Yeah, I figured, but our work situation might not be compatible with that. Also I have several 1- & 2-day 4x4 events during those months which would create conflicts. Remember, we're not going to see how pretty it is ... that'll come after we move there & are congratulating outselves on what a great decision it was . I don't mind seeing the not-so-pretty right off the bat. It gets better from that point on.

 

its still pretty... and if your lucky youll be able to see the parks and stuff.. most the 4x4 trails/hiking will still be snowed in though (crazy mountains/beartooth mts) . i know they are soposed to get 10 inches of snow sometime this week! the pryor mnts will be dry and good to wheel if you want to see a trail...

 

We're flying out & renting a vehicle. i doubt it will be a Jeep or anything capable of wheeling. But if I had my druthers ...

 

if you look at my build thread at the bottom of my sig, theres some pics on like the 4th page that might make you see what your gonna miss in the early spring

 

I don't know how your moving plans are coming along, but I want to welcome you to Montana, and I hope it all works out for you. Montana is a great place for outdoor activities, diverse and lots of big sky.

There is a sacrifice in living here. Wages are probably lower than in the more populated areas, but the air is clean and the sky is, like I said, big. Any area is what you make it from your own perspective.

If I can be of help to you please give me a call or PM. Weaselguy and I had a blast wheelin' last Sunday. We'd love to have you join us someday.

My cell is 406-850-9704 and my name is Tracy. I would be glad to answer questions, drive you around or whatever.

 

Wow, thank you Tracy. We'll be in Montana in April, like I said, just to check things out & maybe see what the job markets are like. I have no idea how this will work out - but we're hoping for the best. If we like what we see, we'll return home, start saving and wo whatever it is that people do when they move cross country.

 

I don't know if your plans include Billings, I'm assuming they do. As I said, I will be glad to meet you at the airport (if you fly in) show you around the city, the area or whatever. I know how it is to come into a city for the first time. Billings is about 92K pop (the largest city in MT) so it can be a little intimidating.

If you have the time, what would be cool is to take a day and do some wheelin' in my XJ. We don't have to drive far to do some fun stuff.

Also, if you will tell me what kind of work you are looking for, skills, experience, I can be apprising you of jobs that I think might be of interest to you. Maybe that's getting the cart before the horse, but it would give you an idea. The newspaper here is the Billings Gazzette and they have a good website for jobs.

My email is travarartist@gmail.com.

 

Here are some photos of some high desert wheelin' Weaselguy and I did last Sunday. We got up to about 5000' elevation before getting stopped by too much snow.

Weaselguy going through a tough section

Weaselguy appraising the prospects of making it through the snow. It was worse on ahead so we decided to turn around.

Weaselguy at the top of the hill and now it was my turn to make a run at it. We both had to be winched the last 25 feet because of the snow.

The Big Sky with the Pryor Mtns in the background (home of the Montana wild horse herd)

 

Well, I'm in Montana ... staying at the Wingate by Wyndham in Helena & we spent the day looking at real estate. Would love to go to Glacier, but seems it's 4 hours away, as is Billings. I can't get over these mountains with the snow on top. It's been years since I looked at mountains from this perspective ... I'm still fascinated.

People here seem pretty friendly - no one has looked at me "cross-eyed" yet, LOL. Good Lord, everyone here drives these HUGE things!!! Every huge passenger vehicle that exists, is right here in Helena - F350, Dodge whatever - Suburbans, Expeditions, Navigators ... and they all have these super loud exhausts that they make sure you hear! So funny. And people love their toys ... just about every house in every neighborhood I've been in there is a camper or trailer of some sort. 99% of the houses have 2 car garages (I'm not used to that, but I love it). Been here since Wednesday morning & I've seen only 2 ricers - ah ... this is the life .

 

Welcome to Montana, now get the hell out. jk

You should make your way a little more west, Missoula area and flathead have some of the most beautiful areas in the country.

 

Good areas to live? I'm looking for neighborhoods to possibly purchase a house. Not buying right now, of course, but getting a feel for prices (very cheap compared to Jersey!), and learning what the areas look like the demographics - which seem to be the same everywhere so far.

 

Your Hooked.... like we all knew you would be. How the hell can any sane person not be in the Northern Rockies?

I highly suggest you hit Glacier while you have the chance. It's a long ways away if you dont follow through with your move.. jus sayin'.
You'd get to see Goin to the Sun road in a way many others never do.. do it!! Thank me later L! and have a great time.

 

Glacier is a must, it's well worth the drive. Depending on the route you go you can hit up the ohv parks. One is right off i-90 in pipestone and wild bill ohv is in lakeside Montana

 

I would love to John. Gonna try & talk my travel partner into it. With a rental car you have to watch the mileage & a 4 hour drive (with allowance for getting lost) will eat heavily into it. But like you said ... this might be an only chance if I don't decide to move here.

I do like it here so far. Pretty peaceful, not crowded or hurried. It's what I'm looking for. Now I have to consider things like medical insurance, a job (of course), and the expense of moving 4 vehicles - because I'm not giving up either my XJ or the Durango. Hey ... this is Mopar country! The big Dodges rule up here! It's a little daunting to consider starting all over at my age ... not to say I'm "old" or anything, but 25 is looong past!

One thing I have found significant ... I was in about 10 different neighborhoods today, some with very nice, large houses, and not even once have I seen an ADT sign ... or any indication that people have any type of home security monitoring systems. I guess the rifles that everyone undoubtedly owns has a lot more to do with home security that any electronic device? And it was noticeable that many people have at least 2 dogs. I'm liking this more & more.

 

BTW - I don't have a laptop, I'm using the hotel computer, so I might not be able to pop in/out as I would like.

Just saying ... in case anyone wonders why I don't reply instantly.

That ... and I type relatively slowly.