AIR in Glacier National Park

Singin' The Blues

2008-05-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

The white crowned sparrow is a summer songster. For those of you just emerging from the snow pack, hang in there, summer's coming! I'll be working "outside of Glacier" more now so if you miss seeing new art work from me, switch over to my painting blog.....click on the "Picture This" link to the right. My show of GNP paintings has gotten great reviews and several paintings have sold, hooray!

Take a Hike, art show

2008-05-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

You know, it's a lot of work putting on a show. I managed to cram about 28 paintings on this wall and so far the response has been great. I've sold three paintings already. There will be a reception this Sunday and I'm excited to share what I've learned about the park.

Precarious

2008-04-26T17:54:00.000-07:00

This is a view of Grinnell and Gem glaciers from the notch in the Garden Wall. I called it precarious for the obvious reason and also because the existence of the glaciers and the plants and animals that live here is changing fast. The glaciers will most likely be gone soon and hopefully the critters, like this marmot, will have enough time to adapt to the changes.

Bear Valley

2008-04-21T14:00:00.000-07:00

This my most ambitious painting so far. :-) Has anyone ever heard this area called "bear valley"? I read it somewhere and thought it appropriate for this view from the trail up to Granite Park.

Legacy of Ice

2008-04-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

This view of Grinnell glacier and its valley from high on the continental divide is a bittersweet panorama in this era of global warming. The remnant glacier with it's iceberg filled lake and hanging valley falling to the chain of lakes that represents the final path of melting ice on its way to the Hudson Bay drainage. I feel so lucky to be able to hike up here and to appreciate a characteristic of the landscape that will very soon be no more. I included the clouds not only to improve the composition but to symbolize the cycle of water and renewal that will continue even while we insist on messing it up. This one is for those of you who can't get to this awesome place where hope fills up the clouds and pours down the mountainsides.

Don't Mind Me

2008-04-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

This young mountain goat was all cozy on the rocks about eye level above us on the trail. He seemed to say "lookin good, keep it up, have a nice hike" as he watched us walk up our second pass of the day. This was on our continental divide crossover hike. Start at the Jackson Glacier overlook up the St. Mary Valley to Gunsight Pass and eventually end at Lake Macdonald. I highly recommend this route although as a day hike it's a long one.

Cataract

2008-04-08T14:08:00.000-07:00

I'm happy with this one. Avalanche Creek in the spring, morning sun sliding down the canyon. The swirling water with it's bits of glacial flour is the master sculptor at work.

Coming up for Air

2008-04-06T19:33:00.000-07:00

Watching moose "snorkel" is a favorite passtime, especially at Kootenai Lakes in the north end of the park.

Skipper

2008-04-05T17:14:00.000-07:00

This is a moth-ish looking butterfly called a skipper... I won't even try to identify which of the over 3,000 specific kinds it is. They are named for their skipping flight pattern. This one has paused to suck up some nectar from this golden aster flower, see the proboscis extending down at a right angle into the flower like a skinny straw? I think they are kinda cute with their big eyes and fuzzy face.

Glacier Morning

2008-04-04T18:09:00.000-07:00

Here is a classic Glacier sunrise lighting up the peaks around Wild Goose Island.

Check out my newest book!

2008-03-31T11:33:00.000-07:00

Here is the new book adapted from my 2007 Artist in Residence project for the park. They will have the web based alphabet up soon (I hope). In the meantime check this out for a preview with paintings added for good measure. These paintings and others will be in an upcoming show next month. I'll post more info. on that later. Here is a link to the Blurb bookstore where you can see a 15 page preview and purchase the book should you be so inclined. :-)

cut and paste this link http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/210011

or click on the Jewels of Glacier Park link to the right, enjoy!

Gunsight Lake

2008-03-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

Finally back to painting. Here's a view of Gunsight Lake from one of the best day hikes ever... the route over the continental divide from St. Mary Lake to Mcdonald Lake. It makes for a long (2 passes, about 4,000ft elevation gain) and spectacular day. Better yet, do it as an overnight (or several) there is so much to see. Yes, the rock really is that red!

On A Mission

2008-03-19T21:02:00.000-07:00

This coyote is cruising through the grass below Singleshot Mountain on the east side of the park. He's obviously got things to do and places to go this morning.

Afternoon Shadows

2008-03-12T19:44:00.000-07:00

This mixed forest near Lake Mcdonald was burned not so very long ago, enough to let the long afternoon shadows penetrate it anyway.

Outlet Creek

2008-03-11T20:22:00.000-07:00

This is a creek coming into the outflow of one of the Kootenai Lakes in the north end of the park. I took the boat from Waterton townsite to the Goat Haunt Ranger Station then easy backpack to the lakes for an overnight. Snorkeling moose, lots of 'em, were my camp entertainment after a day hike to Stoney Indian Lake.

Fireweed - Renewal

2008-03-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

One of the first plants to appear after a conflagration is the aptly named fireweed. The burns are uniquely interesting habitats, each one different and wonderful places to bird watch.

Crowd of Kinglets

2008-03-07T22:07:00.000-08:00

These little Golden Crowned Kinglets are very busy searching the treetops for bugs. They may weigh less than a penny and they can hover in the air like little blimped out humming birds! They are relatively common in Glacier Park and some even over winter there, but I must say this view is from right out my window here in Washington. :-)

Pica and Stromatolytes

2008-03-04T20:58:00.000-08:00

Here is a little more impressionist approach to a pica rummaging around in multi-million year old rocks. The swirly look comes from stromatolytes, fossils of ancient algae that now form some impressive rock art.

Huckleberry Bear

2008-03-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

Here's another bear. This one's for H = huckleberry.

Standing Tall

2008-02-29T21:55:00.001-08:00

Black bears are not always black. This young bear is standing up to check out his surroundings.

Squirrel Condo

2008-02-25T19:37:00.000-08:00

This is a golden mantled ground squirrel. A whole city of them live in little rock apartments around the Numa Ridge fire lookout.

Trick Falls

2008-02-23T19:46:00.000-08:00

In the springtime (this was towards the end of June) when the water runs high this is a double decker waterfall. Later in the summer as water levels drop only the lower portion of the falls is active, hence the name. The native people call it Running Eagle Falls.

Wild Rose and the Beetle

2008-02-22T19:10:00.000-08:00

Here is a more intimate view of the Glacier landscape. Wild roses grow profusely in many areas of the park and provide a great source of food and shelter for many bugs, birds and mammals.

Morning Shadows

2008-02-19T22:12:00.000-08:00

There's nothing finer than the warmth of the morning sun on your face when you're already well into the days hike. This was nearing Preston Park on the way to Siyeh Pass. Three big mule deer bucks, antlers blunted by thick velvet, let me join them for breakfast.

Forest Ghost

2008-02-18T22:57:00.000-08:00

This encounter with 3 wolf pups on the way to Bowman Lake made my whole summer! There is no doubt that I am extraordinarily blessed. Wolves learn intensity at an early age, can you feel that stare?

Jay Talk

2008-02-16T14:32:00.000-08:00

Stellar Jays are a gregarious lot. Even when they're quiet the vibrant flash of their blue plumage is hard to miss darting through the trees.

Baring Falls

2008-02-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

I'm liking this one, the challenge was to capture the mist coming off of the falls..... Can you feel it, a fine spray tickling your face and arms on this warm spring day?

Sharing the Trail

2008-02-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

This painting comes from one of my closer encounters with mountain goat families in the park. Mom, this years kid and last years big brother (a common grouping) passed by as I made room on the Highline Trail one early morning in July. I may still have some work to do on this one. Everything is in shadow except the little triangle of morning sun hitting the far ridge and I'm not sure I've gotten that just right although it's a little better in the original I think. :)

New Blog

2008-02-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

Here it is, another blog that I will use for the most frequent postings. I'll save this one just for Glacier inspired images. Check it out from the link to the right in the side bar. Thanks!

Jays and a Nutcracker

2008-02-06T18:31:00.000-08:00

OK, I know you think I haven't been painting.... it's not true! It's just that I had to "leave" Glacier for a bit. So I put these 3 characters in just to entertain you until I get back to the park. The Stellar Jay, Clark's Nutcracker and Grey Jay (aka. camp robbers) are well known GNP residents.

I'm planning to do a painting blog where I will post whatever it is I'm working on at the moment, instead of cluttering up this blog with non- GNP images. For instance, of late I've painted 2 interior "landscapes" with people and one still life (of all things!) I'm also painting horses for a gallery show in April. So there, you see I have been working. I will post a link to the new blog when I get it up and running. :-)

Elk

2008-01-24T19:31:00.000-08:00

OK, I made this up. I haven't been to Glacier in the late fall or winter......yet! I actually have a plan for all of these paintings, you'll see eventually. How's that to keep you checking back?

Snow Angel

2008-01-21T20:30:00.000-08:00

Today was a day for inspiration. Here is a (photoshop manipulated) snow angel that we "found" up on Hurricane Ridge today. I'll be back to more Glacier paintings soon!

Persimmons

2008-01-18T20:04:00.000-08:00

What's up with this?? There are no persimmons growing in Glacier Park. Well, the persimmon that a friend gave me is ready to eat and I wanted to paint this before I consume the subject so here you go, that's what I painted today!

Bighorn Ram

2008-01-17T17:52:00.000-08:00

This one was also done earlier but I'm trying to get the email subscription thing to work and this is the only way I know how to check it. I enjoy doing portraits, this young ram was a perfect subject.

Forest Edge, Varied Thrush

2008-01-17T11:05:00.000-08:00

Cheating just a little as this is an old painting but I'm working on a bigger one that I will post soon. Also I want to test out the new "subscribe to" feed on the sidebar. If you're interested, you can add your email address and whenever I post a new image it will be forwarded to your mailbox. Try it! :-)

Creekside

2008-01-16T23:43:00.000-08:00

Anglewing on Yarrow

2008-01-14T15:31:00.000-08:00

Profusion

2008-01-12T18:14:00.000-08:00

Cloudy Day Jewels

2008-01-11T18:10:00.000-08:00

Cloudy days are wonderful for helping focus my observations close at hand, a chance to appreciate the treasures right under my feet.

Highcountry Spring

2008-01-10T20:44:00.000-08:00

Above Hidden Lake

2008-01-09T17:25:00.000-08:00

A great place to visit Glacier's iconic mountain goats.

Retreating Winter

2008-01-08T09:35:00.000-08:00

We have a dusting of snow today here in Puget Sound but winter lasts much longer in Glacier Park. July, high in the mountains finds the last remnants of snow melt, glacier lilies emerging from the soggy earth and ravenous mosquitoes enough to keep you from lingering too long in one spot!

Chief Mountain in the Morning

2008-01-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

It's not hard to see why this monolithic outcrop standing out from the Rocky Mountain Front near the north eastern boundary of Glacier Park is a native American spiritual site. On this particular morning in July, the moon hovers over the burly shoulder of the Chief and is reflected in the mirrored surface of a beaver pond.

Great Horned Owl

2008-01-06T19:29:00.000-08:00

This is a palette knife painting, not the easiest tool to use in this small space (it's only 8 x 10") the technique is fun and warrants more experimentation i think.

Logan Pass Ram

2008-01-05T11:42:00.000-08:00

Morning threads it's way up to Logan Pass in July while the wind rocks and rolls around here in January. I imagine this view is blanketed with several feet of snow by now.

Aspen grove

2008-01-04T20:12:00.000-08:00

Happy 2008

My challenge this year is to improve my painting skills by.... you guessed it, more painting!

Since I'm having winter hiking withdrawal, I've "gone back to Glacier", in paint if not in person. This was the first image painted in the new year. Although I like the sunny glow, it leaves room for improvement so stay tuned it could be a painterly year ahead!

Jewels of Glacier Alphabet

2007-07-31T15:01:00.000-07:00

Here is the cover of a Glacier Alphabet booklet I put together from the drawings for the park's online version. Inside are larger reproductions of the line drawings for you to color.... fun, don't you think?

Two Medicine Lake from Scenic Point trail

2007-07-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

Now that I'm home, I'm revisiting some of the wonderful Glacier scenery in paint.... as well as working on the alphabet.

Happy Hiker

2007-07-19T17:03:00.000-07:00

What a way to go out though, almost 300 miles of Glacier trails in two wonder-full summers as AIR. I'm a happy hiker and instead of saying good-bye to Glacier it's just gonna be "see you later".

Talk about burned out!

2007-07-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

I've been holding my good old hiking boots together with shoe-goo and duct tape, this may be their last hike. :(

Wild Hollyhock in the Burn

2007-07-19T16:52:00.000-07:00

As you drop down from Granite Park you enter the burned area from a few years back. The fireweed and hollyhock have certainly taken advantage of the sunlight through the skeleton trees.

View from Granite Park

2007-07-19T16:51:00.000-07:00

After descending from the ridge I checked out the Granite Park Chalet.....a view with a room is right! Here is the expansive view south towards the Garden Wall and Logan Pass from Granite Park.

Bad Marmot!

2007-07-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

Just a little reminder that you really shouldn't leave your pack unattended. (no, this was not my pack and yes, I did save it from destruction, much to the chagrin of this fellow and his three companions)

Dangling on the Divide

2007-07-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

See what I mean? Just look at these boots!!!

Work, work, work. Seems that's all I do!!!!!

2007-07-19T16:21:00.000-07:00

My "studio" for the day, looking west towards the Livingston Range and Heaven's Peak. Life is tough as an AIR!

Grinnell Overlook, Continental Divide

2007-07-19T16:14:00.000-07:00

This is a view east from the top of the ridge or arete that they call the Garden Wall. The first photo shows Grinnell glacier and Gem glacier below me. The next shot shows off the developing lake below the glaciers and the valley and chain of lakes, all fed by the water from way up here. This is the same area that I hiked up to a couple of days ago from the east side. I don't think I'd like to be here in a stormy day and I'll watch for thunderheads building up, but today is a very fine day for this hike.

Walking on the Backbone of the World

2007-07-19T16:09:00.000-07:00

Now you didn't think that I was going to make the very last hike in Glacier just a simple walk along the Garden Wall did you? I just had to add that little spur trail that climbs 1000ft in less than a mile to get me up to the continental divide and the Grinnell Glacier overlook. Then a little scramble on a goat trail to check out the Gem glacier.

Mountain Goats on the Highline Trail

2007-07-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

This is it, the last day for a long hike. I can't believe it's been a month already.... time sure does fly when you're having fun. The Highline trail is my destination today. It's one of the easier hikes, relatively flat for the 7 or so miles from Logan Pass to the Granite Park Chalet, then downhill the remaining 4 miles to the Loop. If you make it a point to point by leaving the car at the Loop and hitchhiking or snagging the shuttle up to the pass it really works great. The goats (mom, this years kid and last years kid) are heading to Logan Pass this morning, we crossed paths in a relatively easy passing zone this time.

snowshoe-ing out of here

2007-07-19T16:00:00.000-07:00

Now it's time to skedaddle on outta here and go home to the cabin at Lake Mcdonald. A milkshake from the Park Cafe in St. Mary makes the drive cooler.

Checkerspot on Blanketflower & WhiteCrowned Sparrow

2007-07-19T15:56:00.000-07:00

Distractions as you toil up the trail include the flying flowers as well as the rooted ones. White crowned sparrows cheer you on when you reach the sub alpine and higher alpine zones.

Bullhead Lake from trail to Swiftcurrent Pass

2007-07-19T15:51:00.000-07:00

Where I was headed today was up the Swiftcurrent Valley. It was going to be hot so I planned to just turn around after a bit but ended up going all the way up to the pass 6.6 miles and 2300feet away. This view shows Bullhead lake and the valley spread below about half way up the pass. The moose love this area as much as the bears it is famous for.

Snowshoe hare portrait

2007-07-19T15:47:00.000-07:00

This was my next cooperative subject of the day. Snowshoe rabbits are everywhere in the park this year and there have been numerous reports of lynx and cougar cruising around. (I certainly have seen their calling cards myself at Two Medicine and up in Goat Haunt) This bunny was a mom who was particularly content to capture my attention away from the little munchkins hopping around in the bushes.

Snorkeling moose

2007-07-19T15:30:00.000-07:00

Just a quarter mile away from camp is FisherCap Lake where the deer, moose and other animals visit frequently. It's kind of like wildlife theater for tourists in lieu of TV, and so much more interesting! I did have to battle through the wall of photographers to get any photos myself (some fellow was giving a workshop). I just slid in below their tripods and giant lenses...."don't mind me, just a snapshooter here". The moose just looked down his nose at us all.

Aspen grove

2007-07-19T15:26:00.000-07:00

Coming back down into the shade of the aspen groves is nice and there are always deer in here. Now it's time to pitch the tent and then go watch bears (with binoculars and spotting scopes) from the Swiftcurrent motel porch and compare wildlife sightings with your fellow hikers.

Grinnell Glacier from Lake Josephine

2007-07-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

This is from the south side of Lake Josephine looking up to the Grinnell glacier complex. Unfortunately my biggest disappointment occurred when all the photos from the middle of the day were lost.... i'm not sure how but I have them only in memory now. So look up into these mountains and imagine this; the trail winds through the trees to the end of the lake, crosses a bridge over the inlet stream and then starts climbing up the valley. You see incredibly colorful rocks of red Grinnell argillite and green Appikuny argillite, laced with creamy quartsite and grey to black bands of something else (need I say rock freak's delight?) ....this is not to mention all the wildflowers decorating the slopes. Soon you pass under a chilly wall of water that's tumbling over the trail (very welcome later in the day when it's hot) Now you see the trail crew up ahead carving a path through the remnant snow patches and you thank them as you pass. There's one pretty good scramble through a washout that hasn't yet been repaired and then a little huffing and puffing and soon you're at the terminal moraine of the Grinnell Glacier. I explored around here and got some really neat shots of the outflow waterfall..... you'll just have to take my word for it!

Many Glacier Lodge

2007-07-19T14:52:00.000-07:00

For those not into the tenting thing, this is the Many Glacier Lodge across Lake Josephine. The view up into the mountains from the lodge is quite spectacular. You can see the current weather conditions here if you access the Glacier Nat. Park webcams, try copying and pasting this link http://www.nps.gov/glac/photosmultimedia/webcams.htm

Many Glacier campground

2007-07-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

This is the "front country" campground entrance at Many Glacier. If you get there in the morning, say 8 o'clock-ish you can almost always find a camping spot. It works great to do the longer day hikes and then spend the night. The hillside just behind is where we watch grizzly bears do their bear thing in the evenings after it cools down.

Flower meadow in lower Swiftcurrent Valley

2007-07-19T11:51:00.000-07:00

After the girls left I headed east to explore the Many Glacier area. The flower show in the flats as you drive into the valley is really spectacular. Great way to start the day!

Coincidentally, I found that the Burke Museum here in Seattle is hosting a photography exhibit about the Rocky Mountain wildlife corridor that features a professional photo by Florian Shultz of this same view...... worth checking out online and maybe visiting the museum too. http://www.washington.edu/burkemuseum/y2y/

The Girls and Wild Goose Island

2007-07-17T23:57:00.000-07:00

Here we all are in the morning sunlight checking out Wild Goose Isl. in St. Mary Lake, east of the divide. It's a beautiful morning for a drive over the Going to the Sun Road which bisects the park west to east.

Mom & Milissa at Logan Pass

2007-07-17T23:55:00.000-07:00

Mom, Stacy and Milissa have made it here on Amtrack and I'm the Glacier shuttle of the day. Stacy and I just cracked up at Mom's little friend... see, just to the right of her in the picture?

Siyeh Pass, see any elk down there?

2007-07-17T23:49:00.000-07:00

Look-ey here, me on top of Siyeh Pass. See those whispy little clouds back in the distance? Well, mountain weather can change faster than a marmot can steal your lunch and I was soon hustling down the other side of the pass as the clouds and wind swirled and howled after me. I parked my car at Siyeh Bend and took the new free Glacier shuttle bus back to it when I came out after 10 or so miles of trail from the Bend to Sunrift Gorge. Nice deal, especially for hikers.

All Dressed Up in Velvet

2007-07-17T23:39:00.000-07:00

Back on the west side again I decided to do one more hike, this time up Siyeh Pass, one of the highest trails in the park. I hear that it's pretty much melted out now and shouldn't be too much problem to negotiate. There were 3 mule deer bucks eating breakfast in Preston Park as I headed up to the pass. This guy was the smallest but growing a nice rack of antlers covered in fuzzy velvet.

Ptarmigan Tunnel

2007-07-17T23:37:00.000-07:00

The clouds were still sticking to the peaks here so it was mystical at the top and through the tunnel and a complete white out on the other side. This 180 feet or so blasted through solid rock was cool and eerie as the clouds swirled around, marmot guarding the door. The tunnel connects to the Belly River drainage to the north which is awesomely incredible backpacking country, a bit further from the day hikers stomping grounds. I couldn't get a permit to backpack into this area this time around but it's definitely on the list for my next visit.

Ptarmigan Lake and Valley

2007-07-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

Today is a double delight, with an easy hike to Iceberg already behind me before noon I head up a bit further to Ptarmigan Lake and switchback my way up the steep cirque to the tunnel that has been blasted in the wall of the mountain. This is a view of Ptarmigan Lake and back down into the valley I just walked up.

Elephant Head

2007-07-17T23:30:00.001-07:00

Have you ever seen the flower called elephant head? Very cool.

Iceberg Lake Totem

2007-07-17T23:29:00.000-07:00

Tip your head sideways and check out the totem!

Glacier lilies near Iceberg Lake

2007-07-17T23:26:00.001-07:00

The mist hanging around the bowl, or cirque that holds Iceberg Lake makes for an interesting atmosphere this morning. These areas with very recent snow melt are mosquito haven.... who worries about the bears??? get out the bug juice! I could only handle a quick sketch before the buggers blew my zen like concentration and I had to move on. So much for tolerance!

Morning moving up the Ptarmigan Valley

2007-07-17T23:19:00.000-07:00

I'm anxious to get hiking after the 2 hour drive (with photo stops.... Pat will appreciate this) ...so I get parked and head up the hill behind Swiftcurrent Motor Lodge. This is the "everyday" person's hub at Many Glacier.... versus the Many Glacier Lodge which is a bit too rich for the likes of me! This area is prime grizzly habitat and these particular trails to Ptarmigan Falls, lake and tunnel and to Iceberg Lake are often closed to protect both the bears and the people. But they're open today, so off I go.

Bighorn sheep posing on Logan Pass.

2007-07-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Here I am on the top of the continental divide at Logan Pass, on my way to the Many Glacier area of the park. This band of boys (bighorn sheep) has been hanging around the pass lately and cooperated for an early morning photo shoot.... how nice of them.

Cow Parsnip fields forever

2007-07-06T11:29:00.001-07:00

This may be it for awhile.... I only have one week left, can't believe it. Finishing up the alphabet and getting over to the Many Glacier area are my goals. sys

find the fawn

2007-07-06T11:26:00.000-07:00

Now I'm heading back to the cabin but it's very hot so I stopped by St Mary Lake and the deer were taking refuge in the shade too. Fawns are starting to get venturesome so this one was keeping mom alert as it moved around exploring the creek. Didn't seem to mind me at all.... although it's nice to see them close It's worrisome when they get into your pockets!

No grouse-ing on the trail!

2007-07-06T11:24:00.000-07:00

On the way back out to catch the boat back down the lake I almost stepped on this little grouse chick. Mom was softly "chupping" nearby.

back down the trail

2007-07-06T11:23:00.001-07:00

I didn't get up here without effort as these swithbacks might attest.

Kootenai Peak

2007-07-06T11:19:00.001-07:00

This is Kootenai peak and Porkupine Ridge in north Glacier Park. Pass Creek tumbles out of Stoney Indian Lake here, eventually to reach Waterton Lake. ,....Sherrie, this one's for you!

Bull Moose at Kootenai Lakes

2007-07-06T11:07:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the multitude of moose at these lakes. Moms, babies, adolescents and this big guy. They were all snorkeling, it's amazing how long they can stay under water and the guys with big racks come up with a big whooosh!

Kootenai Lakes Camp

2007-07-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

Now it's a new day and a new trail. I've driven a couple of hours to the Waterton Town site in Canada to celebrate the 4th (in honor of CW & Jill and all good BABC"ers) Well, I actually did make it back to the US though because at the end of upper Waterton Lake is Goat Haunt which just happens to be American. Filling out the proper paperwork first of course. From here I headed to Kootenai Lakes to spend the night with the moose. (no more near mooses, just many mooses very near!)

shall I just come down for a visit?

2007-07-06T10:57:00.000-07:00

....so jr. decides to come down my way. Did I mention there was just not much room to move here? Then dad shows up coming from the other way. Since he's top of the totem pole, mom let's him move on. In the meantime, jr thinks he should certainly at least be above me on that aforementioned totem pole..... I said no with a couple of flicks on his cute little nose (noticing his sharp little horns all the while) Fortunately junior said OK, fine -what ev er!, and eventually we all moved on.

Hello up there!

2007-07-06T10:53:00.000-07:00

I had a little experience with this mtn. goat family down at Hidden Lake. As I was following a trail near the outlet creek my way was blocked by a nannie and this year's kid. OK I can wait here, while mom eats whatever it is that is so wonderful. Then junior kid from last year appears on the rock above me, surveying the scene and wanting whatever it is that mom is getting..... but, mom's not sharing and she is warning him to butt out.....

Hidden Lake and Bearhat Mountain

2007-07-06T10:50:00.000-07:00

This is a panorama of Bearhat mountain and Hidden Lake which is just up the snowy trail from Logan Pass Visitor Center. The goats and goat-lets are everywhere here.

St Mary Falls

2007-07-06T10:48:00.001-07:00

This is St. Mary falls at the head of a very long and deep glacial lake, east of the continental divide. They finally got the road open across Logan Pass on the 1st of July, hooray!

Wildflowers near St Mary's Lake

2007-07-06T10:46:00.000-07:00

Bowman Lake painting

2007-07-06T10:44:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed painting Bowman Lake after I came down from the lookout. Very peaceful here although they do let motor boats on it. Some folks came back with a bunch of trout for dinner. THought of you, Mark.

View from the loo

2007-07-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

This is the best view from a loo that I've had lately. This is the outhouse at the fire lookout on Numa Ridge above Bowman Lake in the North Fork area of the park. Aren't you glad that I'm doing all this mountain climbing for you?

Forest Path near Lake McDonald

2007-07-06T10:28:00.000-07:00

This was way back last week when the weather was cooler! This looks a lot like home doesn't it?

Marias Pass

2007-06-29T17:18:00.000-07:00

This is it, I'm caught up for now. You should be on this train!!!!

muleys

2007-06-29T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today is Friday, I chased deer through the woods or actually they chased me. I also had a near moose sighting this am. Only moments before I passed by there was a cow moose and her calf (some folks showed me the pics) I just hate those near mooses!

sunset at the cabin

2007-06-29T17:13:00.000-07:00

well after 10 by the time the sun goes down......and then we sleep.

Bear slide

2007-06-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

This is where the bears slid down the snow patch. Of course they did this after I passed by and before I came back through. It's probably good though as I'd likely be nervous rather than just attentive while hikiing.

Cobalt Lake outlet

2007-06-29T17:05:00.000-07:00

This is the outlet stream from Cobalt Lake, the lake was actually jade green but the sky was sure cobalt. There are icebergs in the lake and quite a bit of snow in patches. The glacier lilies are blooming.....wonderful bear candy!

Rockwell Falls

2007-06-29T17:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, it's a new day. I spent the night in my tent in the campground and got up early to hike to Cobalt Lake, Rockwell Falls is on the way.