My fall filled with adventures other than hiking and I thought I’d take the chance to share those side quests with you. From taking dance students to a workshop across the state to becoming a horse person, I think you’ll also enjoy the heartwarming moments.
Montana Dance Arts Association
Fall Workshop 2026
in Kalispell, MT
After an eight hour drive across the state filled with stunning views, a cattle drive, and road construction, my students were excited for a weekend of dance classes and learning. Their worlds expanded. They met other students from all over the state between classes of ballet, hip hop, modern, jazz, and more. They reveled in window shopping, admiring sunsets, pointe shoe fittings, and family dinners together. They relished every moment; I could detect it in their smiles, contented demeanors, and the twinkle in their eyes.
The high school that hosted the event was enormous and boasted a pack of stuffed wolves in an alcove above the front door entrance. I took some ballet classes too and really enjoyed the experience. It’s not often that I get to take a class these days. Or at least one that I don’t also teach. On Saturday evening I took the kids up to Whitefish to shop and dine before we attended the show. The show impressed all of us though and we cheered for fellow dancers performing the pieces they’ve been working on lately.
The return trip allowed a bit of leisure time to enjoy Flathead Lake and the golden Tamaracks (Larches) that the area is known for. And yes, the views of the mountains on the return trek were even more stunning than on the way out. Overall, it was a wildly successful excursion and getting strep throat + recovery time needed proved worth the adventure.
Soooo, I mentioned getting a horse. TAJ got a horse and I’ve been guilted into spending every weekend morning at the ranch rather than getting out to hike. I’m struggling to balance my desire to do everything with compromises. Snow is beginning to pile up on the local ski hill so I’m hoping to squeeze in hikes before gate closures and snow shortens my routes.
Here’s to hoping I can figure out how to still hike often and have time to spend with our new darling. (No pics to preserve privacy.)
What about you? Have you been able to get outside lately and enjoy all the fall brings? Tell me about your fun adventures or what you’re scheming up!