Finding Inspiration in ‘The Last Best Place’

Sunrays after rainstorm near Reedpoint, Montana, along I-90. Gayle Irwin photo.

As I drove Interstate 90 west past Billings toward Bozeman, a major rainstorm formed over the highway. Drenching rain poured across the pavement and upon the nearby fields and hillsides. The gusher lasted less than 10 minutes. As I rounded a curve in the road, I glanced in my rearview and side mirrors and gaped. A jaw-dropping bright, large rainbow filled my sight-path. I felt as though this stunning sight welcomed me home.

Nearly 14 years of my younger life was spent in Montana, affectionately know as ‘The Big Sky State.’ About 560 miles from east to west, the state boasts mountains, forests, hills, and plains. It is home for numerous wildlife species, including many large mammals such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, cougars, and wolves. Montana’s history includes travels by Lewis and Clark, paintings by the western artist Charlie Russell, and multiple Native American cultures including the Blackfeet, Salish, and Crow. The Nez Perce traveled through Montana during their flight toward Canada in 1877, and Custer had his last stand near the Little Bighorn River the year before. From bison jumps created by Natives to copper king mansions such as the Daly in Hamilton, history abounds in this state … so does spectacular scenery.

Rainbow along I-90 near Reedpoint, Montana, June 2021. Gayle Irwin photo.The Last Best Place

History and scenery draw people to Montana, which has also been termed ‘The Last Best Place.’ According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Montana’s population has increased from about 887,000 in the year 2000 to more than 1 million in 2020. Needless to say, the state has been ‘discovered’ by this generation’s Lewises and Clarks.

Lakes, rivers, and streams beckon boaters and fisherpersons. Wilderness areas call to backpackers, and forest trails whisper to hikers and horseback riders. Montana is home to Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks as well as numerous state parks, all of which are experiencing significant visitor numbers this year. The opportunity to see mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears, elk, and moose abound in these and other places of the state, and numerous types of birds, despite their shrinking numbers in the past five decades, claim the grasslands and prairies of eastern Montana. Wildlife watching and nature photography opportunities abound in the Last Best Place.

Bighorn sheep with lamb in western Montana. Gayle Irwin photo.

I took such occasions several times. My heart ballooned with joy as I returned to places where I once lived and snapped several photos during my 10-day stay. I reconnected with people I had not seen in years, including former colleagues and fellow writers. I conducted two booksignings to benefit Montana pet rescue groups, and as I drove through areas that once sparked my creativity as a journalist and freelance writer, I again found inspiration. New stories have taken root in my head and heart to add to my collection of articles and books.

A Lady Called Montana

I set my Pet Rescue Romance books in this area. During last month’s trip, I gazed upon mountains I patterned in Rescue Road and My Montana Love, and I felt the same sense of joy when I lived near Bozeman and West Yellowstone. I watched horses in green pastures graze and run, and I remembered writing similar scenes in My Montana Love. I may no longer live in Montana, but as my singer/songwriter friend Rob Quist sings in his ballad A Lady Called Montana,  “… she’s a lady called Montana … she keeps calling me back home … for this lady called Montana, she’ll steal your heart away.”

Whether you can or can’t visit this majestic place, you will find vivid descriptions of Montana in my books Rescue Road and My Montana Love. Here is an excerpt from Rescue Road:

Rhiann stood on the porch of the mid-century ranch house. Cup of coffee in hand, she watched the blazing orange sunrise. Streamers of light cascaded on the mountains west of the property, casting a rosy glow on the rocks and patches of snow upon the higher elevation. October’s morning danced with the browning grasses of the nearby pastures as touches of frost shimmered upon tan sprigs surrounding the house. Overhead, a flock of Canada geese in traditional V formation honked as they winged their way south.

Rhiann observed them and whispered, “We have something in common. We’re starting over.”

Her body shivered, from autumn’s chill coupled with a wave of nervousness. She sighed as her gaze returned to her surroundings.

 “Sure wish you were here, Grams,” she said, her voice still low. “This was our dream, to come here together and to make the sanctuary a reality. Now, it’s just me, starting over again.”

Bridger Mountains near Bozeman, Montana, another source of inspiration. Gayle Irwin photo

As I wrote those paragraphs, I envisioned the Tobacco Root Mountains west of Bozeman and the area known as the Madison Valley. While traveling through the area last month, I recalled writing this scene, and I smiled. The Bridger Mountains east of town and the valley below, as well as the picturesque drive between Bozeman and Livingston, inspire me as well. I can take readers to places they may never visit, areas that I cherish, and that brings me joy.

This summer sit back with an entertaining and engaging story about romantic love and compassion for critters and find yourself in ‘The Last Best Place” with one of my books! They are available in print or e-book format from Amazon or via Barnes and Noble and other platforms in e-book form. Take yourself to Montana without leaving your chair!

Two of my Pet Rescue Romance books are set in southwestern Montana. Available in print and e-book formats. AllAuthor graphic.Pet Principle:

No matter where I travel, at least one of my dogs goes with me. I not only overpack for myself, but I tend to over-pack for my pets. But that’s okay – it’s better to have more than you need for your beloved furry friend than to be in need. Food and water, dishes for those things, some blankets, ID and rabies tags, medication, toys – all these things are vital when traveling with a pet. Also knowing where you can and can’t take your dog or cat is helpful before embarking on a trip. Many places have become pet-friendly over the years, and one of the best resources to view ahead of time is BringFido.com. Here you will discover not only lodging that accepts pets, but you’ll also learn about restaurants and activities that are pet-friendly. I use this website frequently.

For more information on best travel practices when making a road trip with your pet, visit this web page: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/how-to-travel-with-your-dog#1

My Shih Tzu, Jeremiah, often travels with me. He loves to explore! Gayle Irwin photo.