The Native Iowan

Well, not really. Not yet…

But I am having a good time and feeling great. Current score is mountains 1/ Mike 0…

Got into Missoula last eve. Hung out at Chris and Cath’s place, went for  good walk, felt good with my wind and general adaptability. I remind myself that the last time I was here I “managed” but left, after only two days of humping, totally fatigued and wasted. I felt like a puss.

I committed then to a fitness level capable of even contemplating mountain activities. Last year I came and went immediately to 6000 feet. I simply could not breath. I was disappointed in myself. And today feel much better. but I am starting slow.

Followed Chris on a grouse shoot… Got out about noon. The weather was crisp and clear. Good walking weather. We may have been at 4000 ft. We took off straight up. Chris carrying a beautiful old Parker 12 gauge. I carried a pretty little Ithaca 20 gauge.

Chris is an animal and has amazing walking skills. Me, well, I guess for an apprentice geriatric I don’t do too bad. But within minutes I am shedding layers. Sweating on my glasses. Cursing my slick-soled work boots.

Gotta get geared up! I panted and sweated and followed Chris up and over a granite saddle in well logged land. Up and over and down into a little drainage. Or such was the theory.

Up was an issue for this geriatric in training… I panted and wheezed but kept a steady (SLOW) pace. I never saw reason to load the little 20 gauge so found it to be an inadequate at best walking stick. But it did help and I did carry it up, and over and under then through, to a neat little promontory with caves and crevices.

Chris let me recover my wind so I played lizard in the sun. Then we headed down. I slipped and racked my elbow at one point. Drew blood. Made me laugh… Mountains one/ Mike Zero…

The ancient landscape and the well used and abused terrain was evidence of a fantastically fertile land. A land of power and age.

We did not see any grouse. we collected some fire wood and went home to a BBQ. Its 1030pm my time and I think I am well ready for a sleep.

I must comment on the Filardi household I am privileged to be part of… I woke this morning before 8am to kids jumping hollering and making good kids sounds. It sounded like my home. I get kid-hugs from Leo and Wren on call. Wren and I went apple picking this morning. She showed me a big pile of bear “poo”. When I asked if it was griz or black bear she stated with authority, “Black bear of course”.

I went out today without my promised bear spray can strapped to my chest… Chris tells me to negotiate if/ when we/ I encounter a bear. I understand this but Grace is a bit psychzy about it so I did promise to carry a magnum of bear deterrent. I’ll go buy one tomorrow.

And go to bed now. I feel good and look forward to more of this Montana madness…