Food Guy Travel Guest Spot 2

It's been a fantastic trip to Bozeman so far. The weather here isn't quite what I expected. The temperatures are much, much colder than I thought I'd see this early in the winter. The good residents of Bozeman have assured me that it's been a little colder than normal. The good news is that -4 doesn't really feel as bad as it sounds. You know how people are always talking about dry heat? Well, I experienced that this summer, and it's true. It's kind of shocking that it also applies to the cold. Dry cold isn't nearly as bad as the type of cold we have in the Southeast. I went for a run this morning even though the temperature was 7. I know what you're thinking: What kind of idiot goes running when it's 7?! Well, those of you who know me know the answer to that question. It wasn't bad at all though. It was cold, but not bone-chilling cold. I took some pictures on my run. I had to stop by the bench with the statue of Walt Whitman that sits outside of the English department here at Montana State. Couldn't resist the urge to play literary tourist (yes, I'm nerd).

The views here are surreal. The mountains in the background look like something out of Hang 'em High or The Outlaw Josey Wales.

I kept waiting for someone on a horse with a cigar stub hanging out of his mouth to show up and tell me that there are better ways to get around than running. But, it didn't happen. I even passed a few fellow addicts who were out getting their morning fix.

It's amazing how many people were out at 7:30 in the morning running through the snow in 7 degree weather. It appears, I think, that Bozeman is my kind of place. I haven't even gotten to paddle any of the creeks or find any of the good trails to run or ride, and I'm already convinced that you could spend a lifetime here without doing all the things you could do without driving more than 2 hours. What a concept!

I finished up the formal part of the job interview process for the trip today. I'm pretty happy with how things went. It was a mad scramble to put together my teaching demonstration and research presentation, but I think that both of them went well. The faculty in the English department here are a really interesting group. Everyone is very nice, incredibly smart, and easy to talk to. Most have outdoor interests and are generally happy, fun people. I had dinner tonight with a prof who's been teaching here since 1966. Yes, 1966. This guy had a student several years ago who was the grandson of a former student of his. I was amazed at how well read he was. We talked about books the entire time and I was in awe of his ability to discuss any book. Amazing really.

I'm excited to see some of my friends from back in the Gorge tomorrow. Chris and Leslie moved out to Missoula a couple of years ago, and they are coming over to Bozeman to ski tomorrow. I am doing a real-estate tour and then hanging out with a couple of profs in the evening, so no skiing for me. But, it'll be great to catch up with Chris and Leslie in the am, then go for a run in the afternoon. I think it's going to be snowing. I'll try to take some pics to put up here. It feels strange to be on a trip without Yellow Dog, and I miss home and my friends. Hopefully, I'll be able convince people to move out here if I get this job. I know YD will love it out here. I sure do. The town is really cool, and this job- well, I couldn't have dreamed up a more perfect job.