From Nashville to Bozeman in just two days; driving through the midwest, taking in the rows of cornfields and never ending plains, provided for ample time to reflect. I am used to movement, business, and ongoing stimulation. It is challenging for me to sit still and just be with whatever is happening at present. Van life asks for quite a bit of this, especially when commuting from one end of the country to the next.
While Tennessee had its own charm with the greenery and rainforest-esque foliage, I was ready to get out of the sticky, humid heat and into a drier climate. After 26 hours of travel time, we made it to Bozeman, Montana. We drove through the town on an early weekend morning and headed straight for the mountains that lay just outside of it. We had read of a mountain bike ride in the Northern Gallatin Range that climbed 1800 feet over 2.5 miles, landing one at the picturesque Emerald Lake.
Once we pulled into the parking lot and managed to get our bikes and gear ready for an adventure, we spotted a sign that read, “Be Bear Aware; Carry Bear-Spray”. Of course we intellectually KNEW that Montana was home to many Grizzlies, but this hadn’t really crossed our mind during the drive from Tennessee and we were woefully unprepared. Yet, seeing as the trail we were to be riding was heavily trafficked, we decided to hope for the best and take our chances.
The ride up was intense for me – steep and challenging to maneuver with roots and rocks stemming from all angles of the trail. But the trek was well worth it. Emerald Lake sits between Glacial Peaks and is fed by the Spring and Summer snow melt. This time of year, the meadow that encloses the lake is vibrant and alive with wildflowers. Many people hike to the lake to enjoy a picnic lunch or to fish. I was glad we went early in the day, as it was still relatively quiet upon our arrival to the lake’s edge.
After a quick loop around the lake (and plenty of photography) we headed back down the mountain. What is difficult to climb is usually very fun to do in reverse and we flew back to the parking lot…all the while avoiding bears.
We spent our afternoon in Bozeman – checking out both Wild Joe’s and Treeline Coffee (both of which I recommend) and perusing the outdoor gear and cyclery shops, which Daniel insists we do in every town we wander through.
That evening we drove back in the direction of Emerald Lake, towards Hyalite Creek, and snagged ourselves a dispersed campsite that was perched alongside a creek – perfect place for a “bath”. After Walmart and truck stop “camping” this felt like a luxury.
Monday morning had us on the road to Helena, where apparently the best mountain biking in the state is to be had. Our ride, once again, consisted of a lot of climbing and elevation gain but the view and the ride down was well worth it. The ride popped us right into downtown, perfect for our post ride beer at Blackfoot River Brewing Co. From Helena, we drove to Missoula and then onward to Whitefish.
On Tuesday morning we pulled into the Hammer nutrition parking lot, where Daniel was able to meet with his trials sponsor, Brian, and get a tour of the facility. While in Whitefish, Brian generously opened the door of his lakefront home to us. With kayaks, jet skis, a paddle board and a motorboat – we were straight up spoiled. Our week in Whitefish was certainly not the typical “van life”.
I fell in love with the little town of Whitefish. It reminded me so much of my home, Bend, Oregon, with its proximity to natural beauty and outdoor recreation. While there we went for a 20 mile cross country ride on the Whitefish Mountain Trail system, explored rides near North Spencer Mountain, and spent many afternoons kayaking or swimming in the lake. I had a lot of time to myself, with Daniel off riding every morning and into the early afternoon, and I walked the 2 miles to downtown each day for a cup of coffee (Montana Coffee Traders being my favorite) and to explore the little shops. I also ate quite a bit of Sweet Peaks ice cream – needing to sample every flavor, of course.
Whitefish is roughly 45 minutes from one of the entrances to Glacier National Park. We spent one evening, from 5PM to dark, exploring what is now one of my top 2 favorite National Parks (only Yosemite compares in my opinion). Upon recommendation, we drove up to Logan Pass via Going to the Sun Road, me staring out the window in awe the entire time. To say that Glacier is breathtaking feels like an understatement. No words, or photos, can truly do it justice. You need to see it to fully appreciate the grandiose beauty of the park. Massive rock walls, glacial lakes, waterfalls and forested plains make for an absolute wonderland. I can see why so many artists and photographers are inspired by the landscape.
We hiked into Hidden Lake viewpoint, atop Logan Pass, and marveled at how much it reminded us of the French alps. Wildflowers, streams, snow and greenery. From there we hiked about a mile along the Highline trail, where we encountered a mama and baby mountain goat duo. They were making their way along the rocky cliff edge, the baby showing off his new found agility for the slippery, steep surface. Much better to meet a goat pair than a bear pair.
As the sun began to set, we headed to Avalanche Lake trail head, hoping we could hike into the lake before dark fell upon us. Unfortunately, while hiking, the sun quickly began to descend behind the mountain range and we knew that hiking on would likely be dangerous (we later learned that the Avalanche lake trail is a thoroughfare for bears). So we instead finished our day on the Trail of Cedars, which provided an incredible view of gushing waterfalls and the sighting of a Ringtail fox. Five hours in that park isn’t enough, and I am already planning my next adventure back.
Traveling teaches us. Whether the traveling occurs in a foreign country or a neighboring state. If we don’t take time to pause and reflect upon what we are learning from our travels, then we are missing out on a large part of what the experience has to offer. Our week in Montana consisted of a lot of time in nature. Spending time in nature makes me want to be a better person. The natural world is rhythmic, self-sufficient, balanced, both simple and complex. Nothing in nature exists out of want, but instead is there out of necessity.
Traveling through Montana in the van provided for an abundance of time in nature. Mountain bike rides led us to glacial lakes and wildflower meadows. Driving the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park resulted in some of the most magnificent views that I have *ever* witnessed. Being able to wake up each morning to a view of Whitefish lake and the sound of water gently lapping against the side of a boat is soul medicine.
This time in nature has me reflecting on consumerism vs. simplicity; wants vs. needs; balance and alignment vs. excess and obsession. Like the natural world, I desire a more rhythmic way of being. I yearn to be more in tune with my body – which is nature in its essence – so as to hear my own needs, to provide myself with greater balance and alignment and to live simply… supporting the natural world that I love.
It isn’t easy. We live in a consumer driven society that is constantly encouraging us to buy more, to change just this “one” thing, to pursue just a bit more status. If one isn’t clear and committed to their values, then it is quite easy to fall into this trap.
I find myself there time and time again. When driving through South Dakota I felt the need to buy a sugar-laden gas station coffee. Why? Because I was bored and buying something, especially something chocolatey and sweet, felt like the perfect way to numb out that boredom. I’ll go into health food stores and drop $30 on a few small items as a means of countering feelings of scarcity within.
Alternatively, when I immerse myself in nature, the desire to consume simply for the sake of consumption fades. It is as though my soul is being nourished and there’s less need for numbing and distracting. I eat only when I am hungry (as opposed to out of boredom, anxiety, or grief) and I gravitate to more wholesome, nutritious food. I sleep when I am tired (as opposed to scrolling through Instagram for an hour before finally turning down the lights). I move my body as a means of exploration and adventure (as opposed to feeling like I MUST exercise to compensate for what I ate). I fall into nature’s rhythm.
It is hard for me, and I imagine for others as well, to maintain this rhythm when immersed in the to do’s, the social engagements, and the slew of advertisement that society throws our way. I am not sure if it goes back to the adage of “keeping up with the Jones’”, or from where this feeling that I need to acquire more, to change just one more thing, to climb one more ladder, stems from. When in nature I feel so whole, so satisfied and so inspired. I want to maintain this way of being whether I am riding the trails or pushing a cart through a supermarket.
Living out of a van, on a tight budget has me thinking a lot on this lately. I value balance, rhythm, alignment and the simplicity that is born from necessity. These values are easy to maintain when I am in the forest, but how do I continue to live these out regardless of my environment? How can I step away from the pull of consumerism, and back into my values, when in the face of messages that say “you are not enough; you don’t have enough”?
While I don’t have an exact answer to this, and what is considered a “correct” answer will vary from person to person, I do have some thoughts. No matter where I am – in a remote corner of the forest, or in the middle of a crowded city – I have the option to pause, to take a breath, and to think about my next choice. Will I choose what aligns to my values? Or will I act out of impulse and instead move further away from the life I seek to lead? Each day that I begin with a walk, or a run, outside grounds me into my body. Every time I go to my journal, or to a trusted friend, to share what is stirring within me – instead of to the store or the fridge – I am staying true to my values and my spirit. Each day that I choose to move my body from the mindset of strengthening versus shrinking, I am acting from my place of deeper knowledge and wisdom.
I don’t need more. More will not make me happier, prettier, or more successful. What I need is to come back to myself again and again. While being in nature makes this easier, it isn’t the only way to achieve it. Conscious effort is required, but it is possible to live out my values of rhythm, balance, alignment and simplicity in any situation and in any environment. And when I don’t? Well, that is okay too. I can forgive myself, and then try again in the next moment, day, or chapter of life.
When we allow it to, travel teaches us. I took this year off so as to step outside of my comfort zone – which travel, and van life, most certainly require – and force to the surface the difficult questions that swirl about in my mind. I wanted to provide time and space for these questions to percolate and to see where quiet exploration and reflection on them would lead. I don’t have answers to all of them, and my answers will most certainly be different than yours. I hope that through my contemplation, you are inspired to discover what is true for you, “How do you withhold your value system regardless of the environment in which you are immersed?”
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