Katieblog

First, Zappa:

When I fled the hot, smoke-filled California Central Valley for Bozeman for three weeks this summer, I wasn't sure what to expect. I like California a lot, but I'd been given a romantic image of Montana by a certain mechanic at a Yreka bike shop, and of course, by Frank Zappa. So when the fires started and it wasn't healthy to be outdoors in California, I came here.

After three weeks and one and a half years in Montana and California respectively, I think it's safe to call myself an expert on both. So, in order to help my loyal readers understand the pros and cons of the two locales, I've quantified their strengths and weaknesses below.

Cows: California ones are happier. +1 for CA.
Fishing: Since the start of my fishing career, I've caught 4 in California (+4) and 5 in Montana (+5).
Cycling: I have only met 3 cyclists who were actually on their bikes in Montana, and they were all from somewhere else. +1 for CA.
Fires: So far, more in California. +1 for MT.
People: Everyone in Montana seems to be from California. Most folks I meet in California are from the Midwest. Everyone knows Midwesterners are the best folk around, so that's +1 for CA.
Thermal features: Wyoming wins.
Zappa songs: He wrote a song about Montana, but most of the acid he did probably came from California. +1 for CA.
Food: +1 for CA. Although it costs less in MT.
Mosquitoes: OMG +1 for CA.
High elevation lakes: +1 for MT.
Bears: Montana has grizzlies, which might eat you. +1 for CA.

I'm not sure who wins, you do the math. I like 'em both, and I know one thing for sure:

Thank God for that.