After nearly a week dealing with vertigo, which meant dealing with pretty much nothing else, a visit to the ENT, and a lot of frustration, I traveled with BW, Jason and Kat.
We decided to do something completely different this year, and chose to vacate in Montana. I’ve only been here once, on booktour, and that was to visit a Cosco in Billings. Not my vision of Montana!
But boy, this is.
Right now, the sky and scenery are hazed with smoke from wildfires about 100 miles away. The air smells like a camp fire. I can’t imagine what it’s like for people who have these fires near their homes, their towns, and my heart goes out to them. My gratitude and admiration–and prayers for safety–go out to all the firefighters, the smoke jumpers, the hotshots, all the brave who risk their lives to fight fires.
We arrived yesterday afternoon, and were picked up by the resort shuttle for the ride in. My brain’s almost as hazed as the sky from the flight, and from coming down from these dizzy few days. But even through those dual hazes, I can see the big pines, the buttes and rises of rugged hills.
Along the highway are workers tarring in ruts and cracks. And Bob, our resort guy, explains what all the white stuff is along the road and shoulder. Toilet paper. They have crew with rolls on toilet paper on long poles, sort of like paint rollers, running tp over the tar. I’m not sure I’d have believed it, but I saw it with my own eyes. I’m not sure of the purpose either, but it made for interesting van conversation.
Our resort is 37,000 acres. 37 THOUSAND acres. We check in, are given a kind of orientation. We booked a big cabin, and they drive us there, past what they call Spa Town–pretty white tents where I’ll get a massage this afternoon. There are hiking trails galore, and if and when the haze clears, amazing views. Even with the haze it’s amazing. All sort of moody and spooky. And blissfully quiet.
We’re also given a little car to use on property, so there are all these lime green Kias parked outside cabins and lodges.
I love the cabin, the layout, the we are western damn it decor. Big windows that’ll bring in those mountains and pines and fields. The minute I unpacked I went out to sit in one of the rockers on the big front porch and watched a couple of hawks. I can and will set up my brand new Surface at the desk in front of a big window, and write.
We drove into what they call The Village for dinner–saw a deer napping along the way. Stopped into their general store–upscale type. I may have to buy a hat before we’re done here.
Pretty restaurant for dinner with a menu, we’re told, that changes a bit daily. Kangaroo was on the menu. I think not for me. But Kat had the Yak Meatballs. I went for a more pedestrian steak. Amazing.
This morning I heard the hawks, and watched the horses grazing in the field near the cabin. Moments later, two cowboys came to round ’em up and take them into the barn, I assume for trail rides and lessons. And the sun was a hot red smear fighting through the haze.
A fine way to start our first full day here.
Since I seem to have my equilibrium back, I’m going to attempt a light workout, maybe a walk–though I want to orient myself much more before I take any serious hikes. BW is in the hot tub on the big back porch, and Kat and Jason still sleeping.
I have a most excellent book, a rocking chair on the front porch. I think our something completely different is going to work out very well.
Nora
Montana is amazing. Not sure where you are, but if you’re around the SW (Missoula area) I’d recommend checking out Garnet Ghost Town. Have fun and enjoy your trip!
We were in Missoula for the first time last week. I loved it! We go to Montana every year for holidays, usually the Kalispell/Whitefish area. I love Montana!
Sue G-
Do you go during Xmas time and is there snow at that time? I’ve thought of traveling during the holidays but wasn’t sure which was more hectic- traveling or seriously crossing all that you cram into for the holidays..?!
Hard to chose which is easier…
Hi Nora! I’m so so very sorry that you are dealing with Vertigo. I’ve had it for 10+ years now. I hope you get better!!! Montanna is a very beautiful state!!
No need to deal with vertigo , secret is to go get your crystal realigned. I have had it twice and works for many years now. They actually call it spinning. Take bonine or dramamine before they do it. Good luck!
Patty, how do they realign the crystals. I canny lay flat or the room will violently start spinning. And who does it.
You do it yourself. See this from Carol Foster MD, Univerity of Colorado. This simple technique has worked very well for me.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mQR6b7CAiqk
Find an ENT that uses the Epply maneuver. It works!
I physical therapist can do it
Sadly, it’s not always the crystals that causes the vertigo. The Eply and other various maneuvers does not work for me. 🙁
Absolutely. They did it for my mom after a bad fall. It repositions the canaliths to a place where they can’t cause trouble. Highly recommended for certain types of vertigo.
Nora, you’re in the great West!! Welcome. I live in eastern Oregon, and we’ve been dealing with smoke and actual ash and cinders falling from the sky for about 3 weeks now. We are in North Powder, and we’re surrounded by 5 large “complexes” (groups of fires) here. I do hope things clear up for you, because Montana has some of the best scenery to be found out west. Happy you’re relaxing and hope the vertigo doesn’t return. (I have experienced it, too [benign positional vertigo], but have overcome it with help. I love, LOVE your books — you are my writing heroine! Thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do! : )
My daughter visited Montana recently and absolutely fell in love with it. I would not be surprised to hear that she was moving there!
I’ve been to Montana three times…Missoula area, but traveled around the state. It’s my favorite part of the U.S. My cousin lives in Hamilton, and my daughter just moved to West Glacier and works for the Park Service. I envy you your vacation and know you’ll thoroughly enjoy it!
Hello Nora,
So sorry to hear your struggling with Vertigo. I’ve struggled with it in the past and it is NO fun! Sounds like you’re feeling better though, and just in time for vacation.
You said Montana and it instantly made me think of the first Nora book that I read, Montana Sky. I worked at a bank in a small town at the time. We were never what you would call busy so they let us bring in a book to occupy ourselves between customers (which could literally be hours). I remember being so immersed! Such a great memory! 🙂
I was in Idaho several years ago. They also had wild fires going on. I’d never experienced anything like it, being from the north east. The haze was heavy and the atmosphere surreal. We took a drive and we didn’t even realize we were driving right by some hot spots. There were firefighters right along the side of the road in full gear on a hot day putting out little fires here and there all along side the road and up into the mountain. It was beautifully sad.
Just a few short weeks ago my husband and I went to a resort in Georgia. It also had horse back riding. My daughter and I were able to go out one morning just the two of us with our trail guide. It’s a wonderful memory that I’ll keep close to my heart for a long time to come.
Reading your post this week brought up so many memories. I wanted to share. Thank you for sharing your adventure with us. It’s like listening to a book in the making when you write of your excursions. Thanks for bringing us along. Wishing you and yours a lovely relaxing time away.
EEEEEEE!!!! Welcome to the treasure state Nora!!! I wish we weren’t so smoky. It’s just terrible. I know just where you are at, as I specialize in Luxury travel and own GET LOST TRAVEL here. I sure hope you work with a Virtuoso Travel specialist 🙂 I am so happy to welcome you here. Have a wonderful visit!!!!
Since you are so close, you should make a trip up to Waterton. I believe Waterton is the most beautiful of the mountain parks. Then if you have the energy and time, you could just continue up the highway to Calgary and to Banff. Enjoy your holiday – Montana is beautiful.
i deal with vertigo regularly so I know that it is no fun. Watch your sodium and stick to a low sodium diet. It’s really helps me keep it under control. I also see a doctor that specializes in dizziness of the inner ear. Don’t put off going to s specialist for it if it persists. It’s the best thing I did for my health. I dealt with the vertigo for six weeks and was basically bed ridden. I could not do anything on my own. I could barely putter around the house without running into things. This doctor cured me when I walked out of his office I was not dizzy or fuzzy headed for the first time in six weeks. I only wish I could have seen him sooner. Enjoy Montana!
Sandy, I also have vertigo and found this technique from Carol Foster MD, Univ of Colorado, has worked for me.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=mQR6b7CAiqk
Dear Nora
I can’t go on vacations so I love reading about yours. You always take me away with you with the tales you tell about your trips.
Thank you
welcome to our part of the world. We live in South East Washington State with fires all around us. The smoke is terrible and is suppose to be here until the snow flies. We have always thought we would retire in Montana. They have also lost so many trees to fires it hard to say what will happen. I hope you enjoy your vacation and the beautiful spaces around you. I am currently rereading your Viking Series starting with Season of the Sun. Don’t forget to try some Pacific Northwest Wines!
Seasons of the Sun is by Catherine Coulter. Have you been enjoying the wine. Ha Ha!
Nice to see that you are getting away and I’m sure getting more inspiration for your wonderful books 🙂
Bummer for me, though, is that we’re going to be at the Inn next weekend, and of course I was hoping for a chance meeting. Oh well.
Enjoy your get-away!
It sounds like you may be at the same spa ranch I’ve been to before. We took a girls trip there for my 40th birthday. It was amazing! The food, cabin, service, and spa treatments were to die for. Enjoy yourself!
It sounds like she went to Paws Up, but I’m not sure!
Beautiful pics. Glad you’re over the vertigo. Enjoy your vacation. Much more fun than the Cosco book signing!
One of my favorite places on earth; Montana and Wyoming. Enjoy your time and get some rest, too.
Sounds beautiful.. just out of curiosity, what is one of the best authors ever, reading?
Always looking forward to your vacations. Montana sounds wonderful (except for the smoke). My kids just returned from the National parks Wyoming, Idaho, Utah and Nevada. Took so many awesome pictures for our enjoyment. Hopefully you will feel better and enjoy that wonderful area. Thanks for sharing!
We drove up to Glacier NP a few years back on one of our road trips, and it was so beautiful! The mr. keeps saying we’re moving up there but the kids and grands have brought us to Fort Worth, so maybe we’ll just go back to visit again. I envy your vacay. 🙂 I hope you’re feeling much better and can have a great time!
I’m curious as to what the “most excellent book” is that you are reading. A book, a comfy chair, and a porch- my kind of vacation. Enjoy the peace and tranquility!
If you are having vertigo attacks that require you to immediately lay down, and they are preceded by a ringing in one or both ears, it could be Ménière’s disease. The vertigo can last a few hours or for a day or so. Fluid leaks into the inner ear, and eventually causes deafness in that ear. The vertigo ends once that occurs. My mother had Ménière’s.
Nora,
My husband was just dealing with Vertigo. I hope yours passes. Welcome to the West. Even here in Colorado we have been dealing with the smoke from the wildfires up in the northwest. You can’t beat the Rocky Mountains for amazing views; except maybe Alaska, where I got to visit in July. I love reading your travel diaries. I usually don’t get to travel much and reading about your trips lets me live it vicariously.
I am a Montana native. Born and raised in Western Montana and I still love that part of the state. I call one town there my home. I love the books that Nora has written that take place in Montana and I have lived near these places. Welcome to my home state Nora. Wish it wasn’t smoked filled so you could see the blue skies and see why it’s call Big Sky Country.
Hello, Nora and Laura,
I guessed wrong on your vacation spot as I was only thinking one time zone away…but Montana will be fantastic! Be well, enjoy and recharge.
Hello!
My husband and I are both from the Missoula area in Montana and we love it! The smoke is sometimes a little much to deal with but it’s lovely all the same. Enjoy your stay!
I have always wanted to go to Montana. Drove thru Wyoming and Utah on my way to see my mom who had cancer but never got the chance to see Montana. Please keep posting so I can see through your eyes.
So glad you’re off to a good start. Montana is wonderful…even in the Winter months. I hope you get well soon and can enjoy it 100%. (We need our Nora/JD around for many more books to come 🙂
Wishing you a wonderful and vertigo-free vacation!
Try acupuncture if vertigo returns. I’ve never done it myself, but a friend did and it worked ~ definitely worth a try. I’m an RN and I’ve come to believe that acupuncture is a viable option in many cases.
Enjoy your trail rides! ???
Hi there, I too are in eastern Oregon but Hermiston. Today is our first day the smoke isn’t so bad. Wanted to say if you like Montana you would love Alaska especially S W Alaska.
Love you books, keep them coming.
Just left my daughters home in Big Sky, Montana – it was hard to say goodbye – the mountains and views are so beautiful. If you are in the Big Sky and Moonlight Basin area – south of Bozeman – please check it out and even look her up (Kevin & Karin Germain). They give awesome tours – ck out the 18 hole golf course at 10,000 feet – talk about views! Thank you for sharing your writings with us all –
Peg Mason, Boise, Idaho
Montana is a beautiful state. Very peaceful in the right spots. Skiing is great and the summers are great too. I hope you enjoy your stay.
Welcome to Montana! I live in Bozeman and was just in Missoula yesterday and the smoke was much, much worse. Ash falling from the sky and sitting on our shirts and pants like snowflakes. We have been dealing with this for about three weeks now. Fingers crossed that with September the smoke will clear out. Enjoy your time here. It is a beautiful place. 🙂
So excited to learn and read of your vacation destination. Nora, please soak it all up and write about it again in another great western novel. Montana Sky hooked me on love of reading years ago and I will be forever grateful.
It looks beautiful. As an Aussie I suggest trying the roo. Rest, relax, recuperate and enjoy.
Besides dealing with vertigo, be alert to the possibility of altitude sickness. I just returned from 5 weeks in Utah to my home in the New Orleans area. Big difference in altitude. Hiking in altitude of about 8,000 ft caused immense pressure in my chest. But, yes, the views were beautiful.
I spent a week in Eastern Montana on a farm one time, for a family gathering. Another family gathering was at a retreat in the Rocky Mountains. No cell phone, no tv or radio, etc., for a week. Both places were beautiful.
Big fan of JD Robb series, but I really want to know which Montana resort this was Sounds amazing!
How weird is it that I too have been dealing with vertigo this past week and reading The Liar to pass my time between bouts. What do you find that helps you the most? I am trying Essential Oils next!
I live in northwestern Montana close to the Canadian border and Glacier park. You can come to my area and spend a weekend in a fire lookout. Unfortunately not possible at this time, we have fires burning every direction
Nora-you are not the only Marylander in Montana….my husband and the Maryland Fire Crew are in Montana fighting fires. They have been working really hard and are almost done their tour.
Thank you for writing about wildland fire fighters in your book! It was really good and my husband even read it and was impressed with the details.
May you have a relaxing trip!
Recently returned to Colorado, my home state from 22 years in Montana. Loved it up there. Wonderful views,lots of Big Skies, and wonderful mountains. Enjoy it as much as I love your books.
I feel yet another vacation coming on to somewhere Nora’s writing has brought to life so that I simply must see it….
I live in Colorado Springs. The haze is here too. It is giving my family a sore throat. 🙁
Be careful you don’t get too bothered by it as well.
Hope you have a wonderful time. 🙂
https://en.m.Wikipedia.org/wiki/epley_maneuver
I have a very good friend that suffers from vertigo and swears by this maneuver.
Every year, and especially this year with the fires being so bad in so many states, I remember all the inside knowledge/research you shared with us in Chasing Fire. After reading that book I had a greater appreciation and admiration for the firefighters who work so hard at a very dangerous job. Knowing how well researched her books are is one of the top reasons I look forward to Nora Roberts’ books. It’s second only to her amazing use of dialogue and characterization-where you feel like you know these characters and would recognize them on the street and have a fun evening over dinner with them. I’m so glad she shares her talent and hard work with us.
Don’t know where in Montana you are but if you get the chance take a drive down the Sawtooth Mountain Pass. It goes south into Yellowstone NP. It is a beautiful drive!
You are describing a very exclusive version of Montana.
Try earning a living catering to tourists who come to your home?
Yes, it’s a beautiful place but it’s also a hard place. The people who live here are tough as the sinew and gristle they trim off your steak.
A vacation is time separated from every day. I lived in a place where everyone vacationed and of course, my experiences were different from those of visitors. We’re all just enjoy the story.
Laura
I also live in an area that draws tourists. It’s certainly different living and working there than visiting. But I’m an East Coast girl taking a couple weeks of down time in the amazing West. For me and mine, this is an amazing experience made all the more special by those people who earn their living catering to visitors.
I can’t believe how many people here had vertigo. My husband had it for a year- and went to a ENT, who did the Brandt manuever on him- it puts the crystals of the ear back into place. It is NOT something u try yourself off a you tube video. I think Nora has the funds to go to a doctor, & not try self-medicating.
However, he had it done three times, & the vertigo came back each time, after a few weeks. Well, we lucked out. A friend had the same problem, & went to a top NYC specialist. Most docs don’t believe in holistic medicine, & just throw meds at you, like the standard one for vertigo- meclazine. It makes u very drowsy, so my husband stopped after the first time taking it. This doc recommended sublingual Vitamin B12- 4,000 mcg’s daily. It worked like a charm. Six months ago, my husband decided since he’s cured, why continue taking it? He stopped- and two weeks later- the vertigo was back. Now he’s back on, & the vertigo is gone. I hope yours is gone for good as well.
Ok you said you have a book to read. So what do you read when it’s just for fun or relaxation?
Yep…Paws Up is a fine resort. About everything you can imagine for “roughing it” in style. In my younger days I MC’d a Chuckwagon dinner theater show in Estes Park, CO. Such fun for “flatlanders” looking for the western experience. Have fun! ~BB
I couldn’t follow this live so am sitting down to read right through , glass of wine and nibbles to hand – I SO enjoyed your last year’s trip – I think it is incredibly generous of you to let us share it – Thank You! MC