Wet Line and Big Sky!

After a long journey on the road and a much needed rest in Billinings, I finally went fishing today on the Madison River! It was unbelievable. The rivers here are very high with fast water and rough current. Because of these tough conditions, there weren't many people out on the water. In fact, today I had the river to myself! I didn't catch anything, but if fishing was only about catching fish, I wouldn't fish at all. Today was about stretching my arm, casting my line, and putting a fly on the water. The scenery was unbelievable. Hills formed all around the river, creating a valley with sharp mountains in the distance. The air was hot without a cloud for miles. It felt good to cast, to be on the water and to fish. I didn't catch anything, but I know I had a good time because of the weather and the environment. Some of the land around me today seemed untouched by time and I felt like I was fishing some special water. I can't wait for more to come.

Steph was a Saint today- she dropped me off at the river and then went grocery shopping. It was great to have a friend who knows the area and to drive me to different spots on the river. After about two hours of fishing we headed to Steph's condo in Big Sky.

The road to big sky was unlike any road I've been on before. The asphalt cut through the mountains and trees like a knife with occasional sharp turns and steep mountains on each side of the road. The mountains rose up and up and I could sense a certain majesty from the car. These mountains, I swear, drew me in and captivated me. It was an uncanny feeling to be "sucked in" further and further by the mountains.

At the condo, we met Katie and her boyfriend. Katie's family owns part of the condo and she and her boyfriend were spending some time in the area. They graduated from Notre Dame this spring and are great great people. We cooked a delicious meal with grilled steak, baked potato, Caesar salad, and watermellon. The condo is in the middle of Big Sky, with mountains surrounding the area. With good weather and great people, it was the perfect place to enjoy a wonderful meal while getting to know some wonderful people.

It's late and tomorrow we are driving through Yellowstone Park! I can't wait! Thanks for reading :)

-rob