Golfing Montana's Interstate 90

Montana
Part 1

by Anthony Scaggs

Standing on the curb, I glanced up as the van pulled away. Quickly, I triple checked for my golf clubs, computer and luggage.Like a sentinel, straight and tall in front of Buckingham Palace, stood my hard case. As though it knew that its sole function was to protect the delicate instruments that brought so much joy and at times pain, my golf clubs.

I turned back, looking across the road, past the tall trees and the ocean like meadow, over the mountains and into the blue, blue sky of Montana. Gathering my hard case, computer and luggage, reluctantly I entered the terminal to check in at the counter. The longer I delayed the more I could extend this mesmerizing adventure.

After checking in and getting my boarding pass and seat, I went upstairs to the restaurant. I ordered a chicken salad and a cold drink. Staring past the tarmac, captivated by Big Sky Montana, I could not believe that the trip was over, what a delightful surprise!

Munching on my salad my mind raced back to the beginning, trying to savor every moment and hard wire it into my memory banks.

I was at the baggage claim area wondering if my luggage made the trip. Those who travel frequently know the feeling. At first, it is a game of hide and seek. Then a slight tinge of anxiety as more and more of your fellow passengers grab their luggage and head for the exit. This anxiety turns into full panic as the belt stops, and the flashing red light is turned off. You realize that you are the only passenger left. Not this day, the luggage gods must have claimed enough sacrifices. The hard golf case burst through the black orifice. My computer in hand and my golf clubs rounding the bend, I relaxed. The arrival of my clothes was a bonus. I loaded my clubs and luggage into the van and we headed for Red Mountain Lodge. Red Mountain Lodge is off Interstate 90 and worth the trip. I dined at the Old Piney Dell. The food was fabulous. For more details on the gourmet side of this trip go to Martha Hollis at www.travellady.com and read her story about Montana.