Thursday, July 16, 2009

New Month, New Destination - Montana! Road Post #1

I was planning on doing a little daily blogging from the road, but opted not to lug my laptop along with me. Having an iphone is enough but it's difficult to blog. So, on occasion, I'll post some short updates on this blog as my trip progresses. So far, so good - no travel hangups, delays, or other misfortuntes.

True to form, however, I have forgotten to pack something. This has become an unfortunate habit. At least for thsi trip, my forgetfulness has a minor and completely remedy-able impact. I forgot to pack socks. I'm in Montana, to hike and camp and experience other outdoor adventures yet to be experienced - and I have no socks for my hiking boots. Fortunately, tonite I'm in Butte and there is a great local outdoors supply store nearby. I just know they'll have ThorLo socks. Or SmartWool.

Otherwise, I've been scribbling notes in my new moleskine. One of the things I love most about a trip is that it opens my head up to think. Aussies go walkabout; I go drive-about. The open landscape, sky, and road are apparently precursors of an open mind, for me. I begin to remember what inspiration and creativity feel like, and the timeliness of the landscape helps reset my internal nanosecond, multitasking, frenzied clock.

Today I'm road weary and just a touch pink on my 'driving arm'. It's a laundry night (apparently I packed a dirty outfit or two...) and an early morning exploring Butte's mining history before heading further Northerly-ish.