Eastern Montana

We drove through A LOT of eastern Montana. We were somewhat surprised by the terrain, not expecting so much open space. Farms stretched for acre after acre and just about EVERYTHING is irrigated. Giant sprinklers were running 24/7, even on the hay. It was easy to tell where the farms stopped and the ranches started as the ranches do much less irrigation. Mixed in with the cattle we saw pronghorn antelope – very cool. As we drove through the state, I wondered what it could possibly have been like to be a homesteader in this dry land. I can’t even imagine how hard it was to scratch out a house and feed yourself, let alone a family in this high desert. I’ve been reading historical novels of the Montana area and it just amazes me that folks held on and made a life here. I hope on the way home to lobby for some stops on the Oregon Trail to further experience the strength and determination of those who moved out west. Of course, there are always two sides to every story and the treatment of Native Americans in those years warrants its own investigation.