Max Baucus: “today I rise to talk about one of the most magnificent, the most inspiring places on Earth, the Flathead region of…”

“today I rise to talk about one of the most magnificent, the most inspiring places on Earth, the Flathead region of Montana. The landscape in this area is so vast, so unique, it is hard to put into words. But let me feebly attempt to describe the aura of colors you see as the Sun rises over the deep blue of Lake McDonald. Words cannot capture the joyful screams of families shooting down the Middle Fork of the Flathead through rapids with names like 'Bone Crusher' and 'Could be Trouble.' Words cannot do justice to the awe that comes from almost touching Montana's legendary Big Sky at the top of Heavens Peak. The Flathead region, there is nothing like it. It is the crown of the continent. It is God's country. It is Montana. There is one particular area of this region that holds a special place in my heart; that is, the North Fork of the Flathead River. When I was a freshman Member of the House of Representatives, I took a hike with my friends, Jack Stanford and Ric Hauer, to the top of Mount Harding.”