Trip To Missoula

As I plot the course for what promises to be a journey of not just miles but of milestones, the road from my current location to the heart of Missoula, Montana, unfolds with every click and scroll through Google Maps. On April 26th, next Monday, I embark on a voyage that’s more than a mere change of scenery—it’s a leap into a new chapter of my life.

The plan is laid out with military precision yet tinged with the anticipation of familial warmth. The first leg of my journey aims to bring me face-to-face with my sister—a brief but cherished rendezvous. Our meeting will be a beacon, guiding me through the stretch of roads that lie ahead. With practicality in mind, I foresee the necessity for just two motel stops to rest and recharge: one in Ohio and another in North Dakota. Each stay, a brief interlude in the grand narrative of my travels.

Upon reaching the rugged beauty of Montana, my itinerary shifts from the solitude of the road to the embrace of family. A weekend with Aunt Paula awaits, promising laughter, stories, and perhaps a moment of reflection on the paths we’ve chosen. Then, it’s onward to Grandma’s house, where time seems to slow and the world outside fades into the background. My stay with her, although marked by the brevity of days, will no doubt be dense with the richness of connection and memory-making.

The final leg of my journey is both the most daunting and the most thrilling. The “new homestead” beckons with the promise of fresh starts and new horizons. This step, marked by both fear and exhilaration, symbolizes not just a change of address but a transformative shift in life’s direction.

As I stand on the precipice of this adventure, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. There’s a certain solemnity in leaving behind the familiar, yet the thrill of the unknown propels me forward. The road to Missoula is more than a route traced on a map; it’s a journey of discovery, of farewells and hellos, of endings and new beginnings.

So, as I prepare to set out on this expedition, I invite you to journey with me—not just through the landscapes that will roll past my windows but through the inner landscapes that promise to be just as varied and vast.

Until next time, from somewhere on the road!