Montana is known for its mountains. In fact, the name Montana is derived from the Spanish word montaña, which in turn comes from the Latin montanea, meaning “mountain” or, more broadly, “mountainous country.”
But
mountains are only half the story. Drive east for an hour or two after crossing
the Continental Divide and you may pass an island mountain range or two, but
eventually you will find yourself in the “Big Open.” This is country that
surrenders the vertical ambitions of the western half of the state and applies
itself instead to horizontal expanses and a sky that feels structurally vital.
At times it is all sky, save for the two-lane highway threading ahead into what
feels like the nearest thing to infinity.
Yesterday,
Desiree and I drove nearly six hours east, much of it through the Big Open, to
reach Colstrip, Montana. There is something to love about not encountering
another car on the highway for nearly an hour and passing through tiny towns
where a single grain elevator serves as standard bearer. We drove through river
bottoms and badlands, alongside ragged ravines, and across broad plains.
I am
not opposed to this sky-bound country.
Not
at all.
I
have posted a “driving on” photograph taken through the windshield of our car
as we sailed into the widening landscape.
—Mitchell
Hegman
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