So, it’s been another one of those cold, wet days that make you wonder if the sun’s taken a personal day off. This morning, I poked my head out, thinking maybe I’d find some greens to munch on. My spot, just a stone’s throw east of Carriage Way in Missoula, Montana, is something out of a storybook. I’ve got this quaint little porch pad that gives me a front-row seat to the world through a massive window. There’s something almost magical about lounging in the tall grass come evening, watching a couple get lost in the latest SOA episode on their laptop. Ah, to live a day in my yard.
Oh, by the way, the name’s Peter. And before you even go there, no, I’ve got zero ties to that celebrity bunny with a penchant for trouble. My days? Well, they’re dedicated to guarding the Templar Tu Yer, a sacred temple that’s pretty much my life. And it’s not just any life—it’s a fantastic one in this yard.
To keep the temple looking sharp, I’ve enlisted a dynamic duo: Chad and Hank, the chipmunk brothers. Around these parts, chipmunks aren’t just your garden variety—they’re bona fide munks. Chad’s the one who makes sure our grounds could grace the cover of “Better Homes & Gardens,” while Hank… well, let’s just say he’s not your average chipmunk. Tipping the scales at 200 pounds, he’s the best friend you could ask for—unless you’re a black bear looking for trouble. Last year, I witnessed him give one such unwelcome visitor a lesson in humility. Thanks to him, our yard remains a peaceful haven.
Truly, life is a gem here, surrounded by our precious temples and tall grass, with the bonus of having human dramas unfold right before our eyes through the big window. I’m already wondering what tonight’s show will be.
Shifting gears to a different slice of my life, it was like deja vu all over again today. Our rendezvous was classic—same place, same “hey, how’s it going?” followed by the grueling trek up the “gut” of the trail. Nothing had changed. Or so it seemed.
Perched between Sentinel and University Mountain, the air buzzed with the collective excitement of my crew. The onset of a new season of Thursday Night Rides was like a balm, almost as if we’d time-traveled back to the good ol’ days. Being reunited with everyone was a gentle reminder of how sweet life can be, echoing the same sentiment I cherish daily in my own backyard. Here’s to more such moments, both in the wild and the comfort of home.
Boneshakerbike 
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