June 2026

In June, we traveled…

The Road Trip

We spent much of June on the road and in the best way… quietly. By that I mean, no announcements or frequent posting on social media. I used my phone like a disposable camera in my pocket and only when I felt compelled to do so. It was lovely.

As for road trips, our family prefers them to flying. The freedom to stay or leave as it suits, the little detours and diversions, and the ability to pack whatever you need make driving far more appealing. I also like to think that slower travel is absorbed instead of just experienced. Yes, flying is often (though not always) faster, but then travel becomes all about the destination. At this point in my life, I find I value the journey more and more.

"Happiness is not a station you arrive at, but a manner of traveling."
— Margaret Lee Runbeck

We left Missouri, crossed the border into Iowa, and drove up into South Dakota, traveling its width to Belle Fourche. Fun fact: It’s the geographic center of the US. It’s also a pretty spot. Though we only spent a few minutes there to stretch the legs (a must in road tripping), it left an impression.

Standing in a small town, breathing in that air mixed with pine and prairie that is uniquely “West,” a little-known geographical spot became a landmark for the heart. The feel of this part of the country stirs my emotions with memories of those early years of growing our family. I hope the quick selfie my family indulged me with will spark the memory as time passes.

On our way to Montana via the geo center of the US.

Montana

Clipping the top of Wyoming before arriving in Montana, we made another quick stop at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. 150 years ago this month, Custer made his last stand here. The sky is enormous and though you can see for miles, the grassy land is contoured with hidden nooks and crannies.

A mix of graves of the known and unknown from battle, it also serves as a final resting place for veterans from nearly every major American conflict. Like many other national parks and cemeteries, it’s a heavy and perplexing place.

Back on the road, our next stop was Missoula, where I spent a couple of days filming with Handguns TV. While I was on the range, the family visited the city’s Butterfly House and Insectarium (me = jealous), hiked to the “M,” and toured around town.

Wyoming

After that, it was south and down to Cody, Wyoming, for a busy few days with Cody Firearms Museum meetings at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. I took a walk through the Arms of the Revolution Exhibit — a must-see for America’s 250th Birthday this year. Next was a special Annie Oakley-inspired range day for the women affiliated with the Center, most of whom have very little experience with firearms. A huge thank you to Springfield Armory, Trijicon, Federal, and Caldwell Shooting Supplies for their generous support.

We also had the opportunity to visit the TE Ranch. Exploring this National Register of Historic Places and founded by Buffalo Bill in 1895, was such a treat. I’m a sucker for the “rustic meets victorian” vibe of frontier homes.

One last thing on my to-do list while in Wyoming was a visit to the new Wyoming State Shooting Complex. It’s a range near and dear to me, one that I’ve had a role in. Much has happened since my first visit to the site — a groundbreaking, a proper road and lots of dirt being moved. It’s going to be spectacular!

Idaho

Next in our western adventure was Idaho. Winding through the mountains, we enjoyed coffee and tiramisu in Wallace before arriving in Moscow, ID, for a few days. This time it was Simon’s turn to work, and the girls and I puttered around the area, marveling at the brilliantly yellow canola fields, trying aebleskivers, and relaxing with a sweet kitty that reminded us so much of our Webley (RIP).

We also took a stroll through the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden. It’s a beautiful garden featuring sections with plants from five different geographic regions. The hostas and poppies were my favorites and its easy to imagine how the gardens transition through the seasons.

The original plan to make our way home over three days disintegrated. There’s a certain point in every trip where the pull to be home becomes stronger than the allure of newness. We all grew tired of nomadic travel and living out of suitcases and made the trip home in two days instead. It was the best place to celebrate another year around the sun.