La Hood is steeped in Montana history and stands as a lone survivor from a more adventurous era: Lewis and Clark camped here during their 1804-1806 expedition to explore the territory of the Louisiana Purchase (which doubled the size of the United States at the time) and open the way to westward expansion. On one side of the restaurant had stood a wooden hotel that burned down a few years ago. Without insurance, it was never rebuilt. On the other side, a lone stick stands next to the railway tracks to denote where a station once stood. 

But this is no sad tale of the glory that once was or what might have been, for Montana's future looks assured. Its governors clearly understand where its appeal lies. The next day we go "floating" down the Jefferson River, whose protected access points for boats make for happy fishermen, like the ones we saw enjoying their lunch break on the riverbank. Large nature preserves make for happy hunters and their dogs, which are bred and trained here to enter national competitions and trials. While there are some old-time ranchers keeping the family tradition alive, there are also a lot of new ranchers, wealthy hobbyists who have made fortunes in other professions (Hollywood, banking, medicine) and buy up large adjoining tracts of land to live out their Montana fantasy. Me, I think I'll stick to writing.