I like to travel, and often go by myself. I can stay as long as I want, and do what I want. I realized fairly early that I shouldn’t stay alone in my own head too long, though. Luckily, I don’t have to. Years ago, I learned I could go to Central Office before I left town. They would copy the page from the Western States Directory for the area I was going to. I took off with addresses and even some phone numbers for places I might have never been. One great memory is when I’d been in Yellowstone for about four days. I had gone to a meeting in West Yellowstone one evening. On the way home I stopped along the Henry’s Fork by Island Park. It’s a beautiful river, and great fishing. The bonus was, I knew there was a meeting at the Church in the Pines that evening. After fishing, I went over to the church and cooked dinner on my tailgate. The meeting is outside during the Summer, and they have a fire pit. It’s a powerful experience to sit around a fire with friends you’ve just met, and share. The bond we can have with each other is something I hope I never take for granted. Now, with the internet, the information is at our fingertips. We can find a meeting almost anywhere, and don’t have to be alone longer than we want to be. It’s a great way to get some local tips, also.

Mel H.