You guys, first things first: I’m so glad we’re friends. When I think back on this blog, I feel incredibly fortunate that I’ve been able to take you on my Montana-loving journeys and share all the things that make Big Sky Country so special to me. I love reading your comments and receiving your emails about the latest blog posts, and I really love when you share your memories of Montana, family or life with me. So from the bottom of my windblown, silly, happy and joyful heart, I want to say one thing: thank you. Thank you for letting me be part of your lives.

My Montana.
My Montana.

Maybe it’s the holiday season or just taking the time to think about another year passing as we all gear up for the arrival of 2017, but I’ve been feeling really sentimental about this past year. 2016 held a plethora of adventures with some of my favorite people, from snowshoeing in Glacier National Park to the #PictureMontana trip with friends both new and old and taking the trip of a lifetime into the heart of Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness to my family reunion at Placid Lake State Park. When I look back on all of the life that was packed into the last 12 months, I can’t help but be happy. So, just because, I thought it’d be fun to look back at some of the best Montana moments of 2016.

Take a look…

Starting 2016 at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.
Starting 2016 at the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.
Ranger led snowshoeing in Glacier National Park, Glacier Country
Snowshoeing in Glacier National Park.
Taking in the stillness of winter in Glacier National Park.
Taking in the stillness of winter in Glacier National Park.
Several of my Montana memories involve this lady: photographer Donnie Sexton.
Several of my Montana memories involve this lady: photographer Donnie Sexton.
Stopping to take in the view along I-90 near Alberton, Montana.
Stopping to take in the view along I-90 near Alberton, Montana.
Perhaps my most favorite barn shot, ever.
Perhaps my most favorite barn shot, ever.
After work, I headed out west of Missoula to watch the soft evening light fall over the valley.
After work one day, I headed out west of Missoula to watch the soft evening light fall over the valley.
2016 also brought my first-ever visit to Cody, Wyoming.
2016 also brought my first-ever visit to Cody, Wyoming.
My traveling partner and I fell in love with downtown Cody, Wyoming.
Downtown Cody, Wyoming.
The first bike outing of the year on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
The first bike outing of the year on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
This last year also brought two blissful, almost picture-perfect days at Flathead Lake Lodge.
This last year also brought two blissful, almost picture-perfect days at Flathead Lake Lodge.
In May, I was able to welcome 17 writers to Western Montana. Definitely one of my most memorable trips ever (in the best way possible).
In May, I was able to welcome 17 writers (who I’m lucky enough to call my friends) to Western Montana. Definitely one of my most memorable trips ever (in the best way possible).
One of the most special experiences of 2016: watching American Indian dancers perform at Ninepipes Lodge.
One of the most special experiences of 2016: watching American Indian dancers perform at Ninepipes Lodge.
Another thing I've learned: it's important to capture memories.
Another thing I’ve learned: it’s important to capture memories.
I also crossed another destination off my bucket list: Bighorn Canyon in Southeast Montana/Northeast Wyoming.
I also crossed another destination off my bucket list: Bighorn Canyon in Southeast Montana/Northeast Wyoming.
The second bike outing on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
The second bike outing on the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park.
Home. PS: when your hometown is as small as mine, you have no problem laying on Main Street to take photos.
Home. PS: when your hometown is as small as mine, you have no problem laying on Main Street to take photos.
Holland Lake Road, with Swan Mountain views.
Holland Lake Road, with Swan Mountain views.
Just a quick visit to my favorite spot with one of my favorite girls.
Just a quick visit to my favorite spot with one of my favorite girls.
This past summer, I fulfilled a lifelong dream and went on a week-long pack trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
This past summer, I fulfilled a lifelong dream and went on a week-long pack trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness.
My friend Amy taking in the view of the Chinese Wall in The Bob.
My friend Amy taking in the view of the Chinese Wall in The Bob.
For as long as I can remember, seeing the Chinese Wall in person has been one of my dreams.
For as long as I can remember, seeing the Chinese Wall in person has been one of my dreams.
Special thanks to my friend Tommy for this shot.
Special thanks to my friend Tommy for this shot.
The crew standing on top of the world.
The crew standing on top of the world.
This morning view was one of my favorites from the entire year.
This morning view was one of my favorites from the entire year.
A must-do activity: driving Glacier National Park's Going-to-the-Sun Road in fall.
A must-do activity: visiting Glacier National Park in fall.
Don't tell anyone, but this lady is one of my favorites.
This little lady is one of the best adventure partners in the land.
There's something about a dirt road and Montana.
There’s something about a dirt road and Montana.
Adventuring on Two Medicine Lake in fall.
Adventuring on Two Medicine Lake in fall.
Sunrise over the St. Mary Valley in Glacier National Park.
Sunrise over the St. Mary Valley in Glacier National Park.
Fall at Travelers' Rest State Park. My traveling friend and I (see previous photo) were the only ones there.
Fall at Travelers’ Rest State Park. My traveling friend and I were the only ones there.
A favorite fall memory: driving Chief Mountain Highway.
A favorite fall memory: driving Chief Mountain Highway.
One thing I've learned this year: sometimes you just have to go.
One thing I’ve learned this year: sometimes you just have to go.

For those of you who have been my adventure buddies this year, thanks for the memories. And for those of you who’ve kept up with my travels this year, thank you for letting me share my Montana with you.

xo,
TT

December 7, 2016

Related: Montana

Comments

Kathy Murphy
Beautiful photos of beautiful Montana by my beautiful niece!
Bob Morgan
Great articles and photos! Nice to have had the pleasure of meeting you and sharing a trip into the "Bob" Tia! Merry Christmas, Bob
Courtney Stone
Great wrap of the year, TT. You've got the magic.
Carol Cain
I loved visiting Montana TWICE this year! And of course, meeting you. Can't wait to go back. Love this post.
tiatroy
Loved meeting YOU! Come back to the West soon, okay?
Susie Ford
Beautiful memories and photos darling girl of mine! Wow is all I can say!
Kathy
This is my first time reading your blog. I see you are moving to Wyoming. Does this mean you will not have this blog and can only be read on Instagram? Nice writings and photos. Have wonderful holidays, and an easy move. Kathy
tiatroy
Hi Kathy, I am indeed moving to Wyoming and will no longer post at this particular blog. However, I do hope to start a new blog that shares my travels in Wyoming - I'll be sure to post the link on instagram once it's up and going. Happy holidays to you as well!
Jim
I don't do instagram but I look forward to finding your new blog somehow.
tiatroy
Hi Jim! I'm so glad to hear it. You can find me at www.instagram.com/montanatia and you don't have to have an account to see the photos - just type the URL into your search bar and it should pop up.
Sara Walsh
A beautiful review by a beautiful gal :) We're losing you to Wyoming -- What's that about??? Will miss all your good adventures you share here!! Hope to see you at home soon ;)
MaryLynn Walker
Yes you can go home again. Born and oar tilly raised in Park Co. My ties to Gardiner have never been broken greatgrandaughter of Montana's first dude rancher. Daughter of a real Montana cowboy, have lI've in Idaho for a long time. I go home 2 or 3 times a year. Montana is my soul.
tiatroy
Thanks Sara! I'm off and ready for new adventures in Wyoming, my second-favorite place in the country. xo TT
tiatroy
Montana lives forever in our souls, MaryLynn.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *