Back from Libby

Whew! We made it back from Libby. Although it was foggy along the reservoir and then along the river, and there were small- to mid-sized rocks in the road which had rolled down off the cliffs, the road was only wet and not icy. It rained lightly most of the way there.

There was an impressive turnout for such a remote and rural part of the state. It was open mike, you just lined up to say your piece. First you gave your name and town, and if you represented a special interest (either for or against), you stated that. There were around 500 people there, as well as most of our elected local and state politicians, our congressman, and the cameras. My pulse was around 200 beats per minute when it was my turn! I just fixed my eyes on the congressman 15 feet away and spoke to him and tried not to think about anyone else. I had recited it so many times in my head, complete with pauses in the right places, etc., that it all went fine. I believe more work needs to be done on the wording in this bill (S-1470) and that there are issues that are not completely addressed, which will hurt not only the loggers but also the cattle grazers and the outfitters/guides. There's a lot of potential for good in this Bill, it just needs a bit more work. Listening to a lot of the people today, both for and against, I'm not sure how many have actually read the whole Bill.

Afterward we went through a drive-thru for some cardboardburgers and pop, then headed home. The main highways were good but the backroads were slick, and the fog was so thick we had to go slow. It was especially nerve-wracking along the reservoir in the dark and fog, watching for rocks rolled down into the roadway. A few miles above the dam a coyote crossed the road in front of us.

It was nice to get home and unwind. Steven and I split a sub sandwich and talked about our day(s).

The biggest and saddest news of the day (all things being relative, of course) is that the Cardinals lost the play-off game against New Orleans. In deference to Emily (and to Marge, Becky, Justin and his family for last week's game) I suggest we think of this page as draped with black bunting. My heart goes out to you all. May your teams all do well next season.