Pic: Not this motel’s first time. Howard Johnson Helena, Helena, MT
Friends know that I enjoy hobbies which are somewhat dangerous — including but not limited to solo backpacking in griz country — but that I take safety seriously. During my adventures, I always told Ben and Matt where I was and when I expected to make contact again. It became a habit, even for nights in civilization:
Me: I’ll be in Helena for the next night or two, then on to Great Falls.
Matt: Helena… Isn’t there some song like that?
Me: Uh, is there?
Matt: [singing] Helena, Helena!
Me: I–
Matt: [still singing] She’s a Helena, Helena!
Matt was thinking of “Helluva”, a lesser-known specimen of early 90s hip-hop by The Brotherhood Creed. And he sang it every time I mentioned Helena for the next three weeks. He still does it today.
The result is that even though I now live in Montana and see or hear the name of my capital city at least once a week, I think of this song every single time. Thanks, Matt. You’re a helluva, helluva guy.
Pic: You’re not helping, Howard Johnson Helena! Helena, MT
Danger Beyond This Point 