What a gorgeous morning! For a change it’s nice and sunny, which has been rare lately. Not to complain… You know the saying; “never complain about rain in Montana”. It was getting to the point where I was ready to complain about snow, but we should be about done with that.

During last weekend’s monsoon, forecasts called for 18-36” of snow/slush above 7000’! It turned we “only” got about two feet above 8000’, but coupled with an already substantial winter accumulation, the streamflow outlook looks pretty good for a change.
Some Gallatin valley residents along the East Gallatin river might likely have taken issue with that “good” analysis recently. For the first time in a decade or more, they awoke last Sunday to flooding. Several new subdivisions have been built in the floodplain in recent years. Hydrologists questioned this, but their concerns were overridden. Money talks, etc.

It wasn’t just the new McMansions that flooded, though, numerous long-time area residents also were scrambling for sandbags Sunday morning. According to the Chronicle, the hydrologists whose earlier concerns were dismissed basically said “you ain’t seen nothing yet!” In the scale of things, this was a “ten year flood”. When we get the hundred year version, water levels will be more than double what we just saw, and that’s when living in a floodplain loses its allure.
We’re definitely not in a floodplain here on the Rockpile Ranch, although several small streams draining the west side of the Bridgers flow through the neighborhood, and last weekend even they were going over the roads in places. This was largely due to plugged culverts, but it was a definite change of pace from the past few years.

So, although you wouldn’t have to look too far to find someone to dispute this viewpoint, we’re in great shape here in the Valley of the Flowers, from a moisture standpoint among numerous other aspects. Until just recently, that wasn’t the case in most of the rest of the state. Soil moisture and precipitation maps from the National Weather Service confirm conversations I’ve had with a few farmers around the state that things were downright grim in most areas. In fact, our old neighborhood up around Cut Bank was one of the worst, with moisture levels a staggering 20% or less of normal. Fortunately, most areas got a substantial soaker last weekend, with reports of 3-4 plus inches commonplace. We remain a state of extremes, it appears.
Hopefully it’s not just farmers and fishermen who give a rip about these matters. I know, this column used to have a more recreational bent, but that was before we got back into farming. Since then, recreational time has been scant, and downright non-existent lately. I’d been scheming for at least an overnight backpack trip, with the excuse of looking for shed elk antlers, but in truth, it’s more a head-clearing exercise. Particularly if one considers calories expended per antler found! Anyway, that turned out to be a moot point, as the schedule always seems to escalate one way or another, and I didn’t make it.

Again, not to complain. When you’re lucky enough to live and work in a literal paradise, one of the nicest spots on the planet, motivation to “get away” just isn’t that high. Good thing, as fuel prices are causing most to stay closer to home, and only fill the tank for essentials. I know our tourism bookings took a dive back when fuel prices first crept up into the $3 range, and now they’ve slowed to a trickle. Again, though, I’m not complaining. You play the hand you’re dealt, and I’m plumb happy with the draw lately. We recently were given a great (and mutually beneficial, we believe) opportunity with some more farm ground, buffalo bookings took a bit of a bump last week, we’re in the thick of skull and robe season, and the crops are off to a great start. I’d say that feels like at least three of a kind, and who knows, I wouldn’t rule out a full house! We’ve recently heard a few people say they’re "living the dream”, but with a slightly sarcastic bent. Fortunately, we continue to be able to make that statement without reservation.
So we take our fun where we find it, and our son Cody continues to provide grins on a regular basis. Thursday was his last day of high school, and when he announced he wanted to drive a tractor to town, I didn’t argue. At least we didn’t get any calls from the Principal, unlike the time back in eighth grade when he rode a horse to school. Montana law still states that schools have to provide accommodations for student’s horses, but this apparently doesn’t come up much anymore. In that case, though, I got a call right away to “get in here and do something!”, but fortunately it was from Diane Cashell, Sheriff Jim Cashell’s wife; steady customers in our game processing plant from back in the day. I think she even thought it was funny. Cody had questioned her the day before about these legacy horse laws, but wasn’t taken seriously.
Apparently tractors are less problematic, although Thistle wouldn’t have given anyone trouble either. Anyway, I’m not going to read too much into the kid driving a tractor to his last day of high school, although… He shares my renewed ag optimism, and for reasons I can’t explain, it gives us both a big grin. And, not to go all touchy-feely… and I know, it’s just a mechanical device, but that tractor has been used in this neighborhood since it was new, back in ’67. It was first used by Rich and Ruth Lowis, who I butchered sheep for, in what now feels like a previous life. Then former Rockpile Rancher Cliff Lincoln used it. Cliff’s ashes are spread on the farm, and I think of him every time I’m out there. My ex-neighbor Jim Kennedy overhauled it a few years back, so it has basically a new engine. Some might scoff, but I know better. These are not shallow roots, something Cody understands. Karma counts for something, we believe, and if nothing else it's good to be aware of your predecessors.