Sunday, March 21, 2010

Crawling Back Into Civilization.

I need a vacation from vacation... Driving 18 hours to get home in one day is taxing. Then carrying home the virus's from out of state is a burden which was not anticipated.

But the views were lovely in Montana.

Wyatt could not be kept from the water on the Clark Fork. I kept saying, "Don't get your feet wet." But it did little to dissuade my son from skimming the edges of the rocks on the river bed.


In Ennis, Montana, there is a ridge line on the eastern side of the valley that is great for photography. Big startling mountains rise up from the floor of the land stretching upward with the rising sun.


And there was plenty of snow on the ground still for tromping in. This winter has been very mild in Montana and snow and rain fall is low. The snow still clings to the north facing slopes where the sun does not hit and melt it.


Snowballs and cold hands were not an problem for some kids.


The peak on the right is called "The Sphinx." I think it is famous for getting photographed and may have a slight ego problem.


I liked the s-shaped curve that the remaining snow in this drainage channel formed creating an interesting line through the photo.


I hiked over snow swept hilltops where there was just enough cover to make me feel like it was winter, but not too cold as to keep me indoors.


My favorite tree was this snag that was at the top of a ridge line that I hiked. From almost every angle it photographed well.


And the deer and pronghorn were out and about searching for new grass. This band of deer let me approach then bolted quickly when I got too close for comfort. I tweaked this photo so the deer would show up better. It is amazing how well they camouflage with the landscape.


So next time I want to share some photos of our visit with Pricilla of The Maaa of Pricilla and show how nice goats are too! We got to stop in and visit this celebrity goat, the Publicist and The Male Person in person and it was a great treat!

Bye for now!

20 comments:

Julie Harward said...

Beautiful pictures...beautiful country! I have a first cousin that lives in Ennis..he is a sculpture and painter, he is quite famous! Glad you had such a good trip (minus the virus) such a goof pic of your son! :D

IanH said...

Very nice scenery. Glad youhad a good time. If I could be persuaded to move south, it would be either to Montana, or Jackson Hole wyoming. It's not likely going to happen, as the roots are in the northern part of Alberta.

Holly Days Closet said...

What wonderful pictures. And I'm sure it prettier in person. Looks like you guys had a great time.
Holly

Melodie said...

What a beautiful place!YOu really have a gift of photography! In the summer I long to move further north...I would have to drag Hubby kicking and screaming out of the state of Texas though! I look forward to seeing your visit with Pricilla!

Rick (Ratty) said...

The scenery looks great. I can see why that peak is called The Sphinx. It does oddly resemble the original. And the deer do have good camouflage. It took me several seconds before I could see them.

The Mind of a Mom said...

Welcome back! What a wonderful trip it looks like you had. I am not going to ramble on as I am sure you have a ton of laundry to do! That is what I spent Saturday doing :o)

Lesley Speller said...

*giggles* Ella looks like a tiny centaur in that picture! The dog behind her blends into her. hehe

Those pictures are gorgeous! Looks like you had lots of fun! Coming back from vaca is always so tiring.

brokenteepee said...

Glorious photos. That snag almost looks like it is about to take flight.
Wyatt looks like he is having so much fun throwing rocks. My first view from down there you know...thank you.

I can't wait to see your photos!
erm, a certain rooster is no longer with us.

Doris Sturm said...

Wonderful photos, Julia - just like I always imagined it to be. I really would love to live there. What virus?
I hope everyone's well.
Thanks for stopping by my blog and have a great week.
Doris

Suzi said...

Looks like beautiful country....oh wait, I know it's beautiful country. Glad you were able to see it. Love the photos and sorry to hear about the Montana virus you brought home.

Rural Rambler said...

Beautiful pictures Julia, the mountains leave me speechless. I am glad you got to get away to such a beautiful peaceful place!

Holly, the Old Western Gal said...

Oh boy! A tree that photographs well from every angle! Julia's dream...!!!
"What did you see in Paris, Julia?"
"A tree!"
"What do you remember most about your trip into Mongolia?"
"A tree!"

Tee hee...glad you are back, but off to the beach for Easter? Hiding eggs...hmmm...now that will take some thinking...maybe there will be driftwood?

Kathy said...

A colleague vacationed in Montana. He said he saw God there.

Shelly Cox said...

Gorgeous pictures! Looks like the kids had a blast.

theUngourmet said...

Incredible photos! Love that tree! Glad you had a good trip!

DayPhoto said...

AH!! The Rocky Mountains they truly produce amazment!

You all get well.

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/

Frogs in my formula said...

Look at those big open skies. Sigh. Every time I come to your blog I am one step closer to moving! Looks like a lovely vacation.

Vixen of Vixensden.com said...

I've been to Montana a time or two and the scenery is spectacular. Welcome back and shame on you for bringing illness across state lines!

Sharkbytes said...

Does the little guy have his own Carhartt's? How great is that! I've seen pronghorn just twice. They are very, very awesome.

Mel said...

Looks like you had a great trip! I've hiked up the Sphinx a couple times and the views back into the Madison Range and accross the valley are amazing--put it on your list for your next Montana trip!

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