Had a conference in Havre today, the birthplace of Jeff Ament. Had to drive nearly 7 hours, passed through Big Sandy (where Jeff moved when he was a kid, and where his father served as mayor; also where Jon Tester has his farm). The man comes from a very desolate place. Makes me like him, and his dedication to creativity, even more.

A scenic outlook about 90 mins outside Big Sandy. There were already signs here for Big Sandy, as there wasn't much else in between:


Downtown Big Sandy (seriously):



Havre is mostly just an ugly strip, though the MSU campus (where my conference was held) does look like it has a good farm program. Based on the style of buildings in that area, I'd say all that stuff came after he lived there:

Thanks for posting these. Jeff is the best.

thought about moving to Idaho, but northern Montana looks a little too desolate for me.

Why is the Idaho historical museum the shape of Nevada?



Also, your giant pictures have made replying to this thread a pain in the ass.

My dad's whole family is spread throughout Idaho.

Boise could be a great change, depending on your current circumstances. It's a cool city that is growing in a good direction, and there's great nature nearby.

Sandpoint is beautiful, but the economic situation there is...weird. Unless you're rich or want to do a bohemian sort of thing, I'd steer clear.

Parts around Coeur d'Alene area are really nice, but there's way too many wackos and nazis.

I love living in SW Montana. It's absolutely beautiful and there's nowhere I'd rather be right now.
The JAFT is very different from where I am, though. Wouldn't want to live there at all.

How do I fix that?

How are the women folk in Idaho? They all have beards here in Portland.