The Bee publishes letters from readers across the Gallatin Valley. Letters are edited for length, never for truth, because we wouldn’t know where to start.

The North 19th Parking Situation

I drove into Bozeman last Tuesday to pick up some fencing supplies, and I noticed the new four-story building on 19th has a very lovely parking garage. It seems very efficient. However, I counted three people idling in the bike lane while they waited for a space to open at the coffee shop next door. I don’t mind the traffic, as it gives me time to listen to my podcasts, but I do worry about the bicyclists. They look so small compared to the lifted trucks. If we could all just drive a little bit slower, perhaps we wouldn’t need to park so quickly.

— Dale Halloway, Belgrade

The Wind and my Hat

I am writing to express my mild concern regarding the wind yesterday. I was walking from my car to the post office when a gust of roughly sixty miles per hour took my favorite felt hat right off my head. It traveled four blocks east toward the interstate in under ten seconds. While I appreciate the way the wind keeps our air crisp and prevents us from getting too comfortable, I do wish it would be a bit more selective about which accessories it chooses to relocate. If anyone finds a grey hat near the highway, please consider it a permanent resident of the valley now.

— Susan Weatherby, Livingston

Skiing and Grocery Prices

I work three shifts a week at the resort and I’ve skied 72 days this season, so I think I have a good handle on things. I keep seeing complaints about the price of organic kale at the market, but people forget that it takes a lot of fuel to get that produce up the mountain. If you want to live the mountain lifestyle, you have to expect a little premium on your greens. I’ve started eating mostly protein bars I find in the lost-and-found bin at the lodge. It saves me enough money to keep my pass current, which is really all that matters.

— Jasper Thorne, Big Sky