Thank you for reminding me how much I used to enjoy the open road (odometer total: 600,000 miles on two pickup trucks), and stopping at small town cafes and truck-stop restaurants from Seattle to Missoula to New Mexico to Nashville. I rode along with you up Route 200 along the Blackfoot River. I used to live in a tiny cabin across the swinging bridge, just across the river from what used to be the Blackfoot Tavern. And any mention of Lincoln reminds me that my doppelganger, the Unabomber, lived in a tiny cabin up that way. I was the good guy with the 30-pound black steel Royal typewriter pounding out my good-guy manifesto. Finally, hello to Mark Gibbons. Last September I sat across from him at a table for eight, and after dinner the wine inspired him to recite one of his poems in performance-art fashion. The wine inspired me to follow Mark with my rendition of Missoula poet Patrick Todd reciting "Hay for the Horses" by Gary Snyder.
Mark's book of poetry, "In the Weeds," sits right in front of me, on top of my dead printer.
Gorgeous writing, as always. I am always curious about where people eat and what they’re eating and who shares meals with whom -- thanks for bringing us along with you. Also, that’s quite a bear, and quite a Dad too, I’m sure.
On a more somber note, I’m very worried about the flooding in Montana & Yellowstone. I hope you and your loved ones are safe. Looking forward to hanging out on Thursday.
Thank you. I'm scheduled to go out on the river for four days starting just four days from now. I've been losing sleep over it, even though it isn't one of the rivers causing all the national fuss. Still, an entire tree blasting downstream in the current is STILL a massive tree blasting downstream in the current, no matter what river it is....
I don’t know anything about being out on the water or about Montana rivers, but from my city couch, it looks pretty intense out there. Wishing you easy, safe passage.
You have so many wonderful events coming up. Wonderful!
I love the photo of your dad. I am so happy that you have a lasting memory of that drive you shared together.
I’m certain that the patron of the restaurant appreciates and depends on those handicap designated spaces as well as his social security check. I know that I do! Too bad that more citizens don’t consider the origins of these lifesavers. It continually amazes me that people are willing to vote against themselves.
Chris, enjoy every emerald vista and every sapphire sky.
Just discovered the outdoor sculpture park near your favorite over the divide eatery. Enchanting place to stretch the legs, though I really hate the name of the most prominent feature.
Thank you for reminding me how much I used to enjoy the open road (odometer total: 600,000 miles on two pickup trucks), and stopping at small town cafes and truck-stop restaurants from Seattle to Missoula to New Mexico to Nashville. I rode along with you up Route 200 along the Blackfoot River. I used to live in a tiny cabin across the swinging bridge, just across the river from what used to be the Blackfoot Tavern. And any mention of Lincoln reminds me that my doppelganger, the Unabomber, lived in a tiny cabin up that way. I was the good guy with the 30-pound black steel Royal typewriter pounding out my good-guy manifesto. Finally, hello to Mark Gibbons. Last September I sat across from him at a table for eight, and after dinner the wine inspired him to recite one of his poems in performance-art fashion. The wine inspired me to follow Mark with my rendition of Missoula poet Patrick Todd reciting "Hay for the Horses" by Gary Snyder.
Mark's book of poetry, "In the Weeds," sits right in front of me, on top of my dead printer.
Mark is a good friend of mine. I offered to drive him up to the Whitefish event but he chose to go with Pam instead. The nerve of the guy!
At the table for eight, Mark's "personal trainer," Pam, sat to my right. That brought be closer to their tales of growing up in Alberton.
Gorgeous writing, as always. I am always curious about where people eat and what they’re eating and who shares meals with whom -- thanks for bringing us along with you. Also, that’s quite a bear, and quite a Dad too, I’m sure.
On a more somber note, I’m very worried about the flooding in Montana & Yellowstone. I hope you and your loved ones are safe. Looking forward to hanging out on Thursday.
Thank you. I'm scheduled to go out on the river for four days starting just four days from now. I've been losing sleep over it, even though it isn't one of the rivers causing all the national fuss. Still, an entire tree blasting downstream in the current is STILL a massive tree blasting downstream in the current, no matter what river it is....
I don’t know anything about being out on the water or about Montana rivers, but from my city couch, it looks pretty intense out there. Wishing you easy, safe passage.
Thank you.
I love your writing. I meet a lot of the Long White Beard Society in the Pines, too.
Thanks, Thomas. I imagine you do. They're everywhere!
Hi Chris,
You have so many wonderful events coming up. Wonderful!
I love the photo of your dad. I am so happy that you have a lasting memory of that drive you shared together.
I’m certain that the patron of the restaurant appreciates and depends on those handicap designated spaces as well as his social security check. I know that I do! Too bad that more citizens don’t consider the origins of these lifesavers. It continually amazes me that people are willing to vote against themselves.
Chris, enjoy every emerald vista and every sapphire sky.
Sincerely,
Melissa
Thank you, as always, for your kind words, Melissa.
Just discovered the outdoor sculpture park near your favorite over the divide eatery. Enchanting place to stretch the legs, though I really hate the name of the most prominent feature.
I've been there a couple times and it is pretty amazing. I'm not aware of any of the feature names, though. Maybe that's for the best.
Chris, when you get a spare 10 minutes you might enjoy this article.
https://indiancountrytoday.com/opinion/the-lost-poems-of-wilma-mankiller?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Lit%20Hub%20Weekly:%20June%204%2C%202022&utm_term=lithub_weekly_master_list
Excellent, thank you!