What was your best experience in the field covering this story?

The best part about this assignment was simply being with the Hutterites, especially in a setting as beautiful as Montana. I can only think of my relationship with that whole colony as a second family or home for me. I first visited them in 1969 on a Geographic assignment and have been going back ever since. I always stay with the colony boss, Darius Walter, and his wife, Annie. Sometimes I'll bring my dog out, and we'll go hunting. Then when we get back to the house we'll eat a meal together. Occasionally, I even cook with Annie. I was also with the Walters when my son passed away last spring. It was very difficult, but the fact that I was there with my Hutterite friends made it a little easier to bear.

What was your worst experience in the field covering this story?

The day the story was over, I knew I would be back to Surprise Creek on my own in the summer and fall for some weddings. But I just kept wondering, Have I done this assignment well enough?

What was your quirkiest experience in the field covering this story?

Annie Walter makes a great pie with a wonderful crust. Well, I like to cook too, so I took home a bucket of hog lard to make my own. I thought that was what she always used. But I found out later hog lard isn't her secret ingredient. Annie said she tried Crisco and thought it was great.