This is not your place

Just read the recent article in the Missoula Indy about our “incident” with the Gallatin National Forest. I think Alex Sakariassen did a nice job too. But then as I finished reading it my eyes were drawn to the comments below. And I know better then to read comments on something so close to home.

As she came to a stop to see what it was I was taking a picture of I mentioned that it was pretty risky crossing a creek with open running water. She was shocked and reportedly was just following the trail. Isn’t it weird that sometimes you think your safely in a certain space and then find out it is not what you expected.

Now back to the comments on the article …

They were OK, except for one suggesting that other forests “beware”. The Gallatin is a odd egg. All other forests you can approach it’s supervisor and ask questions. The Gallatin you can not. This place, Bozeman, or BozAngeles, or Bozone, is not your place. It is not like other places. I can not put my finger on it but there are powerful forces at play in this “last weird place”.

I moved here thinking it would be open and free and then got into some trouble for riding my fat bike. I am not shocked any longer because I am  aware I am riding across unstable land. No, other lands, other towns, other forests … don’t fret. Don’t beware, this is not your place.