Why, hello there! I’m currently airborne at approximately 30,000 feet as I begin to type this overdue post. I imagined myself blogging throughout my trip, but when I needed to make the choice between absorbing myself by the demanding job of blogging, or soaking up every moment of my “vacation”, I chose the later. I unplugged myself from the outside world and took advantage of having my family all together in one spot… that spot being beautiful, breath-taking BOZEMAN, MONTANA. A few of you were just shy of the target : )
Here we go… the epic recap of my weekend in the Wild West:
I started out early Thursday morning, with a mere few hours of restless sleep. Luckily, my expert organizational skills got me out the door on time, with warm OIAJ to eat on my 2-hour drive to the airport. I was so happy with how well OIAJ worked for a traveling breakfast: 1 plastic container [you could even use the lid if you choose] + 1 plastic spoon = 1 easy & clean meal on the go. Plus, the banana peanut butter oats are sure to keep your hunger maintained for at least a few hours.
Aboard the plane, I enjoyed spectacular snowy sceneries, a Starbucks soy latte, and the nutritional intelligence of Michael Pollan. I couldn’t resist taking a picture of my Biscoff for Kath. I can understand why she likes to travel with Delta — these graham-like cookies are tasty in all their simplicity. Do you remember when Kath & Matt traveled to Bozeman, MT?
During my long layover in Salt Lake City, I stretched my legs as I searched each and every terminal high and low for their healthiest and cheapest snack options. Somewhere around Terminal C I found freshly-made yogurt and real fruit! It wasn’t exactly a bargain, but the little extra change was not wasted on the surprisingly delicious bowl of creamy dairy and strawberries. I ate with it a few dried apricots and raw veggies that I had waiting for me at the bottom of my carry-on luggage.
What’s your secret to eating healthy while traveling?
A quick flight later, and I was in Big Sky Country!
After settling in, my parents took my brother and I – along with his three roommates – to dinner at Over the Tapas! Between us all, we shared a bunch of delicious small plates, including: bacon-wrapped dates, calamari, patatas bravas, asparagus & manchego cheese Spanish omelets, and a lavender crème brulee for dessert. [The food was camera shy.]
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Friday was spent absorbing the beautiful landscapes of Bozeman and its surroundings. My parents and I piled into my brother’s truck and we travelled the rural roads admiring the calmness that the snow-capped mountains and icy blue river instilled.
We stopped at a couple state parks along the way.
After moseying around the mountains all afternoon, we made the trek back to town to pick up my grandma at the airport; then we rushed off to our reservation at The Emerson Grill. The restaurant is located in an old school building, and the dining room itself was once the kindergarten classroom. I loved the cozy atmosphere.
There were drinks.
…and salty rosemary focaccia bread.
I warmed up my palate with a [blurry] simple salad of greens & creamy parmesan chive dressing.
The star of the evening was certainly my entree. Because I recently stopped eating chicken, and can’t exactly afford to prepare wild fish for myself regularly, I took advantage of their wild Alaskan halibut special. The filet was seasoned with lemon and rosemary, and served along with: parmesan polenta, grilled asparagus, and a slightly smoky paprika sauce.
We all gave The Emerson two thumbs up; I think Kath & Matt agree : )
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My alarm clock woke me up way too early for a Saturday on vacation. I guess it was necessary because we had an engagement at 8:00am. You might still be asking why I travelled to Montana anyway? Well, it may have been to attend a semi-important occasion called graduation. My one and only brother was receiving a diploma for a B.S. in Community Health – yahoo! – and I wasn’t about to miss the event. One kid outta college [for now], one more to go…
Following the early ceremony, we got a bite to eat at Sola Cafe [homemade granola with steamed milk for me] and then my mom, grandma and I sauntered our way from shop to shop on Main Street.
After a couple hours of window shopping – no cowgirl boot purchase for me – we headed over to our house and threw together a casual celebration dinner for my brother and friends… and whoever else decided to show up. On the menu were elk sausages and moose burgers [I kid you not!], roasted rosemary taters, an extra-large salad, chips + homemade guac… and just a few Moose Drool beers ; )
Sunday morning we joined the other fathers and daughters, sisters and brothers treating their mothers to a special breakfast. Thankfully we had a reservation at The Nova Cafe, so we weren’t waiting outside in the frigid May weather. Belgian waffle with strawberries [surprise surprise] for me. It was such a treat to be able to spend Mother’s Day with both my mom and my grandma. I wish I had been able to spend the entire day with them, but, unfortunately, I had to catch a plane West.
I was tempted to hop on another aircraft [Paris please], or perhaps not one at all. My weekend away was a total tease. I haven’t walked across a stage with a diploma yet. Two more challenging weeks remain of the Spring semester… two more!
Bye bye, Big Sky!
I have sooo much more to fill ya’ll in on. I suppose that’s the nature of slacking. I’ll do my best to catch up, but if I disappear, you can find me in the library with my head buried in my books.
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A little late… my GUEST POST @ A Foodie Stays Fit: Carnivore. Herbivore. Locavore.
I loveeee your pictures! Montana looks beautiful. Glad you had a safe trip :)
fantastic
Wow, you did a fantastic job eating healthy while travelling! I like to bring homemade trail mix, about 5 Larabars, and some dried fruit – preferably real fruit if possible on the plane.
You managed to eat at all my favorite Bozeman restaurants. I just graduated from MSU in Dietetics, ate at The Emerson on Friday night and had the halibut as well! Glad you enjoyed your time in Montana!
What a small world! I can’t believe we were both at The Emerson on the same night. How did you stumble across my blog? …and congrats to you! : )
Words can’t even begin to describe how gorgeous it is there – you’re so lucky! And congratulations to your brother :) I’m glad you got to enjoy some fun family time in a gorgeous place.
Montana looks amazing! You managed to get a lot in on your vacation, not much of a rest really! But it sounds like you had a great time. And healthy food at the airport, how did you find that!
wow, that looks like such a beautiful place! I went to Montana a few years ago, but I don’t remember which city. Your food looks amazing, especially that fish!
I used to go to the Bozeman area every summer for a trip with my family. Truly a gorgeous place. The picture of boots reminds my of my riding days :-)
Wow, your pictures are amazing! I’m so glad you were able to really enjoy your vacation in the company of your family and not have to worry about blogging. I had a chance to do that too recently while on a cruise and it was so refreshing.
oh my god, that bread!
you’ve inspired carb envy over here, girl.
What wonderful photos – it all looks so amazing!!!
Oh my gosh your weekend looks amazing! The photos are fabulous…and the food looks pretty delicious too…! When I travel I always have an apple and some almonds in my purse just in case!
Good luck with your last two weeks of school! Soon enough, you’ll be walking across the stage diploma in hand.