What is in your mind if I mention "Montana"?

I was there once 10 years ago. I found the states motto was sound. Big sky country. I knew where I was gonna be four hours down the road on the same highway. Very flat very scenic. Kinda of. Cactes. Rattlesnakes. 100 degree days and frozen puddles in the morning.

I read a book once and Montana was the place with deserted cabins where pioneers had finally quit trying to make a living out of the harsh and unforgiving climate. Today I imagine that people with money can find the wilderness they dreamed about.

Hanna Montana on the Disney Channel. My Kids watch it every week.

First, the van (Pontiac Montana, my sister has one), then I picture the place as being kind of westernish. A ranch or meadow with a mountain (not too big) in the background.

1) The State 2) the Spanish word for mountain

*The Miss Teen USA 2006 is from Montana...

*and Cowboys

Joe Montana, one of the all time greatest quarterbacks.

Unfortunately..Hannah. As in Hannah Montana. I hear about it soo much from here and younger cousins. Ahhh....

Truth be told...... it is almost always the last state mentioned when I ask my 5th grade students to name the 50 states.

Joe