Highlights:
– Breakfast at M&M Butte.
– Lena’s reception and hosting in Bozeman.
– Experiencing Bozeman and meeting new people.
Daily Summary:
– Distance hiked: 5 km (mostly around town)
– Weather conditions: Hot
Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings):
Today began with a long-overdue hair wash, an act of personal hygiene that felt almost revolutionary after a week on the trail. The day started with a hearty steak and eggs breakfast at a charming diner in Butte, where the locals were notably friendlier upon learning of my trail endeavors.
The bus ride to Bozeman was mercifully short. Lena, my host, picked me up, and after a brief mix-up, she graciously welcomed me into her home. She provided me with a room and a bike to explore Bozeman, her generosity matched only by her fascinating tales of teaching health and survival skills in the outdoors. I’m now halfway convinced to take one of her courses.
My first task in Bozeman was to run some errands for Lena, including getting ice for her party. I then ventured downtown, hopping from one store to another in search of new shoes. Luck was on my side as I finally found the right pair after a good cup of coffee at a place called Joe’s something.
Plonk, a bar, was the next stop, where I indulged in a whisky cocktail before biking down Main Street. The ride was a delight, and I ended up at Ted’s, a restaurant owned by media mogul Ted Turner, for a bison steak salad, a culinary treat. There, I met a fellow who lives in Raleigh and recommended a bar with live country music.
As I was about to unlock my bike, two gentlemen, Jeremy and Bryan, struck up a conversation. What started as casual chatter turned into a deep, hour-long discussion about politics, the Camino, and the intricacies of love. They were a bit tipsy, but their honesty was refreshing.
Bozeman has proven to be a city of serendipitous encounters and generous souls. It’s been a day of good food, interesting conversations, and the comforting feeling of being welcomed into a new community.
