Adventure 525: Standish Cabin/Poustinia Retreat

Little Red Poustinia

In their song, Trucking, the Grateful Dead say, "Sometimes the light's all shining on me; sometimes I can barely see." Well, from the Standish cabin the view is all I can see, and Oh, how the light shines. We've been lucky enough to begin this year's adventure here. Where is here, you say? An hour or so straight East from Big Timber, Montana. Yellowstone National Park beckons from the South. The Standish cabin fronts a large section of the Bolder River. The constant rush of the water over the boulders competes with the gentle currents of mountain breeze that blows just enough to deter the bugs. Paradise, of you will. Judy and I are housed in the Poustinia, a one room sleeping cabin complete with a full bath, a coffee maker, a frig, and a small deck just above the river. Formally a tool shed, the Poustinia is truly a place for contemplation. During our stay, we've been experiencing Montana mountain life as led by John Standish. We've experienced pounding a metal leaf at the blacksmith station. We've experienced driving a four wheel RTV over quite rugged rocks. Most of all, we've experienced these two lovely people, John and Diane Standish,  who have spent each hour of each day loving on us. We feel the warmth of their safe acceptance enveloping us. I'm not sure life can get much better. We're here as the guest of our good friend, Liz Ulmen, who just happens to be the younger sister of John. We feel honored. I was doing my Tai Chi form this morning, gazing mindlessly down the sunlight valley when, invaded by my "monkey mind", it occurred to me that everywhere John, Liz, and Diane look there must be memories. John and Liz spent their youth here. As young married couples, they raised their families here. And now, in the grateful light of retirement, they're all looking forward to passing the aura of this place to their grand children. Judy and I have spent our lives trying to focus on things truly important. I can think of nothing more important that passing the love of place and the sense of belonging to our future. Needless to say, life is good here at the Standish Cabin, especially the last few "todays".

The Standish cabin.

Down valley view.

Up river view.

John in his happy place.

Monkey see, monkey sort of do.

Miss monkey.

Miss monkey showing off her finished product.

My leaf.

Happy 73rd for Judy.

Latest wire sculpture 1.

Latest wire sculpture 2.

Four wheeling.

Big rock creek area.

Liz Knieval.

Bray's lake, our lunch spot.

Our adventure leaders, John and Diane.

They even let septuagenarians drive these things. 

John and I collaborated: his iron cross; my wire Jesus.