Two days ago, we had an amazing smoke-free evening in Montana. So I went out into the woods and encountered this majestic buck, along with some of his friends.
Category Archives: Ruminations
The Bitterroot National Forest
Earlier in the summer, well before the smoke and fires, I was fortunate to spend a glorious day in the Bitterroot National Forest. This 1.587 million acre national forest straddles the Montana/Idaho border, culminating in the spectacular 10,157 foot Trapper Peak.
Most people visit Montana because of Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. But I find the Bitterroots to be just as scenic. It’s likely the range would be a national park, if not for the other two.
Black bear, western Montana
We had a rare smoke free day in Montana yesterday, so I had to take advantage. I explored a location about 45 minutes from Missoula, and came face to face with this black bear.
The Lolo Peak Fire
This image was captured at 11:30 last night, from Missoula, Montana.
The Lolo Peak fire has been a monster from the beginning, and shows no signs of slowing down. For most of July and August, it burned in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and adjacent national forest land. But now it’s burning down the ridge, towards Highway 93.
Lolo Peak fire, August 16th
Taken from my house, around 8 pm. We’re going through a wicked fire season here in western Montana, trigged by a record-setting fifty days of no measurable rain.
Currently, there are evacuations for parts of Lolo and Florence.
In any season, Montana brings challenges. It is still however, the most beautiful place in the world.
