Cycle of the Solstice: Time with Blue

When I headed back to Driggs, I did not expect to run into anyone specific. I hoped I would see some people I knew while I was there, but I did not have addresses or even specific enough memories to remember where people lived to make the visit to Driggs about catching up with people. When I got there, I was most interested in seeing my old haunts, hiking old hikes, eating at favorite places. That intention (or lack of) changed as soon as I ambled up the dirt road to the ranch. Because that is where I ran into Blue. Total coincidence, total timing, total place and time realm. I am so thankful that we did bump into one another that day because from that chance meeting -- we had not really talked with one another for 8 or 9 years -- we have spent time together, got to know one another again and continue to stay in touch and become better friends.

He invited me (or I invited myself, I am not quite sure) to spend time at the ranch and I took him up on it. I spent the first day there alone -- he was in MT -- and walked around, made food, read, and just hung out. The next day we floated the Teton River in the afternoon -- he rowed, and I, like the tourist I was playing, sat at the front of the boat and gawked and talked and took it all in. The next day he brought back two cute little kittens for the barn (there is a mouse issue) and then we went for a horseback ride in the misty fields of the ranch. I was in heaven -- just about anytime I am on horseback, I am -- but it was even more fun than usual because that is horse country and I was with my new/old friend. I took off for Big Sky that afternoon and made one more visit back before I left for the East. His place was a sweet place to hang out and just be. It was relaxed, beautiful, animal-filled and comfortable. I am so thankful we are back in touch.

Blue's birthday is Thursday -- HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You rock.