Gunsight Lake

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.