Crazy Adventure in the Crazy Mountains of Montana | Photographer Brian Powers

Crazy Mountains Montana

Doing what you love with people you love. Is there anything better?

The feelings of empty nest are something I never could have prepared for. Two weeks after my daughter left for college, we had already reached the longest amount of time we had ever been apart. About six weeks after she left, I was sure missing her. We were casually chatting on the phone and she mentioned that her and a best friend- some my favorite humans were going to summit a peak about halfway between us. Without hesitation, I yelled out in excitement, “Can I join you guys?” They were both hoping I could.

I got little sleep that night with the anticipation of adventure. Woke up early and drove a little over three hours to meet them for one special day.

I remember seeing her again for the first time in nearly two months as she came walking into the grocery store with a big grin on her face. I couldn’t have been happier to see my little girl and wrap her up for a cherished hug.

We grabbed some snacks and drove to the trailhead for our crazy hike in the Crazy Mountains of Montana! 16 miles and 4,400 feet of elevation gain. Great effort sandwiched between work, practices, and school assignments! High up at the top, there was almost no plant life, little oxygen, but enough to fill the mountains with laughter and share smiles as wide as our big state of Montana. It felt like we were in outer space on another planet. We watched the incredible sunset and hiked out in the dark, wondering what kind of predators might be out there!

We had a blast and it’ll be an unforgettable memory we’ll always have.

Can’t wait to see what we’ll do on a whim next!