I'm Yearning for Montana

With the first day of Spring behind us and the days about to get stretched out, I'm longing for a wildlife retreat. Lamar Valley in Yellowstone calls. Through the month of May the elk, grizzly, bison, wolf, coyote, deer and pronghorn all migrate to the valley to feed on the first roots and each other.

It's the circle of life unfolded before your very eyes. It breathes new life into your tired bones.

The park is relatively quiet compared to the high traffic months of June through August. It's quite easy to find a private retreat within Yellowstone that will fool you into thinking you are alone in America's serengeti.

On a May morning several years back, brother Joe and I got up before the sunrise to drive east through the valley. As dawn peaked over the mountains we were able to see a lone wolf traveling parallel to us along the river bank. Conscious of each other's presence we greeted the morning sun together. Amazing.

Later that same morning we hiked down to the river and dropped below the embankment to bask in the rising sun. No other souls were within eyesight or earshot. The only sounds were that of the rushing water and light wind passing through the long grass. A coyote interrupted our late morning siesta as he made his way along the river bottom. Again, respectful of each other, we exchanged an approving glance and each went on our way.

I need to go back.