Another tale is coming to a close; it's time to leave Missoula, Montana.

And that is not easy.

You see, I've fallen in love. Let me tell you about her.

She's a natural beauty -- breathtaking, in fact -- and though she's seen some tough times, been ravaged over the years by greedy and thoughtless men, she is still mostly pure and in large part untainted.

Her beauty is riveting, but it's her spirit and attitude that make me think that I might want to be with her forever.

She is easy going, free of pretensions, tough, determined, plain-talking, for the most part, a country girl.

Yes, she is vast -- huge, in fact, but, as they say, that just means there's more of her to love.

By now you've figured out I'm talking about Montana (the state, not Hannah).

Now Missoula and Montana are two entirely different things, Missoula being the state's liberal, cultural, intellectual oasis -- but one where there's no pressure to drink from it if you don't want to.

Missoula is also the dog-friendliest place I've ever lived -- one where you aren't constantly reminded to put your dog on a leash, where people don't give you puckered-mouth looks of disapproval if your dog is acting like a dog.

I've never seen a town so crazy about dogs -- and that's a good thing. I think there's probably a high correlation between how well a town treats its dogs and how well it treats its people.

Here's a perfect example.

So thank you Missoula, for having Ace and me and making us so comfortable.

And thank you, Montana, for capturing my soul.

They call it the Treasure State.

And that I will.