This was my first visit to Big Sky Montana, and Billings was a fun stop. Our summer has been a mix of touring National Parks and visiting friends who live all around the country. Billings, Montana, is where one of my best friends, Thora, now resides. Thora and I met in New York when we were both around 21 and later became roommates. We always had such a great time, and this time was no different.
Returning Home
Have you noticed that many people return home later in life? Especially those who end up single due to divorce or the death of a spouse or partner and move closer to family and familiar places. My friend Thora is a good example. She grew up in Miles City, Montana, before spending a year in France when she was 20 and then in New York City, where we met.
Billings
Like me, Thora moved several times, living in Washington, DC, Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Denver, Colorado. About one year ago, she moved to Billings. When I asked her why Billings, she mentioned that it is a larger city than Miles City, and many friends and family had also relocated there.
On our way East, heading toward Medora, we took a short detour to drive down Main Street in Miles City to see Thora’s childhood home. She said that as the youngest, she did her turn mowing that big corner yard!
Shopping Spree
Downtown Billings has some wonderful boutiques, and I could not resist picking up a few pieces at Cricket that will be perfect for our trip to Spain and Portugal in October. I think Thora said the owner has been since 1983, and she has excellent taste!
These are not the items I bought, but you can see what I mean.
On the same block, Gypsy Wind, another store, carries an eclectic mix of clothing, shoes, and accessories. I found a pair of hand-painted sandals that I could not resist.
Beartooth Highway
We took a day to drive to the Beartooth Highway, something that even Thora had not yet done. It’s a good thing Bill can drive even the most treacherous roads because “ Beartooth Highway has steep grades, hairpin turns, and narrow lanes. Despite its difficulty to navigate, it’s a designated All-American Scenic Byway and is a must-see when you’re in the area.” I had to close my eyes on some of the tricky switchbacks, but otherwise, it was an awesome drive with incredible vistas. I didn’t take many photos, but this one gives you an idea.
Little Big Horn
One day, we toured the Little Big Horn Battlefield, where we learned the true story of the battle and Custer’s Last Stand. Our tour guide provided so much detail, yet he showed empathy toward Custer’s situation. He seemed to feel that Custer was only following orders.
Some friendships endure regardless of the time between visits. It was sad to say goodbye to Thora, but she promised to visit us in Key Largo this winter!
Our next stop is Medora, South Dakota.