A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…. 

Or so it seems sometimes.  Early September, Hubs and I traveled across the country for an epic adventure in Montana. As I sit and reflect, I realize there were so many moments during that trip where I was quickly transported back to 15+ years ago when I last visited this beautiful part of the country.  It’s been way too long since I have emptied my brain into the blogosphere.  

We flew out on Monday (Labor Day) and it all went without a hitch.  We flew into the small airport outside of Bozeman, hopped into our rental car, and headed to our AirB&B located just outside of town.  AirB&B has been an overall great experience, and this trip was no different. The cabin was located along a tiny stream (Hyalite Creek, to be exact), and was nestled off of the roadway near the host’s home… but not too near.  Jackpot.

After settling in, we went in search of food.  Bozeman is a bustling place, situated near the mountains and home to the University of Montana.  When in Montana the first stop should always be a fly shop! We hit Montana Troutfitters for licenses and info on stream conditions both near Bozeman and in Yellowstone.

Bozeman has changed since I was here, but there were some familiar landmarks. I was happy to see the Lewis & Clark Motel still had their neon sign shining brightly!  Some of you reading will know exactly what I mean, and it likely made you smile too! It did not disappoint with places for groceries, dinner, and good beer. We dined at Red Tractor Pizza, and veggies on the fresh crust were amazing out of the wood fire oven.  It is definitely on the do-over list.

Tuesday was the first fishing day.  Given our proximity, we decided to try the Gallatin River.  The weather was glorious and we were well rested and ready to go.  We did some driving to get a feel for the water and access areas. Leaving Bozeman, the river spends some time in a gorgeous canyon stretch.  It was not the type of fishing we wanted for the day, so we travelled onward. After the canyon, the landscape opened up and the water calmed a bit.  That would do just fine.

We found a spot to pull off of the highway that was a short walk to the stream. My mind quickly fell into the familiar steps of pulling gear from the trunk of the car, tucking my pants legs into my socks and pulling on the waders. It was almost second nature to push my feet into the boots and lace them up, pulling the gravel guards over the laces.  Next, the fly rod was removed from the protective case, and the four pieces put together. The reel is one I have had since my first fly rod purchase, and has travelled with me around the globe. Armed and ready, it was time to hit the stream.

As I stood by the Gallatin, the sun was shining and there were birds in the pine trees along the water.  I stopped and watched. The riffles were breaking over and around the rocks. The flow of the stream was so soothing.  It was magical, just like always. As I stepped into the water, I forgot about everything except my steps along the stony streambed and where the fish might be hiding.

Hubs found a stretch of water he liked, and I smiled as I watched him cast.  It is a gift to find people to share what you love in life. I have been so fortunate to have been given the joy of fishing by my father, and have shared that joy with so many wonderful people. I thought about people I have fished with in Montana.  Some still fishing there, some on to other adventures in life, and some long passed. For those who have shared that space with me, you will always be so dear to me and forever in my heart.

I wandered up stream a bit and found a fallen tree near the bank that created a small pool along the edge of the riffle.  There had to be a fish there. I watched the water a bit and tied on a fly. A caddis. The cast would be short, as would the drift.  As the fly touched the surface of the water and quickly started its drift to the end of the tiny pool, the surface of the water broke from below as the fish took my offering.  A quick set of the hook and a short time later, I met a gorgeous rainbow trout. 

It was the start of a good day.