I am glad to see the photos and KPAX had a good feature about you in Great Falls, the good guy in the white hat!! I love following your adventures on the blog, it's nice to have this subscribers only feature. But I signed up to support YOU and do not feel the need for a bonus. The world of blogging is becoming complicated. Here's to community and friendships!
These stirred my heart. I can only imagine how it felt to you to see tipis in the distance, see Buffalo, hear the drums. (I get super romantic/nostalgic/melancholic when I go to Scottish clan gatherings.) Vicariously loving this beautiful road trip.
Ack this is so great. When I lived in Oregon I had to take long road trips to Eastern Oregon regularly and people would ask me similarly if I was tired of it and I was like are you kidding? I loved every excuse I could get for a road trip. My favorite part of the state is the Wallowas, when you get near Hell's Canyon and get a sense of it spreading east into Idaho and Montana. Living in Alaska, you can take road trips, but there are basically two highways, and the boreal forest is loonnnng. I miss that variety of high desert and buttes, pines, and the chance to see a few pronghorn in the distance. Beautiful to see it, thanks so much for sharing and giving us a view of your road trips---which I agree are the best.
I've only made that trip once and would love to again. Hell's Canyon features in Peter Stark's ASTORIA and it is a harrowing section. Then there's the plight of the Nez Perce, etc. What a land we live on, with so many echoes from events that have occurred so recently. I'd rather walk some of these routes than drive them, you know?
I agree. I think about that history everytime I'm there--it's sown into the fields and mountains, and it feels like you can hear those echoes in the wind. I wish too that there were ways to re-wild those areas and mountains, rename them. It's beyond insulting that Mt. Howard is named after such a horrible bastard.
Just drove from Ashland, OR through Christmas Valley to Burns (Malhuer), Ontario, and finally, Bozeman. Eastern Oregon is really great and fascinating. Hoping to visit Steens soon. That upper East part around Joseph & Hell’s Canyon - I haven’t visited in 30 years, but the way you describe it as kind of unfolding into ID & MT rings true even from those distant memories. Special place.
I loved this! I would also 100 percent listen to a podcast or other audio-type offering. BUT even your free writing alone is worth the subscription. :)
I love the photos, Chris. I don't get to your part of the world often, so it's good to see it in this way, to have some current pictures to place in my mind when I'm reading your words.
I also love the idea of a podcast, although I do not want to sign you up for that work if you're not super into it yourself. As I understand it, the editing alone is a ton of time and effort. You do have a great voice though, in both senses of the word, and I know you don't think your meanderings are that interesting, but I and [how many readers now??] respectfully disagree. I have just a few podcast-type things I listen to on the regular. I like to listen while I'm cutting back the blackberries or tending the tomatoes or pruning the weird shrubs that came with this house. Desert Oracle gets a lot of that listening time, for example. I'd love to add you to that short list.
It was your writing and photographs that immediately engaged my attention upon arriving here as a free subscriber. Your writing and photographs are what keep me engaged. Becoming a paid subscriber is how I can actively show appreciation for your work. With a paid subscription, I wasn't expecting more than you already give so generously. It is a joy to look at your photo essay, especially the glimpses from the Little Shell Pow Wow.
I know you shared this a minute ago but maybe you will see this... I found you through AHP and subscribed to your substack for a couple of reasons. The manner in which you put thoughts to paper is beautiful, of course, but I also felt an opportunity to learn about a culture, a place, and people that I know nothing about. With this in mind, I would love to ask you a couple of questions. You mentioned that the "cowboy life" has been "politicized". If you do not mind explaining to a girl from an Island off of MA, (and yes I have read and learned about the Wampanoag tribe) why? The second question is that when you go to these events that you have highlighted in your photo essay, is it appropriate for non-indigenous peoples to attend, even to dance when they call everyone into the circle, or no?
This is a great question. How would you feel if I answer it as part of an actual newsletter? As you said, this was posted a minute ago, but I think more people would welcome an interaction, or at least visibility, of what you've asked. Would you mind?
also, I have done a wee bit of research on the cowboy question and if you are referring to the adoption of the persona of the cowboy for the GOP's rugged individualism and general piss poor definition of masculine bull shit then yes, I GET THAT. I got the vibe that your were referring to something more current, or new...
No, it's totally the "adoption of the persona of the cowboy for the GOP's rugged individualism and general piss poor definition of masculine bull shit" you speak of. Cowboy culture is as right wing as it gets, even if most cowboy culture is more hat than cattle. Hell, the cattle guard I drove over after passing that herd was painted in the colors of the American flag.
Well, we could also talk about how they have abducted the American flag as well, but at this point in my life education i feel like they can have it. It is time for a new one anyway!
I just wanted to say how much I love this photo essay. I do the same thing, thinking nobody could possibly want to look at all these photos, but yours are absolute stunners and what's more, they give me a way to go and be places I could never otherwise go and be. Sunrise at National Park Mountain, the shadows on the face & feathers of SUPAMAN, so much more ... I'm so grateful to you for giving me this opportunity.
Sep 8, 2022·edited Sep 8, 2022Liked by Chris La Tray
Great photos, thank you for sharing. I echo other sentiments regarding my subscription is to support you, not pressure you to give more. You give so much and we are so appreciative. I love being your audience. Thank you again.
I am so grateful for the summer you’ve had. I do wish I had tried harder to come say hello at any one of your destinations, but it sounds like you’ve had a wonderful time. The photos are fabulous and I might have even danced. I agree about the fancy dancers. This was great to receive. More of everything, please. Thank you.
I am glad to see the photos and KPAX had a good feature about you in Great Falls, the good guy in the white hat!! I love following your adventures on the blog, it's nice to have this subscribers only feature. But I signed up to support YOU and do not feel the need for a bonus. The world of blogging is becoming complicated. Here's to community and friendships!
Thank you, Barbara. I hope you recognize that the "white hat" was inspired by a mutual friend of ours who is also a pretty good guy, aka Mr. JLB!
These stirred my heart. I can only imagine how it felt to you to see tipis in the distance, see Buffalo, hear the drums. (I get super romantic/nostalgic/melancholic when I go to Scottish clan gatherings.) Vicariously loving this beautiful road trip.
Julia, I get swept up in the romance of it all too. Thank you for sharing that.
Your photo of the First People's Buffalo Jump reminded me of this article. Hope your other subscribers
take the time to read it. Although there are many, this is a fine example of your writing gift.
https://www.highdesertjournal.org/chris-la-tray-ulm-pishkun
Thank you for reminding us of that essay. I loved that one. One of my quiet favorites of Chris's.
❤️
Thank you for digging that up, Patrick. I appreciate it very much.
Ack this is so great. When I lived in Oregon I had to take long road trips to Eastern Oregon regularly and people would ask me similarly if I was tired of it and I was like are you kidding? I loved every excuse I could get for a road trip. My favorite part of the state is the Wallowas, when you get near Hell's Canyon and get a sense of it spreading east into Idaho and Montana. Living in Alaska, you can take road trips, but there are basically two highways, and the boreal forest is loonnnng. I miss that variety of high desert and buttes, pines, and the chance to see a few pronghorn in the distance. Beautiful to see it, thanks so much for sharing and giving us a view of your road trips---which I agree are the best.
I've only made that trip once and would love to again. Hell's Canyon features in Peter Stark's ASTORIA and it is a harrowing section. Then there's the plight of the Nez Perce, etc. What a land we live on, with so many echoes from events that have occurred so recently. I'd rather walk some of these routes than drive them, you know?
I agree. I think about that history everytime I'm there--it's sown into the fields and mountains, and it feels like you can hear those echoes in the wind. I wish too that there were ways to re-wild those areas and mountains, rename them. It's beyond insulting that Mt. Howard is named after such a horrible bastard.
The great Erasing Bastard Names Walking Tour. I hope you'll join me.
love it. Yes!
💚
Just drove from Ashland, OR through Christmas Valley to Burns (Malhuer), Ontario, and finally, Bozeman. Eastern Oregon is really great and fascinating. Hoping to visit Steens soon. That upper East part around Joseph & Hell’s Canyon - I haven’t visited in 30 years, but the way you describe it as kind of unfolding into ID & MT rings true even from those distant memories. Special place.
I loved this! I would also 100 percent listen to a podcast or other audio-type offering. BUT even your free writing alone is worth the subscription. :)
Thank you, Cayly. I'll probably do at least one, and then we'll see.
I love the photos, Chris. I don't get to your part of the world often, so it's good to see it in this way, to have some current pictures to place in my mind when I'm reading your words.
I also love the idea of a podcast, although I do not want to sign you up for that work if you're not super into it yourself. As I understand it, the editing alone is a ton of time and effort. You do have a great voice though, in both senses of the word, and I know you don't think your meanderings are that interesting, but I and [how many readers now??] respectfully disagree. I have just a few podcast-type things I listen to on the regular. I like to listen while I'm cutting back the blackberries or tending the tomatoes or pruning the weird shrubs that came with this house. Desert Oracle gets a lot of that listening time, for example. I'd love to add you to that short list.
Thank you, Tara. I'm considering it! And Desert Oracle is pretty much the only podcast I listen to, with some here and theres now and then.
It was your writing and photographs that immediately engaged my attention upon arriving here as a free subscriber. Your writing and photographs are what keep me engaged. Becoming a paid subscriber is how I can actively show appreciation for your work. With a paid subscription, I wasn't expecting more than you already give so generously. It is a joy to look at your photo essay, especially the glimpses from the Little Shell Pow Wow.
Thank you. I very much appreciate your participation as well. This thing wouldn't have survived so long without people like you and your support.
Great photos!
Thank you, Moira!
Love these gorgeous photos...thanks for taking us along for the ride!
Thank you, Sara.
This is great! Gorgeous photos with a great story of your trip. ❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Victoria.
I know you shared this a minute ago but maybe you will see this... I found you through AHP and subscribed to your substack for a couple of reasons. The manner in which you put thoughts to paper is beautiful, of course, but I also felt an opportunity to learn about a culture, a place, and people that I know nothing about. With this in mind, I would love to ask you a couple of questions. You mentioned that the "cowboy life" has been "politicized". If you do not mind explaining to a girl from an Island off of MA, (and yes I have read and learned about the Wampanoag tribe) why? The second question is that when you go to these events that you have highlighted in your photo essay, is it appropriate for non-indigenous peoples to attend, even to dance when they call everyone into the circle, or no?
This is a great question. How would you feel if I answer it as part of an actual newsletter? As you said, this was posted a minute ago, but I think more people would welcome an interaction, or at least visibility, of what you've asked. Would you mind?
also, I have done a wee bit of research on the cowboy question and if you are referring to the adoption of the persona of the cowboy for the GOP's rugged individualism and general piss poor definition of masculine bull shit then yes, I GET THAT. I got the vibe that your were referring to something more current, or new...
No, it's totally the "adoption of the persona of the cowboy for the GOP's rugged individualism and general piss poor definition of masculine bull shit" you speak of. Cowboy culture is as right wing as it gets, even if most cowboy culture is more hat than cattle. Hell, the cattle guard I drove over after passing that herd was painted in the colors of the American flag.
Well, we could also talk about how they have abducted the American flag as well, but at this point in my life education i feel like they can have it. It is time for a new one anyway!
Agreed.
Not at all. Thank you for circling back around to this thread. It takes me a while to read, digest, and interact with my three substacks.
😂
I just wanted to say how much I love this photo essay. I do the same thing, thinking nobody could possibly want to look at all these photos, but yours are absolute stunners and what's more, they give me a way to go and be places I could never otherwise go and be. Sunrise at National Park Mountain, the shadows on the face & feathers of SUPAMAN, so much more ... I'm so grateful to you for giving me this opportunity.
Thank you, Hannah.
Great photos, thank you for sharing. I echo other sentiments regarding my subscription is to support you, not pressure you to give more. You give so much and we are so appreciative. I love being your audience. Thank you again.
Thank you, Barbra.
I am so grateful for the summer you’ve had. I do wish I had tried harder to come say hello at any one of your destinations, but it sounds like you’ve had a wonderful time. The photos are fabulous and I might have even danced. I agree about the fancy dancers. This was great to receive. More of everything, please. Thank you.
Thank you, Maggie. I'm grateful for the summer I've had too.
I loved looking at these Chris. I also very much want to eat those tacos.
Holly, they are everything you might be imagining them to be.
I love the photos, even though they make me homesick. Thanks for a little trip around the state when I can't be there in person.
Thank you, Sarah. Montana is really a stunning place and I try not to take it for granted.