The Last Best Place

When I look at this crumbling old homestead, I can't help but imagine what it was like to homestead a piece of land in the early American West.  There was no electricity and no running water.  In Montana, winter weather begins in October and lasts until May.  You better have a sharp axe for firewood and a good horse and wagon to haul the wood home.  You might also pray your well hits water if there isn't a stream nearby.  Even still,  when I look at this scene, I can't help but imagine that these bold pioneers knew a powerful sense of freedom that most people never know.