Roadtrip: Bozeman, MT

Independence Day Celebration: No loud bangs, no crowds
July 4-8, 2007

One of my favorite summer rituals is our annual camping trip to Bozeman. It's not real rugged camping, since we actually stay at a campground and make frequent trip to the Co-op for its organic offerings and refuge from the intense Montana summer sun. We actually managed to talk our friends into forgoing Luxuristan (i.e. the Marriott) for a taste of the plebeian, tree-hugging life. I think they had fun and weren't just faking it. Right, Heather? I know all the kids loved it. How can any man-made, pay-to-participate activity trump hours of dam building in the campside creek? Besides, we did not make them mount their bikes for any of those multi-hour treks that we have talked ouselves into believing that they enjoy as much as we do. We also took along our summer intern, Topher. He also seemed to enjoyed it but regretted the lack of cell phone reception in the canyon. The girlfriend thing, you know. Hmmmm.

We rode our mountain bikes, ran single track trails, ate good food, and slept in the cool mountain air. What better way is there to celebrate American Independence? Certainly not sitting on a blanket surrounded by a cesspool of humanity oohing and aahing over ridiculous fireworks. A little judgemental, eh?

This is the third summer I have rendezvoused in Bozeman with my good friend and former NH neighbor, Emily a.k.a. Emmo. Emily was enrolled in a Masters of Science Education program through the university in Bozeman that required her to spend consecutive summers in residence living the college life after so many years. She has graduated. Congratulations Emily. Now she gets a big fatty raise compliments of Conval school District! Try not to spend it all in one place Emily. Maybe spend a little on a ticket to Moab during winter break to meet up with your former neighbors? Just an idea. http://www.expedia.com/

Tony and Owen headed back to Idaho Falls with Topher and the Bruemmers and I stayed an extra 1 1/2 days to go ride with Emily on her weekend off.

Our first ride was sweet. We went up Hyalite Canyon past the reservoir to the Emerald Lake Trailhead. This trail was perfectly rideable singletrack that switchbacked up to an alpine basin. We did not tarry long at the lake due to the carniverous nature of the mosqitoes. The description on my map of this ride says it will make you "giggle like a school girl". Yep. Upon arrival back at the truck the heavens opened and it hailed to beat the band. Good timing. See photo.

Our second ride was less technical but equally as beautiful and longer. Across from our campground in the Hyalite Canyon is a is the Moser Creek Trailhead. We connected this short loop to the Bozeman Creek Road (the lower portion of the Mystic Lake trail).