I-90 between Billings and Hardin, MT.

Day 1. Arrival. Flew the DCA-Minneapolis-Billings route, then rented a car for the 120-mile drive to Sheridan. Took advantage of the lack of a speed limit in Montana and drove 85-90 most of the way. Breathed deeply, took in the incredible scenery under the Big Sky. Ate biscuits and gravy and mashed taters for dinner. This is the life.

Day 2. Story/Banner/Big Horn/Powder Horn. Spent the morning driving past the many, many, many childhood homes of my mother, as well as drinking in the staggeringly gorgeous weather. The afternoon was whiled away playing 18 holes at the Powder Horn, in the foothills of the Big Horn mountains (I shot a 145, if you must know).

The 18th Tee at the Powder Horn.

Mom in native garb.

Days 3 and 4. Lounging Around. Went to cousin Bobby's to provide some computer tutelage. Then it was time for dinner with high school buddies of Mom's, where everyone told stories about all of the boys slobbering over Mom in her youth. Then on Day 4 had Grandma home from the nursing home for a few hours and presented her and some friends with lunch. Shirley Rae and the Two Sues.

Day 5. Mom's Property, Hulett. Made the drive over to the Holmes ancestral territory in northeastern Wyoming. Ate a picnic lunch, after a short hike, sitting in the shade under a pine tree while gazing off toward the Devils Tower. Christened the newly named Devils Tee by driving some golf balls off "our" cliff.

Taking a shot from Devil's Tee.

Close Encounters of the Wyoming Kind.

Went to the Devils Tower and hiked the 1.3 mile trail around the base. Didn't see any alien ships landing.

Hulett's Main Drag.

Played Sheridan's Kendrick course twice, then made the glorious discovery of the Horseshoe Mountain Golf Club, outside of Dayton, WY (above).

The old barn on the lower property.

Day 11. Mom's Property, Hulett. Again. We couldn't stay away. This time we drove in on the lower portion, then hiked all the way up to the point. 1 hour 45 minutes to go up, 35 to go down. It's a bit of a climb. (Click here for a page devoted to the property.)

Days 12 and 13. Golf and Farewell. Played one more round at Horseshoe, then began slowly saying goodbye to everyone. Took a trip up into the Big Horns, so that I could stand at Sand Turn and see for miles and miles and miles. Anyone who says that you can't see the curvature of the Earth hasn't gotten out of their car at this scenic overlook....

Looking down at Horseshoe from Sand Turn.

More Pictures from this Trip