The sixth and final day of driving (August 2) was a fairly direct shot on I-90 from Billings to Missoula (just under 350 miles). We planned to arrive mid-afternoon, but, as always, sights and pit-stops along the way slowed us down just a bit. Still, we arrived by about 6:00 p.m. to find the landlady had left the key, a note, and flowers on my kitchen counter. The beautiful daisies, I might add, are from my very own backyard, described as an English/Oriental garden, complete with pagoda-style gate. I was very relieved to finally see the interior of the apartment. It is a second floor apartment just 2.5 blocks from campus, approx. 7 blocks to my building. The apartment is painted, freshly carpeted, with washer and dryer. Happily, it is fairly spacious and fairly peaceful.
Now that I have caught up on the trip, I will post again tomorrow and get you all up-to-date on my first week in Missoula.
p.s. Did I mention that we had to drive 60-65 mph across the country because of the gigantic truck? Yes, not only was it slow to pick up, but we found that it got its best mileage (~11.5 mpg) around 62 mph. It is no wonder we had so many long days!
Posts
Hi Liane
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading your trip log and am slightly envious.thanks for sharing,glad I didn't have the truck drive.you write so well I wanted to be there. My daughter Maria had wedding in Bozeman last Saturday and went through Missoula and loved it . Smaller version of Portland she said. Well iwish you the best start and happy for new beginning Eileen
Huh... I can't believe such a hardcore (hard rock??) geologist as yourself didn't take note and mention the Rim Rocks of Billings. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteThe trip, and the apartment, sound like heaven! Congrats on your uneventful-and-fun trip and arrival.
Thanks Eileen! I'm becoming more and more smitten with Missoula as I explore. I don't know about Portland, but I'm reminded of a large version of Amherst, MA: hills (mtns) and valleys, agriculture, funky town, liberal population. All the things I loved about grad school at UMass. Come visit!
ReplyDeleteGeoGuppy, Sorry to disappoint! We came into Billings under cover of darkness, and while I could see cliffs I never got a good look. We stayed on the western side of Billings, and left town in the morning without seeing much of the cliffs again. Way too much geology for me to cover!
ReplyDelete