Dang I love my book group peeps!  When Carmen told us the band she was in during grad school, Stand Up Stella, was going to have a one-night-only-reunion-performance in Missoula, we immediately started planning our trip there!  Last August of 2016, we loaded up the car, a few opted to fly, and we made our way out to cheer on Carmen.  It was a stunningly gorgeous drive, full of a lot of laughter.  We stopped for anything that piqued our interest: museums, viewpoints, quaint shops. It was SO dang fun! The first night we stayed at Jodie’s parents lake house who spoiled us with a delicious dinner, and as we were lying lake side around midnight, watching the meteor shower, her darling Mom delivered warm huckleberry sauce and ice cream.  That night, we listened to the stillness of lake life, ate the sublime dessert and fell asleep under the stars, finding our way inside to bed close to 2 am.  Day One, was preeeeetty good… The next morning started with coffee on the dock and a morning swim.  I could really get used to that pace of life.  Back into the car we went, winding our way through quiet mountains with a soundtrack that included the one and only John Denver (of course), and arrived at the lovely AirBnB rental home, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the rest of the group.  Over a dinner of wine and pizza,  we sat fireside out back, and laughed late into the night.  Day Two, solid.  Day Three, we explored Missoula, people watched, ate ice cream, purchased essential oils, wandered along the river front, had some incredibly delicious meals, and fell in love with the funky town.  Later that night, we had a blast gathering together to dance our faces off at the concert.  Astrid, Carmen’s daughter, joined her on stage to play a Prince tribute, it was such a sweet surprise!  As we said goodbye to the folks catching flights, we decided it would be a good idea to “swing by” Glacier National Park, stopping at the Bison Refuge to get our fill of cute fuzzy faces lumbering along the golden plains.   Finally arriving at the park nearing sunset, we made our way tot he top, which was for me,  easily one of the most terrifying drives up the mountain range,  but well worth the breath taking views.  The majesty of nature re-centers my soul. I hope to return there soon. We drove late into the night making our way to Spokane.  Close to 1 am, in the middle of absolutely NO where, I saw a man walking along the side of the road barefoot. I was the only one who saw him… or DID I…??  So bizarre!  Our last leg home included a stop at Cave B Winery for a quick tasting. I can’t wait for the next trip with these awesome women.  Cheers to adventures!