Spaghetti Western: Part II

We've come quite a distance since we last posted from Billings, MT - about 1,000 miles, give or take a few.

Thursday morning we set out for Missoula, MT to visit the Massey clan. On our way, we stopped in Bozeman, MT for lunch and had the good fortune to run into the Johnstones - though we didn't have the good sense to get a decent photo. After a brief stop in Butte, we arrived in Missoula and went straight to see Casey, Richard, Moana & Mouse Massey. Every chance I get to spend time with my bff is gold to me, and we loved seeing all the changes to their crafty abode since we were last there three+ years ago. Of course, Luca loved being with Moana, who he adores.


We had a short but sweet visit with the Masseys, and after breakfast on Friday we headed toward Big Sky, taking the gravel road-extremely-less-traveled along Rock Creek as recommended by Richard & Casey. Along the way we ran into some mountain goats, and T's inner nature lover came to the fore.



Yesterday evening we arrived at the Lucas homestead in Big Sky, a place that has special significance in the family since it was here that T lost his Grandpa 15 years ago. Visiting was a special opportunity that this trip afforded.

This morning we woke early to take on our biggest driving day yet, from Big Sky to Park City, UT. We watched the sun come up and the steam rise from the river as we drove toward Yellowstone, and were greeted soon after entering the park by one its larger residents (pictured far left).

We were completely captivated by Yellowstone and nearly couldn't believe our luck when in a moment of great road karma, we pulled up to Old Faithful just in time for an eruption.


We took our time driving through Yellowstone and decided to suffer a little road construction to keep on the scenic drive through the Tetons, stopping in Jackson for a lunch break and photo opportunity in the town square.


With five more hours of driving ahead of us, we got back on the road and hightailed it for Utah. Our sweet Luca slept about half of the way, and was just nearing the end of his rope as we pulled into Park City. Tonight we're road weary but happy to be in Utah after a great first leg of our western adventure!