Looking out on top of the highest peak in the Big Snowy Mountains in Montana, I cannot help but think about how I got here and the privilege that led me on this path. I was raised in an upper-middle class family in Portland, Oregon. Growing up in a big city in a wealthy neighborhood

The past year and a half has not been easy for any of us. In managing the shocks and surprises brought upon us by COVID-19, we have all had to take on various lifestyle changes. For us as students, one of the main changes we had to adjust to was the mode in which we

Submerged in the teal kelpy coolness, I revel in the presence of my dear friend once more. This summer, the Pacific Ocean has not only been a friend, but a sage teacher, soulful healer, and sublime inspiration. Days spent surfing the small summer swells have taught me patience and awareness, filled me with peace and

MONTANA AFOOT & AFLOAT FINAL PRESENTATION: Join us Wednesday, October 23 from 5:30-7:00 PM at the UM FLAT studio to welcome our Afoot & Afloat students back to Missoula after two months in the field! Be the first to hear their stories, see their photos, and ask them questions about their remarkable journey across Montana.

The wind swept in as we opened the van door to rolling hills of Montana farm land. Round bales speckled the landscape, still fresh and intact just after summertime hay season. The sun felt amazing on our faces after so many days of sleet, snow, and snizzel. Across the ridge we could see the beautiful

The wind was blowing, the freezing rain felt like continuous stings against my cheeks, my feet had gone numb over an hour ago. So numb now, that they felt as though fire was running through my veins from my heel to my toe. We were only about half way into our three mile hike at

The plan was made. No more than four miles and we would be that much closer to the views from the top of Great House Peak. Today was the day. I was well-rested, ate a good breakfast, and was more motivated than any other day on this backpack so far. One hard day, and then

Our group dispersed along the ridge of Great House Peak—the highest point in Montana’s Big Snowy Mountains, standing 8,681’ high—to find a spot to take in the expansive view. It is said to be “the best view in all of Montana,” but all I know is that it had me feeling a little wonder-struck. I

“Effective protest is grounded in anger, and we are not consciously angry. Anger nourishes hope and fuels rebellion, it presumes a judgement, presumes how things ought to be and aren’t, presumes a caring. Emotions remain the best evidence of belief and value.” – Jack Turner, The Abstract Wild: A Rant Have you ever walked into

Halfmoon Pass. Big Snowy Mountains.  The sign said one mile, but it was definitely more than that.  Thinking like I’d never make it, I was surprised to reach the pass in the end.  Amazed, our group looked down upon a basin lined with snow-capped rocky peaks, but more impressively, the golden prairie shown at the