September 5-7, 2019
WANDERLUST n. A very strong desire to travel and explore the world
Wanderlust. Yup, that’s my diagnosis. There was a sign over my bed at the home we stayed in this week. It describes my feelings perfectly.
We returned to Nelson, BC – making a full circle through the region. We loved our time in Nelson. We stayed at a wonderful hostel where Anna met a young woman whose mother works as an editor for Ken Burns. She and Anna became quick friends and when she learned that Anna was interested in film production, she called her mother, who then offered Anna an internship over the winter break. What an amazing opportunity that would be!
With a bit of down time, I was able to get caught up on work and we had a chance to get to know the area better. We did a lot of walking in town. In Canada, there are so many bright, hanging baskets filled with flowers in bloom. They are on every street and they are massive and so beautiful. We found a favorite coffee shop that had fresh scones each morning. We did some shopping and Anna bought herself a Celtic ring which she loves. We stopped at an outdoor Mediterranean cafe and laughed when we were seated next to a life-sized statue of a black panther! The universe can have such a sense of humor. (See previous post – Halfway Hot Springs)
As we left Canada and headed South into Montana, I felt a real sadness, wondering how long ~ if ever ~ it would be before I returned to this amazing country. Would it be in my lifetime? I certainly hope so. There was so much I enjoyed about my time here and so much I wasn’t able to see yet.
We chose to stay in Missoula, Montana only because it was just about half way to Provo. I have never had any desire to go to Missoula and I was in for such a nice surprise! We booked a random Airbnb on Rattlesnake Drive (yikes!) with a woman named Flannery. I pictured and old woman living up in the dusty mountains surrounded by snakes, but what we found was an energetic, creative, eccentric, 30 something young woman who lived alone in a very large home in the mountains that she was renovating herself. It was so lovely and her love for Missoula was contagious!
She generously shared information about her town, the history, why she loved it and recommended many things to do. Our room was very large and comfortable and she generously offered the rest of her home for us to use and enjoy.
We got up early the next morning before continuing our drive to walk the hills outside her house. While we were out, we met one of her neighbors walking her GOATS! Haha. Nothing unusual for this mountain lady.
Fresh Flowers Everywhere 
Tamale
We headed into town at the recommendation of Flannery to the best Farmer’s Market I have ever attended. Immediately, the sights and smells assaulted us as we crossed the large bridge and approached the market. There were literally hundreds of vendors. 60% were selling fresh, organic fruits and vegetables, as it was the height of harvest season here. Huckleberries were ripe and delicious and sold in 5 pound bags for making jams and jellies. The other vendors included, soap makers, carvers, potters and fresh flower vendors. There was live music at every turn ~ mostly college students playing for change. There were many food vendors as well. Not your average American food, but very international, authentic foods. Anna purchased a tamale (see photo) and I had a breakfast burrito with egg and veggies and potato. The day was brilliant blue. We sat on a grassy park area and ate while we watched the people and thought about our friend Chelsey and her mission in this amazing place.
It was such an enjoyable morning. We purchased a large bunch of dried lavender to take to our next host and as we pulled out of town, I thought how wonderful it would be to live here. As it turned out, Rattlesnake Drive was named for the road that leads up from the “S” shaped river that runs through the center of Missoula. Incidentally, there are no rattlesnakes on Rattlesnake Drive. Just majestic pines towering high above the many rivers that wind through the city. I thought of my brother and his son Joseph and how much they would enjoy the fly fishing here.
Our time in Missoula, Montana reminded me why the spirit of Wanderlust is so satisfying.
Living All In 