divine,
opening a thousand windows to show us God.”
John Muir
“You created the mountains by your power,
and demonstrated your strength.”
Psalm 65:6
a small drop of ink 
That’s a beautiful drive, isn’t it? You’re right about the luxurys we sometimes take fir granted. It’s good to remember our predecessors had a much more difficult life.
The homesteaders were brave, hardy people!
Wonderful! I missed your blog. Just thinking about it the other day & wa-la!
I have a pic of St. Mary’s Lake-that the name? w/the island. It is probably soooo faded by now. hug, Cathy
Yes! That’s St. Mary’s Lake. Good eye!
Your road trip pondering was something I have frequently wondered about. The passage of time and “ease” of life in comparison. Glad you had a trip. The photo is actually your family?
Yes! That’s a pic of my great-great-grandparents at the Montana homestead. Their son Sam is also in the photo. I have a box full of hand written letters by great-great-grandma Harriet to her daughter Kate (my great-grandmother) who stayed behind in Wisconsin. Fascinating!
Those photos are amazing! Thank you so much for sharing! American treasures!!
Thanks for reading! Photos can’t capture the true beauty!