Who's Masking? (Not Montana)

 

Two times today, maskless strangers thanked/praised me for wearing a mask. “It’s such a good idea because you just never know,” said a woman in the hotel elevator. Right. Since arriving in Montana, a state with one of the highest Covid numbers in the nation, I have seen few masks. There are no restrictions for indoor dining or bar capacity, and while there are markers on the floors of grocery stores and other businesses encouraging safe distancing, no one seems to notice or care. I mean, the sky is big and all, but come on. At a Bozeman Starbucks, I saw a cluster of maskless people crowded around a table, one literally coughing right into the group. Ew. Even without Covid–ew.

So, I’m staying masked, and isolated as much as possible, today hiking Moose Tracks trail at the amazing Big Sky ski resort, yesterday taking in the views along the Gallatin River on the Ousel Falls trail.

Ousel Falls, Big Sky MT

Chip is doing his best to keep up, but he’s clearly not as peppy as he once was. So, it’s probably just as well that dogs are not allowed on Yellowstone trails or boardwalks. We’ll stroll campground paths together, then Chip and Dash can wait in the car (as long as it stays cool) while I check out mudpots, fumaroles, and geysers. We head there tomorrow morning and will be out of wifi range until Sunday. If I don’t end up in some bear’s tummy, I’ll post an update then. In the meantime, for godsake, wear your mask.








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