Where the Yellowstone Goes

 

This is one of those serendipitous Netflix finds; anything with the word "Yellowstone" in it catches my eye. This documentary, by Hunter Weeks (director of 10 MPH and Ride the Divide), follows a small group, including a Montana fly-fishing guide, who embark on a 30 day journey to float the length of the Yellowstone River. Because it is illegal to float the Yellowstone within the boundaries of Yellowstone National Park, they begin their journey just outside the park boundaries in Gardiner, MT and end the journey where the Yellowstone meets the Missouri River in North Dakota. I really shouldn't watch these types of shows, it just makes me miss the West.  As we prepared to move to Oklahoma, I knew I would miss it, but I don't think I realized just how much. My heart aches to be back near mountains and sagebrush. Oklahoma has its beautiful spots, but the problem I have here is that nearly all land is privately owned. There are very few public lands. I miss my public lands. That being said, this is an interesting documentary that shows the beauty found along the longest undammed river in the lower 48 states. It also shows some of the people found in the communities along the river, and their connection to it. The film also touches on some of the more delicate issues, such as how to balance the river's usage for agriculture and industry with maintaining its wild and pristine environment. Their journey took place two months after an Exxon pipeline burst, spilling oil into the river, and although the cleanup has gone relatively well, the effects of the oil on the river and the vegetation on the banks can be seen. I understand our need for oil, but to see such a disgusting substance destroy such a beautiful area makes me sad. Visually, this is a great film. My wife referred to it as "nature porn," mainly due to the miles between us and the lands we love. The fishing scenes are great, and some beautiful Yellowstone River cutthroats, rainbows, and brown trout are caught. The fly fishing guide also lands a 20 pound carp on a fly rod which is fun to watch. Where the Yellowstone Goes will appeal to lovers of the West and fishing, as well as those interested in environmental issues. I enjoyed it, but I probably shouldn't have watched it. I want to go home...

More on the film can be found here: http://www.wheretheyellowstonegoes.com/