Last Barn in Montana
The Bainville rest stop included a lovely latte as well as a lovely conversation with a retired 1st grade teacher. She had taught school for 39 years. I asked about class sizes and she mentioned that this year she had her largest class ever, 13 students. She said her average had been eight students. I remarked enviously, "No wonder you were able to teach for 39 years." She also mentioned that her granddaughter's senior high graduation class had eight students and all would be going on to college. The Montana schools are funded with oil money and they are experiencing an oil boom in this part of the country.
This same woman shared a story with me about when she chaperoned her granddaughter's class trip to New York City. She said the tour guide really put fear into the hearts of those kids when he warned them right before boarding the subway, "don't panic if you see a rat while riding the subway." I thought that was quite humorous considering I've seen so many gophers running around the Montana roadways.
The people on the prairie are not concerned with crime. These families do not lock their homes or cars. Traffic jams are unheard of here. However, they do have to worry about a deer crashing into their vehicle on the highway.
I dragged out this rest stop, not wanting to hurry up and fight the wind. I had nine miles to reach the North Dakota state line. The winds seemed to get stronger and I was wondering if these winds were trying to keep us in Montana, or were they sent from North Dakota to delay our arrival. At the state line the winds seemed to become stronger and the hills were going on and on. It was discouraging to look down and see 4 mph on my computer. However, I had to remind myself that with the rain, headwinds and cool weather we were being spared the triple digit temperatures common at this time of year. And the biggest scourge, mosquitoes big enough to ride like a bicycle. Time to stop complaining.
Seven miles from Williston and it still took another hour to reach the home of Doug and Anna Hoffman. But, what a welcome we received. They literally invited us to take over their small cozy home.
Today we are taking a rest day. This is good timing with the heavy rains coming down today. Anna prepared us a breakfast of deer meat sausage and fresh strawberries. She is taking us to visit the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers.
The Rivers
We are safe, dry, rested and well taken care of for yet another day on the prairie.
Pelican near the confluence
2 comments:
wow, a 100% college-going rate. They sure don't need AVID there. I can't even imagine teaching only 8 or 13 kids. It must be like being their mom. She probably taught their parents and siblings and aunts, uncles, and cousins. I wonder how many kids stay in these towns to set up life after college. I wouldn't think many, but then you never know. I guess they'd get bored or would want more opportunities, but maybe they come back to settle down after a career or maybe even to raise their own children. Then those children leave, and so on. What do you think? You've been there. Are there many young people?
Hilary
btw, how was the deer meat sausage? Did Anna make it herself from a deer her husband had hunted?
Hilary
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