Hobby Thread - May 9, 2026 [TRex]

Welcome hobbyists! Pull up a chair and sit a spell with the Horde in this little corner of the interweb. This is the mighty, mighty officially sanctioned Ace of Spades Hobby Thread. For this week, the Wheel of Hobbies (TM) decided on a Montana travel theme for this Hobby Thread.

Why Montana? We may never know. The ways of the Wheel are strange and mysterious.

[Top Photo: Cathedral of St. Helena, Helena, Montana]

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What are you hobbying?

As per usual Hobby Thread etiquette, keep this thread limited to hobbying. All (legal) hobbying is welcome. We have a theme, but no need to stick with the theme. Even if the theme does not speak to you, find something else or offer something else relating to hobbying. Leave politics and religion to threads elsewhere. Pants are optional. As always, puns are welcome and encouraged.

Play nice and do not be rude. Do not be a troll and do not feed the trolls.

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Captain Vasili Borodin had dreams of Montana. "I will live in Montana. And I will marry a round American woman and raise rabbits, and she will cook them for me. And I will have a pickup truck... maybe even a 'recreational vehicle.' And drive from state to state. Do they let you do that?"

Are you wise in the ways of Montana?

Have you visited? Do you have favorite spots or scenic drives or seasons?

National parks? Ski slopes? Ghost towns? Mining history? Dinosaurs?

This is a travel themed thread. Let's go to Montana!

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Glacier National Park may be the closest the US has to European Alps. Pictures do not do it justice:

The Going-to-the-Sun Road is not accessible year round. It gets snowy. Very snowy.

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Butte is known for its mining history. They called it "The Richest Hill on Earth." Good overview and good old photos in this documentary.

The Bekeley Pit in Butte is one of the most well known mining sites in Montana. Most of the Youtube videos are heavy with indignant environmental lectures, so learn more by reading this explanation at Pitwatch, the official website set up with information about the pit.

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Remember our beekeeping and honey theme from a few weeks ago?

Montana consistently ranks among the top 5 honey-producing states in the U.S.

Montana typically produces 9-15 million pounds of honey annually from around 100,000-270,000 colonies.

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Has anyone visited the Ringing Rocks?

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Our Lady of the Rockies is built atop the Continental Divide outside Butte

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Beartooth Highway - one of the most scenic drives in the US? Absolutely.

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Yellowstone is large. This overview covers a lot of ground and will give you a good sense of the park. Of course, nothing compares to being on the ground, but a good armchair tour is the next best thing.

This is very nice. No voice over or music - just great scenery and natural sounds.

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I know what you're thinking. "There has to be some interesting ghost towns in Montana that are off the beaten path. Maybe old mining towns?" Yes, yes there is. Allow me to introduce Comet.

Top tip: if you go beyond the town, look for a sign that says "Road not maintained. Proceed at your own risk." When you see the sign, turn around. Trust me.

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While Montana is generally known for "big sky country," it also has a place called "Big Sky" that is a skiing favorite.

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The Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman is one of the world's best dinosaur museums. Extraordinary specimens. T-Rex history!! Apparently Wyoming is first on the dino bone discovery list and Montana is second.

Mandatory stop. For obvious reasons.

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I know what you're thinking. "I have an extra $30m in my checking account and I am interested in a 2006+ acre ranch in Montana. I'd really like something that comes with a resident Elk herd. Do you have any options for me?"

Yes.

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Non-Montana content...

Audi honoring its racing history.

This car makes a statement: the Auto Union Lucca is emblematic of the technical innovation of the four rings in the 1930s. Audi Tradition has recreated the spectacular record-breaking car and will unveil it for the first time in early May in - aptly - the Italian city of Lucca. On February 15, 1935, the car set a widely acclaimed flying-start mile record on a straight section of the autostrada near Lucca, achieving a calculated average speed of 320.267 km/h and a measured top speed of 326.975 km/h. The Rennlimousine, a period term meaning "racing sedan," was completed in the spring of 2026 and will join the legendary Silver Arrows in AUDI AG's historic vehicle collection.

Audi had the Auto Union Lucca recreated by Crosthwaite & Gardiner based on historical photos and various other documents from the archives. After spending just over three years on its construction, the British restoration specialists completed the project in early 2026. All components are handcrafted especially for this model; in addition to the technical implementation, the production of the streamlined bodywork - such as the cockpit canopy and the tapered tail - was particularly labor-intensive. The hard work paid off: at the end of April, a drag coefficient of 0.43 was measured for the record-breaking car in the Audi wind tunnel.

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Random hobbying - a NASA Mars Rover replica made from matchsticks:

On display at the San Deigo Air & Space Museum.

Building the Mars rover Perseverance began in April 2020 and used 880,000 matchsticks and 28 gallons of wood glue by the time it was competed in the spring 2021.
The massive matchstick model measures over 10 feet long, 9 feet wide, and 7 feet at its tallest point. In addition to having a remote control video camera mounted atop the mast, the rover can be remotely operated to move forwards and backwards.

More photos here at Matchstick Marvels.

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Did you miss the Hobby Thread last week? We did an car repair theme. The comments may be closed, but you can re-live the content.

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Notable comments from last week:

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Words of wisdom:

"Because despite all our troubles, when things are grim out in that wide round world of ours, that's when it's really important to have a good hobby." Posted by: tankascribe at June 22, 2024 07:41 PM (HWxAD).

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If you have trouble finding something in the content or comments that resonates with you, contribute your own. Send thoughts, suggestions and photos of your hobbying to moronhobbies at protonmail dot com. Do mighty things.

Posted by: Open Blogger at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 Going to church is a hobby??

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 05:31 PM (1Ff7Z)

2 Oh... it's a church in Montana.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 05:32 PM (1Ff7Z)

3 Yes, I've been through Montana a couple of times. Only in the summer though. Nice long open roads.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 05:33 PM (1Ff7Z)

4 Almost had to drive through in winter, but I was told not to come....

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 05:34 PM (1Ff7Z)

5 The closest I've ever been to Montana is playing Far Cry 5.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 09, 2026 05:37 PM (gnNyN)

6 Actually, if I think about it, I'm really only five blocks from Montana.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 05:38 PM (1Ff7Z)

7 Majestic.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 05:40 PM (z2aPa)

8 Sister moved from White fish to Florence MT recently. First time we visited we drove up Going to the Sun, a mountain goat jumped up on the rock wall, was framed perfectly by the car window and turned it's head to look in the car. I have the picture to prove it.

Posted by: AZ deplorable moron at May 09, 2026 05:40 PM (SC8Ww)

9
Passed through Montana in 2006 taking Lacey to Olympia, WA for the National Specialty (which she won). Traversed the Bitterroots in the late afternoon. Extraordinarily beautiful drive.

Posted by: Hadrian the Seventh at May 09, 2026 05:41 PM (HdYcL)

10 Do you have any options for me?

Teddy's old place? Guess not, been on the market for two years. Think they'll take like twenty bucks for it?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 05:41 PM (1Ff7Z)

11 I love the idea of living in Montana. From my (admittedly limited) research, though, any property I could afford is miles away from major amenities. Perhaps the Californians have already invaded.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 05:43 PM (wzUl9)

12 I took a "tour" of the cathedral by cell phone. They have a most beautiful stained glass window. I'm sure there are others as well.

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at May 09, 2026 05:47 PM (PFs9e)

13 11 Perhaps the Californians have already invaded.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 05:43 PM
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Been a few years, but last time we were in Bozeman, they were calling it "Bozangeles."

Posted by: TRex - mountain dino at May 09, 2026 05:48 PM (IQ6Gq)

14 Posted by: TRex - mountain dino at May 09, 2026 05:48 PM (IQ6Gq)

Rex, just sent you an email.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 05:49 PM (1Ff7Z)

15 Since I grew up in MT and am living here again, I will enjoy this thread.

A couple of things you might find interesting. When I was a kid, people gave directions in cain-sees: It's about two and a half cain-sees, as in you drive as far as you cain see...

There's a restaurant in the eastern part of the state with the name the Road Kill Cafe: You Kill 'em, We Grill 'em.

There was mention this week somewhere of Henrietta Rankin, who was the only vote I think? against the declaration of World War II. What wasn't mentioned is that she was also the only vote against World War I. The first woman representative.

And you still let us vote. How brave of you.

Probably the most relevant bit of history today is that the Vigilantes were a real thing in MTA. Controlled a lot of territory for a quite a few years. I don't remember much of my history, but enough to say that I don't think people take the threat of vigilantes as seriously as they ought to.

Posted by: Wenda at May 09, 2026 05:49 PM (kyMpJ)

16 Is the speech by Captain Borodin in the Tom Clancy novel? I'm not sure, since I read it only once and that many years ago. If it is a creation of the screenplay, that is yet another reason why Hunt is one of the rare movies which is better than its source novel.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 05:49 PM (wzUl9)

17 Perhaps the Californians have already invaded.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026
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Been a few years, but last time we were in Bozeman, they were calling it "Bozangeles."
Posted by: TRex - mountain dino at May 09, 2026

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* Crosses Montana off retirement bolthole list *

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 05:51 PM (wzUl9)

18 Where's the dental floss ranch?

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at May 09, 2026 05:51 PM (Cqx++)

19 After replacing the tie rods on my Kubota tractor I noticed the front axel was jacked. It was causing a noticeable "bump" in the steering when turning left.

Loose bracket and a roached gasket. Bracket fixed. Gasket will have to survive though mowing season. It's a bit more complicated than the steering rack bracket. IOW... there's a lot more shit to take off and then put back on.

Can only imagine the tractor maintenance needed for a place in Montana with acreage.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 09, 2026 05:52 PM (jehhT)

20 I would guess there is more than one " train station " in Montana

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 05:52 PM (z2aPa)

21 Had an Auto Union DKW motorcycle, Earles front end. Great 2 stroke dirt bike.

Posted by: Commissar of plenty and festive little hats at May 09, 2026 05:54 PM (Kt19C)

22 Good evening Hobbiests
To raise a crop of dental floss maybe?
A state would love to see but won't get to go

Posted by: Skip at May 09, 2026 05:55 PM (ZvL9a)

23 I've been to Montana many times. Stayed in Sydney and Hardin when I worked at Holly Sugar.

Posted by: Ronster at May 09, 2026 05:56 PM (H2WUE)

24 Does being a Vigilante count as a hobby?

Posted by: RI Red at May 09, 2026 05:56 PM (jkyX4)

25 Wenda - wifey and I are AMTRAKing to WhiteFish in the fall, for a Dude Ranch experience. really looking forward to it. Wifey is a Brit, and has always wanted to see Big Sky. I will ride horsies a little, as its a working cattle ranch. She will sing and cook and drink and dance, and 'nature' and campfire. We're very excited about it.

Posted by: goatexchange at May 09, 2026 05:57 PM (hyS0X)

26 Top tip: if you go beyond the town, look for a sign that says "Road not maintained. Proceed at your own risk." When you see the sign, turn around. Trust me.
**********
Oh sure, NOW you say turn around. I recall that being voiced before and several times during the first third of that trip (not that the second two thirds was any better). When the passenger has to get out the car every so often to move very large rocks from the "road" and you can't see the bottom of the side drop offs...the fact that we are still married is a major miracle.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 05:58 PM (IQ6Gq)

27 Wenda - wifey and I are AMTRAKing to WhiteFish in the fall, for a Dude Ranch experience. really looking forward to it. Wifey is a Brit, and has always wanted to see Big Sky. I will ride horsies a little, as its a working cattle ranch. She will sing and cook and drink and dance, and 'nature' and campfire. We're very excited about it.
Posted by: goatexchange at May 09, 2026

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Sounds delightful.

I haven't been on a horse in many years, and expect that I would need to learn all over again -- and deal with muscle pains afterward. Yes, the horse is doing the major work, but your legs are working too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 05:59 PM (wzUl9)

28 Lots of small towns that are not too expensive. Several small towns along the Bitterroot are getting $$ but careful looking will still buy something ok. I've been in MT for nearly 50 years and it is getting "found".

Posted by: free tibet at May 09, 2026 05:59 PM (iNp3L)

29 My family took a lot of US driving vacations when we were kids but not as far as Montana. I wish I was old enough to have appreciated that more.

I gave my friends children a HUGE Amazon box that I had. I don't have kids yet but I think until they're ten, I could probably getaway with giving them huge, empty boxes.

The kids made a very nice house out of it. I was impressed.

And I'm on my computer and when I came to the site instead of the usual ads, there actually was a gambling wheel!! I think fate may be telling me to take up online gambling as a hobby!!!

Posted by: Stateless - He ain't heavy, he's my dog. at May 09, 2026 05:59 PM (Sco7b)

30 Western Montana is quite liberal between Californians moving there and the college cities. Eastern Montana may not be too bad, but it doesn't have all the mountain beauty. Houses in the small towns may not be too expensive but its a long drive to city amenities.

If I ever take the plunge to move I'm thinking Wyoming is the state for me. Or if I bought a small place in Arizona to spend winters in, maybe back to western ND, but I was wimpy for winter as a kid and after decades in Colorado I just don't think I can hack the cold, and eastern Montana would be the same thing.

Posted by: PaleRider at May 09, 2026 06:00 PM (PV+Zw)

31 Never been to Montana. In fact, I've never been west of the Mississippi River. But in 1969 I read Travel With Charley by Steinbeck. (Still my favorite Steinbeck book.) I have always remembered this quote: “I am in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection, but with Montana it is love.” That was followed by “Montana seems to me to be what a small boy would think Texas is like from hearing Texans”

Fifty-plus years later I still think I would love the place based on nothing more than Steinbeck's brief mentions. If I were to move these days, and I'm not, it would be to someplace with less snow like the Florida panhandle. I can deal with hurricanes and have, but shoveling snow is an increasing challenge.

Posted by: JTB at May 09, 2026 06:00 PM (yTvNw)

32 Montana!

I love Montana. Me and my boys have been all over western MT. Dirt roads are the way to go.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:01 PM (A5RD0)

33 The Grateful, you need to add "good sport" to your nic.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 06:01 PM (z2aPa)

34 Dude! Montana!

Born in Butte, grew up in Billings (and Cody WY, which is a suburb of Billings - jk). Moved back there with my kids after the army, before moving to CO. Son 2 lives in Helena.

I LOVE Montana. I wanted to move back. Wife said no (problematic relatives). We compromised: we live in Idaho.

Going back at the end of May for a family gathering. Can't wait.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Rock 'n' Roll Martian at May 09, 2026 06:01 PM (0aYVJ)

35 Sitting on my patio in Florence MT testing the new fire pit while Mr nec plays with Violet the wonder beagle. Please visit MT, if you want to move here from CA, OR or WA we have bears, stay away.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at May 09, 2026 06:02 PM (8Jfx0)

36 If you go to Helena, take the trolley tour. The driver narrates the history of the city, including a story about a WWII era fighter pilot who flew his rig between the steeples of the cathedral.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Rock 'n' Roll Martian at May 09, 2026 06:03 PM (0aYVJ)

37 Does being a Vigilante count as a hobby?
Posted by: RI Red at May 09, 2026 05:56 PM (jkyX4)

If it dies, Batman probably took it too far.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at May 09, 2026 06:03 PM (zZu0s)

38 Pale Rider. Enclaves of Western MT are liberal. Missoula and Bozeman. They pollute the area. The Ravalli Valley is very conservative.

Posted by: neverenoughcaffeine at May 09, 2026 06:04 PM (8Jfx0)

39 I actually loved Montana...especially Glacier. I had always insister that Yosemite was the most beautiful park in the country until I visited Glacier. Now Yosemite is a definite #2. But I enjoyed the rest of the state, too. People are great, scenic, affordable - and yes, last time we were there many Californians were moving there. Lady at the gas station was not very happy about that, until I told her most would leave with the third or fourth snowfall! Actually, the weather is the only thing that kept it off our list of potential retirement states.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:06 PM (IQ6Gq)

40 Top tip: if you go beyond the town, look for a sign that says "Road not maintained. Proceed at your own risk." When you see the sign, turn around. Trust me.

Grateful, there is/was a road quite near us that is clearly marked on the maps as going all the way through from the north down to our place. Mrs. Red was recovering from a broken kneecap (snowboarding, which is a hobby, so not OT). She was in her PJs and it was the day before turning in our jeep on a new one, so we decided to go for a Sunday drive, which turned into an exploration.
Halfway down it was clear that it was no longer a road; 3/4 of the way down we were in a stream bed canted at least 30 degrees to the right.
She looked at me and said, “Can you back up?”
Nope.
We broke through finally and still can’t believe we were that dense.
Love my jeeps! Which is also a hobby.

Posted by: RI Red at May 09, 2026 06:06 PM (jkyX4)

41 Apparently 'Montana' is a Hobby. Cool.

We have been 'training' for our Montana sojourn:

- Wifey has bought an entirely new 'western-themed' wardrobe.

- I have started sampling Montana whiskeys and bourbons.

We are ready.

Posted by: goatexchange at May 09, 2026 06:07 PM (hyS0X)

42 And you must stop at Trixie’s Antler Saloon in Ovondo.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:08 PM (A5RD0)

43 Addendum to wife not wanting to move back to MT: gets cold there. Boise has much milder winters.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, Rock 'n' Roll Martian at May 09, 2026 06:08 PM (0aYVJ)

44 I would like to live in Montana to raise rabbits, marry a "round American woman," and drive a recreational vehicle....

Posted by: Captain Borodin at May 09, 2026 06:08 PM (jehhT)

45 The Grateful, you need to add "good sport" to your nic.
Posted by: Ben Had
**********
Oh, I learned. Now he has to submit in advance a list of roads he wants to drive on, so I have time to review them online. And yes, I have veto powers!!!!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:10 PM (IQ6Gq)

46 Wifey has bought an entirely new 'western-themed' wardrobe.

- I have started sampling Montana whiskeys and bourbons.

We are ready.
Posted by: goatexchange at May 09, 2026

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I'm in the Deep Swamp and now that I've retired, I wear cowboy boots nearly all the time when I go out. They are not that hot (I'm usually not out for that long) and are very comfortable and practical.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 06:10 PM (wzUl9)

47 My younger brother was born in Plentywood, MT.

Posted by: lin-duh in Texas at May 09, 2026 06:10 PM (VCgbV)

48 If you like genealogy I stumbled across a website database that identifies soldiers and sailors in the civil war. I typed in my name and a ton of names appeared. But only two from Texas, Henry and William. Henry is my great great grandfather. Says they served in the 17th Texas Regiment. Pretty cool.

https://t.co/9AbZVxCz7R

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at May 09, 2026 06:11 PM (l26NL)

49 We broke through finally and still can’t believe we were that dense.
Love my jeeps! Which is also a hobby.
Posted by: RI Red
*******
so what you're telling me is never get into a jeep with you. thank you in advance!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:11 PM (IQ6Gq)

50 goatexchange, it is not a wise idea to wear new jeans that are snug fitting when riding, especially if you haven't done it in quite some time. The expression, "chaps my ass" comes to mind.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 06:12 PM (z2aPa)

51 The Thompson River Road is amazing.

And Evel Knievel days in Butte. What a hoot!

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:12 PM (A5RD0)

52 I live on a high plateau. Mountains in three directions, a valley in the fourth. It's a development, so I have neighbors, but I can't see another house from any of my windows.

I have to warn visitors in the summer not to leave a window open, because the bears will walk in. I used to have an elk herd surround the house in spring and fall, but I guess we're too civilized for them now.

Deer, though. Every place, all the time. Grrr.

Posted by: Wenda at May 09, 2026 06:13 PM (kyMpJ)

53 Only been to Montana a couple of times when I was a kid. I do remember it was a beautiful place. Like to see it again.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 09, 2026 06:13 PM (viF8m)

54 If we ever decide to decamp from KY and WV I think we'll relocate to Florida. Gulf coast. Piss away every dime saved on a Gulf front condo.

Probably lose it all in a hurricane a year after closing.

'Tis my luck.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at May 09, 2026 06:14 PM (jehhT)

55 Two quick hits;

Virginia City, gold rush days,
Lewis & Clark Caverns

May be seasonal.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 09, 2026 06:15 PM (D1E+2)

56 Our Lady of the Rockies is lovely. She is all lit up at night. You can see her from downtown Butte.

Flathead Lake is stupid gorgeous.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:15 PM (A5RD0)

57 There is a biography of the first territorial governor of Montana: Immortal Irishman. It's the strange journey of Thomas Meagher. It's a good read, but I think the author downplayed the event of his death on a riverboat on the Missouri. Most likely it was because he got blind drunk and fell overboard. But, that aside, he was a truly unique man.

And, because Irish, his name is pronounced Marr.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, pronounced Muh-Hone at May 09, 2026 06:16 PM (0aYVJ)

58 >>Deer, though. Every place, all the time. Grrr.

Universal pests. Watching a couple out my window eating their way through the conservation land toward me.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 09, 2026 06:17 PM (viF8m)

59 so what you're telling me is never get into a jeep with you. thank you in advance!
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:11 PM (IQ6Gq)

Gonna be tough hiking around the Range!

Posted by: RI Red at May 09, 2026 06:17 PM (jkyX4)

60 One dead in Glacier NP, two injured in Yellowstone NP, just in the last week. Yes, we have grizzly bears in Montana. They are cranky when they wake up. If you decide to visit Montana anyway then bring bear spray(but not on a plane). I prefer the little .454 bass cans.

Posted by: Next2Nothing at May 09, 2026 06:18 PM (tA1/w)

61 Says they served in the 17th Texas Regiment. Pretty cool.

https://t.co/9AbZVxCz7R
Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at May 09, 2026 06:11 PM (l26NL)

One of my was in the 21st.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:18 PM (1Ff7Z)

62 Our Lady of the Rockies is lovely. She is all lit up at night. You can see her from downtown Butte.

Flathead Lake is stupid gorgeous.
Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:15 PM (A5RD0)

Once drove through during some snow squalls. We could see her clearly, an unearthly bluish glow.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, pronounced Muh-Hone at May 09, 2026 06:18 PM (0aYVJ)

63 Most of what I've read about Montana has been fly fishing articles. They make it sound like a paradise for trout fishing. And the photos are breathtaking.

The other hobby-related connection is black powder cartridge shooting. Shiloh Sharps rifles are made there, there are a number of BP shooting competitions and gatherings. Also, Matthew Quigley came from Montana before going to Australia.

Posted by: JTB at May 09, 2026 06:18 PM (yTvNw)

64 I jumped out of an airplane in MT. 10,000 feet.

For my 40th birthday. Lost Prairie. I had just gotten divorced and needed to clear my soul.

It was cathartic.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:19 PM (A5RD0)

65 Thanks for the mighty Montana Hobby Thread, T Rex!

We are going to Glacier National Park later this summer. So excited to see it!

We need to check out those dino bones. Amazing collections there. Montana and Wyoming are amazing states in their varied landscapes and geology.

Posted by: Legally Sufficient at May 09, 2026 06:19 PM (vrNzf)

66 My decamp Texas spot would be a small village on the Amalfi coast.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 06:19 PM (z2aPa)

67 Deer, though. Every place, all the time. Grrr.

Universal pests. Watching a couple out my window eating their way through the conservation land toward me.
Posted by: JackStraw
**********
Agreed. I've been so limited with what I can plant here, and at the end of the season they consider most everything fair game. Only season I'm safe is spring, due to all the daffodils, which they won't touch.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:20 PM (IQ6Gq)

68 Butte was also the location oy the MEPPS station when I enlisted. No matter how hard I try to leave, it keeps drawing me back.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, pronounced Muh-Hone at May 09, 2026 06:20 PM (0aYVJ)

69 so what you're telling me is never get into a jeep with you. thank you in advance!
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:11 PM (IQ6Gq)

Gonna be tough hiking around the Range!
Posted by: RI Red
***********
Guess I should amend that to "thanks for the warning"

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:22 PM (IQ6Gq)

70 You are not at the top of the food chain in MT.

Don’t be stupid.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:22 PM (A5RD0)

71 Deer, one man's pest is another's carpaccio.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 06:22 PM (z2aPa)

72 You may or may not know that Evel Knievel and a good friend named Awful Knawful. (That spelling isn't right but I don't know what it was.)

And yes now that I'm not skiing snow isn't as much fun. But believe me, it makes me top of the list for grandchildren visiting come winter!

Posted by: Wenda at May 09, 2026 06:24 PM (kyMpJ)

73 Pug, I love Butte.

Uptown is historic. I love the Finlan Hotel with all the gorgeous copper inlay in the lobby. Stayed there many times. Drank at the Acoma. And at the M&M. The Helsinki Tavern…..

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:24 PM (A5RD0)

74 And yes now that I'm not skiing snow isn't as much fun. But believe me, it makes me top of the list for grandchildren visiting come winter!
Posted by: Wenda at May 09, 2026 06:24 PM (kyMpJ)

Can you still do cross country?

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:25 PM (1Ff7Z)

75 Wife loves the shows about ghosts and bigfoot and such. The area around Butte, Anaconda, and Virginia City is a goldmine of ghost activity. Funny thing is the old hospital I was born in is apparently haunted. St James moved to a nicer building up the hill.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, pronounced Muh-Hone at May 09, 2026 06:25 PM (0aYVJ)

76 My decamp Texas spot would be a small village on the Amalfi coast.
Posted by: Ben Had

I think mine would be in the Davis Mountains. Alpine, Marfa or Ft Davis. It'll never happen but it's fun to dream.

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at May 09, 2026 06:26 PM (l26NL)

77 We are going to Glacier National Park later this summer. So excited to see it!
Posted by: Legally Sufficient
**********
You are going to love it. We did one 5mi hike one day and it was sunny and very hot.
Did another 5 miler the next day, and it was snow and ice.
And the rangers do close hiking routes if bears are sighted close by.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:26 PM (IQ6Gq)

78 >>Deer, one man's pest is another's carpaccio.

Not here. They are protected. And they multiply like rabbits.

Pretty dark in this town at night. Very few streetlights and a lot of conservation land. Gotta keep your head on a swivel driving at night.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 09, 2026 06:27 PM (viF8m)

79 And the rangers do close hiking routes if bears are sighted close by.
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:26 PM (IQ6Gq)

Huh? Seems like they'd flee at the sight of a T-Rex.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:28 PM (1Ff7Z)

80 Orange Ent, no, I never enjoyed that. I prefer to let the mountain do the work and just slither down. Oh, well.

Posted by: Wenda at May 09, 2026 06:29 PM (kyMpJ)

81 JTB, you should ask garrett about fly fishing in Montana. He used to guide.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 09, 2026 06:29 PM (viF8m)

82 And the rangers do close hiking routes if bears are sighted close by.
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:26 PM (IQ6Gq)

Huh? Seems like they'd flee at the sight of a T-Rex.
Posted by: OrangeEnt
*************
Ha! They closed it prior to our TRex's arrival...

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:30 PM (IQ6Gq)

83 79 Huh? Seems like they'd flee at the sight of a T-Rex.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:28 PM
***
The rangers close the paths to protect the bears from T-Rex, not the other way around.

Posted by: TRex - jingle those keys loud while hiking at May 09, 2026 06:31 PM (IQ6Gq)

84 Two more quick hits;

Giant Springs Natl Park, Great Falls
C.M. Russell museum, Great Falls

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 09, 2026 06:31 PM (D1E+2)

85 JackStraw, that is our feral pig problem here even though it is open season on them.

5 roadkill in the 3 miles from my driveway to the highway.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 06:31 PM (z2aPa)

86 If you are in Southern Montana, go see Yellowstone Park.

If you are in NW Montana, go see Glacier Park.

For either place, go as much as possible off of "peak tourist" as your schedule and weather tolerance allows.

If you just want to chill, grab some friends, some beers, some water and munchies, a large inflatable raft, and just float down the Yellowstone River in the mellow runs after it has left the park.

Posted by: Pillage Idiot at May 09, 2026 06:32 PM (HlyYF)

87 Do not mess with bears. There is a difference in temperament between black bears and grizzlies, but, you know, just be vigilant. We once saw a black bear in Glacier that was bigger than many grizzlies I've seen. Yuge. The friggin' tourists were chasing him (a big old boar is my guess). Dummies.

Grizzlies are far more easily aggravated. Two of my friends in Cody came across a grizzly near Pahaska Teepee, while hunting. Bear got one by the arm, while the other emptied his .357 magnum at the bear's skull. Did not kill the bear, but it was hurt enough that it finally let them go.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, pronounced Muh-Hone at May 09, 2026 06:32 PM (0aYVJ)

88 Ha! They closed it prior to our TRex's arrival...
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:30 PM (IQ6Gq)

The rangers close the paths to protect the bears from T-Rex, not the other way around.
Posted by: TRex - jingle those keys loud while hiking at May 09, 2026 06:31 PM (IQ6Gq)

Bigger teeth, but the claws....

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:32 PM (1Ff7Z)

89 With all due respect to our TX friends, Montana is BIG. Everything is big, including the sky and the stars!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:33 PM (IQ6Gq)

90 [Top Photo: Cathedral of St. Helena, Helena, Montana]

***
What are you hobbying?

I'm hobbying the 'Old World' conspiracy. That cathedral fits right in. And then you add the Capitol Building, being built at the same time. How and by whom? The miners in their spare time? I hope we'll find out someday.

Posted by: t-bird at May 09, 2026 06:33 PM (9I5W+)

91 >>5 roadkill in the 3 miles from my driveway to the highway.

Wow. We only get the two legged pigs around here.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 09, 2026 06:33 PM (viF8m)

92 Orange Ent, no, I never enjoyed that. I prefer to let the mountain do the work and just slither down. Oh, well.
Posted by: Wenda at May 09, 2026 06:29 PM (kyMpJ)

I did it because it's cheap compared to downhill. I didn't want to hit a tree. Doesn't seem to be as much equipment on the market as there used to be.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:34 PM (1Ff7Z)

93 Montana is on our list to visit, both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

No hobbying for me; went through trigger finger release surgery and am impatiently waiting for the incision to heal up. As it's in an awkward place -- right where the Line of Head and Life Lines meet near the edge of the palm -- the scab keeps cracking open. Luckily I have surgical gloves (used for painting) to keep the hand dry and clean while trying to do a little in the kitchen. So maybe in another couple of weeks I'll get to start a new painting.

Posted by: tankascribe at May 09, 2026 06:36 PM (NtoJk)

94 Has anyone seen polynikes around?

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:37 PM (A5RD0)

95 93 Montana is on our list to visit, both Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Posted by: tankascribe at May 09, 2026 06:36 PM
***
LOTS of potential candidates for painting subjects!

Best wishes for continued healing.

Posted by: TRex - location scout dino at May 09, 2026 06:38 PM (IQ6Gq)

96 My decamp Texas spot would be a small village on the Amalfi coast.
Posted by: Ben Had
*************
Amalfi, huh? That would be a major change of scenery and weather. Haven't been, but it looks gorgeous. I have a love/hate relationship with Italy. But I do adore No Italy.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:39 PM (IQ6Gq)

97 94 Has anyone seen polynikes around?

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:37 PM
***
He's good. Just been busy.

Posted by: TRex - herding cats dino at May 09, 2026 06:40 PM (IQ6Gq)

98 the charlie russell museum in great falls is bomb

Posted by: cherries in season at May 09, 2026 06:40 PM (Xvk15)

99 Thanks, Dino.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:42 PM (A5RD0)

100 Since watching sports is a hobby for me, I hope this comment is OK. Back in the day home teams in the NBA and the NFL would wear certain uniforms. They would do this in a way that you could say was, well, uniform.

In the NBA the home team would wear a white jersey with the teams name on front and the visiting team would wear a dark jersey with the city they were from on front.

In the NFL the home team would wear a dark jersey with the teams name and the visitors would wear a white jersey with the city name.

Now this has all been turned upside down and you have to do a double take before you can figure out who the home team is.

Posted by: mrally at May 09, 2026 06:42 PM (z9YXI)

101 Now this has all been turned upside down and you have to do a double take before you can figure out who the home team is.
Posted by: mrally at May 09, 2026 06:42 PM (z9YXI)

Blame the Cowboys. Almost always wore white at home.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:43 PM (1Ff7Z)

102 The Grateful, , northern Italy is the family stomping grounds. This is just a pipe dream as I will expire in flatland central Texas.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 06:44 PM (z2aPa)

103 Montana has a high volume of ghost towns from its mining history. Some are more easily accessible than others. Some are being reclaimed by nature and lost. Some history involves impressive engineering. Some involves tragic accidents.

If you're into mining history, worth a look with the benefit of advance prep. Lots of content available on the interwebs and YT.

Posted by: TRex - mine tour dino at May 09, 2026 06:45 PM (IQ6Gq)

104 If you're into mining history, worth a look with the benefit of advance prep. Lots of content available on the interwebs and YT.
Posted by: TRex - mine tour dino at May 09, 2026 06:45 PM (IQ6Gq)

Boom and bust. Nevada has a few mining ghost towns as well.

Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:46 PM (1Ff7Z)

105 99 Thanks, Dino.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:42 PM
***
You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by.

Posted by: TRex - big sky dino at May 09, 2026 06:46 PM (IQ6Gq)

106 Kellog Idaho also has some ghost stories. So does Wallace, ID.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:46 PM (A5RD0)

107 Blame the Cowboys. Almost always wore white at home.
Posted by: OrangeEnt at May 09, 2026 06:43 PM (1Ff7Z)

Wearing white at home used to be the norm.

Posted by: mrally at May 09, 2026 06:47 PM (z9YXI)

108 Glacier national park and Yellowstone are beautiful. We hit just the highlights when we visited them and didn't soak everything in. Not Montana but travel related. The Grand canyon also really is impressive. We stayed on the north rim and rode to the bottom when we went.

Posted by: PaleRider at May 09, 2026 06:48 PM (PV+Zw)

109 The Bulls in the nineties always wore white at home. It was later when that protocol completely broke down.

Posted by: mrally at May 09, 2026 06:50 PM (z9YXI)

110 106 Kellog Idaho also has some ghost stories. So does Wallace, ID.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 06:46 PM
***
Idaho is a hidden gem. We will do a travel theme for Idaho on the Hobby Thread at some point.

Posted by: TRex - lewis and clark guide dino at May 09, 2026 06:51 PM (IQ6Gq)

111 I cruised around Montana for a little bit on a harley. I didn't get to go full explorer mode but damn I was tempted, and I should have. One day I will though.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 09, 2026 06:53 PM (snZF9)

112 The Grand canyon also really is impressive. We stayed on the north rim and rode to the bottom when we went.
Posted by: PaleRider
**********
Agreed. And I was blown away by the North Rim, completely different from the South Rim. Equally beautiful, but vastly different

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:54 PM (IQ6Gq)

113 When you plan a vacation how do you determine how much time it takes to really see an area?

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 06:54 PM (z2aPa)

114 When you plan a vacation how do you determine how much time it takes to really see an area?
Posted by: Ben Had
*********
That's a really good question. I guess it depends for me on whether it's an initial visit where we're just getting an idea of what is there, or a more focused trip on that specific area.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:58 PM (IQ6Gq)

115 5 years ago Jesse and I took an epic 2 week road trip, mostly in Montana. I ran a half marathon just outside Glacier and we spent a couple nights in Kalispell and several in East Glacier Village. I hiked a lot in Glacier (not nearly enough) and we kayaked on Flathead Lake. Loved it so much we were planning to go back summer 2023 to celebrate milestone birthdays for each of us, but of course J died in February 2022.

Got to drive Going-to-the Sun Road which had just fully opened the day before - we were there at the end of June.

Saw lots of wildlife including a grizzly (from a safe distance, thank God I didn't meet one on the trail) and a bighorn sheep.

I'm looking at prints of 2 of my photos from that trip, which are hanging on my dining room wall, as I write this. So many great memories of Montana.

Posted by: screaming in digital at May 09, 2026 06:58 PM (0SdQT)

116 With all due respect to our TX friends, Montana is BIG. Everything is big, including the sky and the stars!

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:33 PM (IQ6Gq)

You are not kidding. I was out in S Dakota for the sturgis rally, and we were staying in Belle Fourche SD, so we weren't that far from Montana. We decided to go there just to get pictures by the Montana sign, but we kept going, and there was absolutely nothing but barren planet. I wanted to keep going. I figured screw it, we'll ride till we find something cool and maybe stay overnight somewhere, but some in the group got a bit scared at the nothingness.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 09, 2026 06:59 PM (snZF9)

117 Hi screaming, good to see you. How is life treating you?

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:59 PM (IQ6Gq)

118 Enjoyed a long weekend in Livingston, visiting a friend from 30 years ago. Stayed at the historic Murray Hotel, which features the Sam Peckinpah suite the tin ceiling of which still shows bullet holes where he'd fired a round or two into it. Pretty town, kinda artsy-fartsy for those who like that sort of thing.

Posted by: Fritz at May 09, 2026 07:00 PM (J7jo9)

119 Agreed. And I was blown away by the North Rim, completely different from the South Rim. Equally beautiful, but vastly different
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 06:54 PM (IQ6Gq)

There really isn't a better choice. I take in all the rims.

Posted by: Don Lemon at May 09, 2026 07:00 PM (z9YXI)

120 This is going to sound really weird and is in no way a complaint because I wouldn't change anything, but I have never in my adult life had a vacation.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 07:02 PM (z2aPa)

121 113 When you plan a vacation how do you determine how much time it takes to really see an area?

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 06:54 PM
***
Time available usually isn't enough to "really see" an area. We usually think of any first visit as a reconnaissance trip. A few days usually gives us a good sense, but rarely makes us think we've "seen" it. We've gone back to favorites several times and found more and more layers.

Having said that, we're never sure if (or when) we'll be back.
That mindset means we try to see as much of what makes a place special or unique. We go with preparation and plans and give ourselves the latitude to call audibles on the fly.

Everything is a trade off...

Posted by: TRex - travel agent dino at May 09, 2026 07:03 PM (IQ6Gq)

122 When you plan a vacation how do you determine how much time it takes to really see an area?

That's one of the reasons I used to like vacationing by boat. I'd have a vague itinerary but the only definite was when I returned. If I stopped somewhere and liked it I stayed till I felt like moving on. We did the same thing with family camping stuff when I was a kid.

I don't like schedules on vacation.

Posted by: JackStraw at May 09, 2026 07:04 PM (viF8m)

123 This is going to sound really weird and is in no way a complaint because I wouldn't change anything, but I have never in my adult life had a vacation.
Posted by: Ben Had
************
Wow. Now I have a better appreciation why you so look forward to the TX MoMe

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 07:04 PM (IQ6Gq)

124 I definitely want to do the bear tooth highway. I watched a vid by an adventure motorcycle rider not too long ago. It was unreal, just unreal.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 09, 2026 07:04 PM (snZF9)

125 I am surprised that you never mentioned Wyoming other monument, Devil's Tower.

I visited Wyoming a long, long time ago but the tour when I was in my teens. Visited many things but sadly Devil's Tower was not on the list.
I think I might do a road trip after I retire and drive from Yellowstone to Devil's Tower and then onto Mt. Rushmore.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 09, 2026 07:05 PM (nDgTL)

126 124 I definitely want to do the bear tooth highway. I watched a vid by an adventure motorcycle rider not too long ago. It was unreal, just unreal.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 09, 2026 07:04 PM
***
You'll love it. We learned ages ago that the motorcyclists know all the best scenic drives.

Posted by: TRex - road rash avoidant dino at May 09, 2026 07:05 PM (IQ6Gq)

127 I definitely want to do the bear tooth highway. I watched a vid by an adventure motorcycle rider not too long ago. It was unreal, just unreal.
Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division
*********
keep it on your list Bers, you will love it on a bike....

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 07:06 PM (IQ6Gq)

128 Damn, I must read the content before commenting. I saw Montana but was think of Wyoming for some reason.

I deserve every bit of laughter directed my way. LOL

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 09, 2026 07:07 PM (nDgTL)

129 Hi screaming, good to see you. How is life treating you?
Posted by: The Grateful
---
Pretty good. I'm now commuting 45 minutes 1-way 3x a week (same job, just cannot work at home every day because the governor says we can't), but my temporary office home is on a beautiful college campus with a lake and a pair of black swans. I run after work each time I'm over there. So that has been good for me. I'm completely obsessed with the swans. They are gorgeous.

Posted by: screaming in digital at May 09, 2026 07:08 PM (0SdQT)

130 If your interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition, don't miss the Gates to the Mountains floats on the Missouri River.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 09, 2026 07:08 PM (D1E+2)

131 And Berserker, add Chief Joseph Highway, in northwest WY. Fantastic 45 mile scenic highway....

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 07:09 PM (IQ6Gq)

132 The Grateful, still have chores to attend to but the MoMe break is a high point for me

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 07:09 PM (z2aPa)

133 128 Damn, I must read the content before commenting. I saw Montana but was think of Wyoming for some reason.

I deserve every bit of laughter directed my way. LOL

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 09, 2026 07:07 PM
***
Need to get your keyboard zeroed Scoob!

Posted by: TRex - Montana travel specialist dino at May 09, 2026 07:10 PM (IQ6Gq)

134 I recently read a wonderful book about Montana. The author grew up ranching in Montana in the 40's-60's. He wrote the book as a tribute to the ranchers of that time, and his father, and to document what that time was like, as he realized the times were changing.
The book Is This House of Sky by Ivan Doig

I highly recommend this book.

Posted by: TecumsehTea at May 09, 2026 07:14 PM (nz1sK)

135 I am surprised that you never mentioned Wyoming other monument, Devil's Tower.

I visited Wyoming a long, long time ago but the tour when I was in my teens. Visited many things but sadly Devil's Tower was not on the list.
I think I might do a road trip after I retire and drive from Yellowstone to Devil's Tower and then onto Mt. Rushmore.

Posted by: Scuba_Dude at May 09, 2026 07:05 PM (nDgTL)

Devil's tower is great. The very first year I went to sturgis I was looking at the map and realized it was right in the neighborhood. I almost shit, and it was less than 2 hours away, and thats screwing off and stopping to gawk at scenery. I did 10 years in a row. You see this little nub out in the distance and it just gets bigger and bigger. Mrs B took some amazing pictures from the back of the bike as we got closer and closer.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 09, 2026 07:15 PM (snZF9)

136 I highly recommend this book.
Posted by: TecumsehTea
********
Thanks for the recommendation, it sounds good.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 07:16 PM (IQ6Gq)

137 I definitely want to do the bear tooth highway. I watched a vid by an adventure motorcycle rider not too long ago. It was unreal, just unreal.

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 09, 2026 07:04 PM
***
You'll love it. We learned ages ago that the motorcyclists know all the best scenic drives.

Posted by: TRex - road rash avoidant dino at May 09, 2026 07:05 PM (IQ6Gq)

Yeah the shit part is the 2000 miles I need to go just to get to it. lol

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 09, 2026 07:18 PM (snZF9)

138 I suspect that we will do a travel theme for Wyoming on the Hobby Thread at some point.

Up to the Wheel of Hobbies(TM).

Posted by: TRex - Wyoming travel planner dino at May 09, 2026 07:18 PM (IQ6Gq)

139 And I was blown away by the North Rim, completely different from the South Rim. Equally beautiful, but vastly different
Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026

***
On my old (1967) Reader's Digest atlas, there was a tiny town on the Strip, the portion of AZ between the North Rim and the Utah line. It was called Wolf Hole. I don't see it on my 2016 Rand McNally road atlas, though.

Curious I am as to what kind of people would have lived in a town called Wolf Hole.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 07:20 PM (wzUl9)

140 Yeah the shit part is the 2000 miles I need to go just to get to it. lol

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at May 09, 2026 07:18 PM
***
At the risk of inviting rude comments, isn't there something like the Iron Bottom Club?

Posted by: TRex - long distance dino at May 09, 2026 07:21 PM (IQ6Gq)

141 Black Hills country sux in August. Way too many bikers. like really loud, aggressive locusts. Must avoid.

Posted by: Pug Mahon, pronounced Muh-Hone at May 09, 2026 07:22 PM (0aYVJ)

142 I'd love to do a road trip to see the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore, and something of Wyoming and Montana. Northern Arizona too.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 07:23 PM (wzUl9)

143 Time to say thank you before the next act takes the Ace of Spades stage. Thanks for being here. Different theme next week.

You're welcome to hang around for a while in the comments, but don't forget to stop by Club ONT later.

Posted by: TRex - ghost town tour guide dino at May 09, 2026 07:23 PM (IQ6Gq)

144 See the USA in a Chevrolet !

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 07:25 PM (z2aPa)

145 TRex, thank you.

Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026 07:26 PM (z2aPa)

146 I love the West. The furthest east I’ve ever lived was Chicago when I was a baby. Then Dallas, TX.

I was born in Seattle. West of the Rockies is where I belong.

I know Colorado is hated here. But most of the state is sane and beautiful.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 07:26 PM (A5RD0)

147 See the USA in a Chevrolet !
Posted by: Ben Had at May 09, 2026

***
"Mm-wah!"

Posted by: Dinah Shore, Reunited w/ Burt Reynolds At Last at May 09, 2026 07:27 PM (wzUl9)

148 5 The closest I've ever been to Montana is playing Far Cry 5.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at May 09, 2026 05:37 PM (gnNyN)
-------
Fun game. Sometimes when I want to chill I load it up and just go hunting up in the hills. I can bag 5 buffalo, 5 elk, and countless deer in minutes. So it's just like real hunting, I'm sure!

Posted by: 496 at May 09, 2026 07:30 PM (sOtuf)

149 Colorado is beautiful. Magnificent geography over the entire state. Very happy to have toured it. But far too unpredictable for me weather wise and politically.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 07:30 PM (IQ6Gq)

150 Curious I am as to what kind of people would have lived in a town called Wolf Hole.
Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius,

A small ranching and farming community, apparently. Imagine ranching and farming there when the Dust Bowl hit. It was already a dust bowl!

Posted by: t-bird at May 09, 2026 07:34 PM (9I5W+)

151 If you live in a place that calls to your soul, politics cannot interfere.

You have to be resilient. Steadfast. True to yourself.

I love where I live.

Posted by: nurse ratched at May 09, 2026 07:35 PM (A5RD0)

152 Here's one to get your blood pumping if you like kayaking.

Difficulty level: High

https://shorturl.at/vUCDz

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at May 09, 2026 07:35 PM (D1E+2)

153 Wolfus, there's also the town Two Dot. Spelled as both one word or two.

TRex, thanks for bringing back so many memories.

Posted by: Wenda at May 09, 2026 07:37 PM (kyMpJ)

154 153 TRex, thanks for bringing back so many memories.

Posted by: Wenda at May 09, 2026 07:37 PM
***
You're welcome. Thanks for posting!

Posted by: TRex - museum mascot dino at May 09, 2026 07:38 PM (IQ6Gq)

155 >>I love where I live.

That ends the debate. Midwestern guy here, but never, EVER, crap on someone who loves her/his home.

Posted by: Nazdar at May 09, 2026 07:39 PM (NcvvS)

156 My dad used to work for a phosphorous company that had a mine at Silver Bow, MT. Cleanup site nowadays due to neglect AFTER his tenure.

He used to tell us MT was beautiful.

Posted by: Dale at May 09, 2026 07:39 PM (f45WX)

157 That ends the debate. Midwestern guy here, but never, EVER, crap on someone who loves her/his home.
Posted by: Nazdar at May 09, 2026

***
Certainly not out loud. There are far too many people here who love Da Swamp despite its pesthole status. I'm outnumbered.

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 07:40 PM (wzUl9)

158 Montana sites:
Little Bighorn (definitely worth it; very cool activities on the anniversary of the battle.)

Three Rivers State Park (Missouri River Headwaters)

A zillion great scenic drives

Yellowstone Hikes in MT:
Fawn Creek
Bacon Rind Creek

Posted by: RS at May 09, 2026 07:41 PM (SuU/K)

159 Noodus moviola

Posted by: Wolfus Aurelius, Dreaming of Elsewhere at May 09, 2026 07:41 PM (wzUl9)

160 That ends the debate. Midwestern guy here, but never, EVER, crap on someone who loves her/his home.
Posted by: Nazdar
*********
I offered no comment on Seattle. Only my experience with Colorado.

Posted by: The Grateful - Acta Non Verba at May 09, 2026 07:43 PM (IQ6Gq)

161 Movie Sign Nood!

Posted by: Blutarski, Gradually then Suddenly at May 09, 2026 07:45 PM (l26NL)

162 Ringing Rocks seem like an excellent way to summon rattlesnakes. Or demons.

Posted by: Eromero at May 09, 2026 07:56 PM (LHPAg)

163 Evening, Hobby Horde! There is a type of lava rock known as phonolite, which typically rings when struck. I suspect what we see there is a lava flow that became chilled, and broke up into boulders while still "flowing". With the crust of each boulder quick-chilled by contact with air (or possibly water) the surface shrank, and compressed the still-plastic lava within, setting up tension that makes them ring. Pretty sure there is also a field of ringing rocks in Pennsylvania, too.

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at May 09, 2026 09:08 PM (utfVc)

164 Montana's beauty meets and exceeds any thing found in Europe.

Posted by: Jack Jarvis, Esq. at May 09, 2026 10:36 PM (poWsx)

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