Over 2,261 miles: Personal Update for March 2024

Hitting the road for a 2,261-mile journey, we bid farewell to our Asheville, North Carolina, pad and journeyed westward to our new digs in Missoula, Montana.

Five days, four hotels, around $800 in gas, two vehicles, one trailer, and tons of snacks made up the essential ingredients for this cross-country trek. With an unquenchable thirst for adventure, we embarked on this monumental move.

Now nestled in our new stomping grounds, we're feeling settled – more at home than we have in years. This relocation has dominated our lives for the past couple of months, leaving us MIA at the start of 2024. But fear not, we're back and better than ever!

We left North Carolina in search of a milder winter in a place offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Following four years living above 10,000 feet in Breckenridge, Colorado, we were ready to ditch the snow.

However, after a year and a half in North Carolina, we realized the East just can't compete with the wilderness of the Rocky Mountains out West. Don't get me wrong, Asheville is a fantastic place to live, boasting the stunning Appalachian Mountains – especially the Blue Ridge Mountains. We hiked, fished, swam, and explored as much as we could in that time.

But we're ready for something different. With a new mindset in tow.

A cold, snowy winter is what makes the summer so incredible. In a way, the "darkness" is what brings out the light of summer.

We need snow and cold to make the rivers cold enough to support native populations of trout for Derek's fishing. We need cold and snow to fuel a summer that's cool enough for me to hike as many days as possible. Asheville summers are hot and HUMID as heck (I'm talking 99% humidity every morning).

But the summers in the Rocky Mountains are dry and pleasant. And the winter is what makes this possible.

Even though the winters in the Rockies can be tough, we know that the summer reward makes it all worthwhile. This mindset helps us power through the short winter days. Because we know the wait will be well worth it.

A stunning view on my most recent winter hike in the Bitterroot Mountains near Missoula.

So why Missoula? We explored numerous options in the Rocky Mountain range, from southern Colorado to Montana. But they all had a major flaw in some way.

Then our best friend, Andrew, mentioned Missoula was his favorite place and he wants to live and die there (Shout out to Andrew – go follow him on Instagram if you love fly fishing and/or awesome people). And that sparked an interest. So we began researching.

Here's why we chose Missoula over everywhere else:

Missoula offers an abundance of outdoor recreation right at our doorstep. From hiking trails, to fishing spots, to scenic drives, there's no shortage of activities nearby.
Montana's fishing regulations are top-notch. Derek appreciates their access laws, conservation efforts, and the fact that they haven't stocked trout since the 1980's. The Missoula area and western Montana boast a massive amount of water for fishing.
Missoula is centrally located for some amazing road trips to National Parks like Glacier National Park, West Yellowstone, Grand Teton National Park, North Cascades National Park, and the Canadian Rockies Parks (Banff, Yoho, and Jasper).
Having the University of Montana in town means more social events, concerts, and fun bars. A diverse student population brings a more diverse population in general, which helps make locals more welcoming to "outsiders" than some other towns in Montana.
In the winter, Missoula experiences an inversion. This means lower temperatures compared to other parts of Montana and the Rockies, with only around 40 inches of snowfall per winter. Living at a lower elevation (Missoula is only 3,200 feet) means we can still enjoy the mountains while avoiding excessive snowfall.
Missoula is home to a local ski resort (Snowbowl) and Lookout Pass, which offers real powder for those snowboarding enthusiasts.
And let's not forget – Montana's stunning landscapes make for some breathtaking views.

So what's next for Know Nothing Nomads in 2024?

A ton of hiking and fishing!

We plan to explore and experience more outdoor activities than ever before. And we have a feeling Montana might just be the best move we've ever made.

Stay tuned for fresh content about hiking in Missoula and Montana, stories from our adventures, and guides on everything we learn along the way.

By the way, we're still the same crazy duo we've always been. We're just excited to bring you new tales from the trail in our new home state!

We've moved to Missoula, Montana, seeking a change from our home in Asheville, North Carolina, driven by a desire for milder winters and ample outdoor recreation opportunities.
Montana's wilderness, particularly the Rocky Mountains, richly fulfills our appetite for adventure, offering possibilities for hiking, fishing, and exploring.
Missoula, our new location, is an ideal base for road trips to several National Parks, such as Glacier National Park and Grand Teton National Park, catering to our love for travel and sports.
In addition to the outdoor adventures, Missoula's lifestyle is a perfect fit for us, with its abundant home-and-garden activities, vibrant university atmosphere, and welcoming community.