P Rock

P Rock

Interstate 15 stretches from the Canadian-Montana border all the way to San Diego, California. This four-lane highway takes you through some of the best scenery in the Big Sky state. Living here allows us a never-ending panoramic drive through the heart of Montana.

Some years ago, when we lived in Havre, our family would travel a section of this Interstate from Great Falls to Helena. While Judy and the kids slept, I reveled in watching the meandering Missouri River flow through the mountains. From Square Butte to the Sleeping Giant, there is one breathtaking scene after another.

Heading south near mile marker #245 there is a small rest area. Actually, it’s a short side off that gives opportunity to visit the P Rock. That isn’t its official name. It’s the name my boys and I gave it. Getting out of the car and climbing the hundred steps to the top, you have a spectacular view of the river and the steel bridge that became famous in the 1987 Sean Connery movie The Untouchables.

When it was only the boys and I who made the climb, we found that it was the perfect place to relieve ourselves. We made it into a contest as to who had enough pressure built up to shoot the farthest. Soon it became our favorite stopping place to enjoy the view and heed nature’s call. Several weeks ago, driving to Havre, I passed marker #245 and chuckled at the memory of three young boys running up those steps to win the “P” contest.

I hope this doesn’t offend anyone’s sensibilities. I realize that it is not culturally correct to muse on masculine memories these days. I just can’t help but believe that life is full of memories, especially those enjoyed by the participants. If you ever happen to drive by the P Rock, give a chuckle to what the Semsch men enjoyed there.

Thanks Shaun, Tim and Nick for the memories!