A Good Summer Read

Before we dive into all the hustle and bustel and beauty of summer, I wanted to share four more good reads. So, as you settle into that backyard chaise lounge or relax by you cabin at Elk Lake, you can enjoy a taste of Montana (or at least the 'real west') if you bring one of these along!

MY ANTONIA

Author: Willa Cather

Genre: Historic Fiction

Setting: Nebraska

The vast majority of Montana is grassland - rolling hills covered with grass and or grass and sage. However, to date, I have not found that one quality, worth-every-minute read which leaves one feeling like they've been there - experienced that. So, I took the next best option - I listened to a classic set in Nebraska when their grasslands ruled.

Willa Cather's book has been dubbed a romance, but it certainly doesn't fall anywhere near the modern sweaty, steamy romance pile. Yes there is affection, even some love and hate, but true to the classics of old (which managed to tell a good story without being 'R' rated), Willa's book touches the heart without leaving one scrambling for a scrub brush for their mind!

This lovely story reads more like a 'journal' focused on a boy (Jim) and a Behomeian immigrant girl (Antonia). It is set in Nebraska's early days when fences were non-existent and homesteading was the norm. Willa takes one into the heart of this often tough life and allows her reader to feel the hardships and challenges as well as the joys and delights. From the dugout to city comforts, Jim (our narrator) follows Antonia's life.

I truly enjoyed this book and gladly award it 4 stars. If you're looking for a way to experience some of the history of the area, take the time to read (or listen) to this one.

THE SHORN LAMB

Author: Hughie Call

Genre: Historic Fiction

Setting: Montana

I learned about "The Shorn Lamb" from a Montana ranch wife's blog. Her modern-day Montana ranching family raises cattle and sheep. Thus when she spoke highly of Hughie's story, based upon her 'experience' (not her life) as a Montana sheep rancher's wife, I had to find a copy. It did not disappoint.

While this story is a bit more of a 'romance', once again the 'real' story is the life lived by the folks seeking to make their way in an often harsh and unforgiving - yet always beautiful and enchanting land.

Hughie sets her book in a more modern era - I'm guessing the 70's. The heroin is a young widow who is struggling to make a go of her husband's ranch after his accidental death. The hero, John, bring a maimed hand and a mysterious tragic past into our story. Through numerous challenges and trials the two learn mutual respect which eventually turns to love - for each other and an orphaned little girl.

The bulk of the story, however, focuses around ranch life. Set somewhere in the Ruby Valley, Hughie's story draws the reader into the joys and struggles of living life against the odds. Her descriptions of working the sheep, the life of the shepherd, and sheering day are particularly poignant. Her knowledge of and love for Montana ranch life are clearly seen.

This book is simple and delightful. Definitely a pick if you want to experience a little local culture without ruining your brain's vacation. I'd give it 4 stars.

IN THE HEART OF THE ROCKIES

Author: G.A. Henty

Genre: Historical Fiction

Setting: The Rocky Mountains

The last two books are from one of my all time favorite authors. Few people have heard of G.A. Henty - and to their loss. A prolific author, Mr. Henty wrote over 140 books and short stories aimed at young men and women from around the world. A British novelest, he was born in 1832 and died in 1902. He began his career as a war correspondent. His stories, which some say began as after dinner tales for his own children, are drawn from his extensive experience and travels. All are quite historically accurate making them an enjoyable way to build your historical knowledge too.

Most of Mr. Henty's works are set in places where the British empire had control. Therefore they have taken me to exotic locals like India. Some even dare to step back into the distant past. Thus I've traveled to Moses' Egypt. A few are set in the United States - as are the two I will review today.

The Hero of the first book, "In The Heart of The Rockies" is Tom, an orphaned English boy who travels to Colorado to meet up with an Uncle. Uncle Harry had left for the states several years earlier in search of gold.

Set mostly in Colorado and New Mexico, the story takes us from Indian fights to a dangerous trip through the Grand Canyon in a horsehide canoe, and back again. It is an interesting read far above today's 'typical' young adult mind-mush. In fact, in my opinion, Henty's books are interesting enough for an adult OR an adventure-minded middle schooler. I'd recommend you buy at least one (I'd stick with more 'known' locals to start), if not for yourself, for a young reader you know.

I almost always (almost because I have picked up a few books which dealt with subjects / places which just couldn't capture my interest) recommend Henty's books without reserve. Thus I give this book 5 stars.

REDSKIN AND COWBOY

Author: G.A. Henty

Genre: Historical Fiction

Setting: American Southwest

While the setting of this final book was not as 'close to home' as I had hoped, the story, nonetheless, does a great job of bringing its reader into the life and times of the early west. Certainly this qualifies is a first-rate tale told skillfully by a time-honored author.

The title, "Redskin And The Cowboy" can be a bit misleading. While Cowboys and Indians do play a role, this story takes us from American gold mines to lush English estates and back to an early American settlement.

The hero faces numerous trials and tribulations along his road, yet his experiences also bring to life the early days - days of large cattle drives, cattle rustlers, expansive miles-square ranches, and all the challenges and excitement which went into living in America's early days.

Once again Henty's tale is packed full of page turning adventures. I'd definitely give this a 5-star rating.

Thus we come to the end of another book review - and the end of another winter. Spring has taken firm hold here at Elk Lake. Thus, next time, we will be back to focusing on the beauty out my back door. Until then, enjoy!

Lady of the Lake

Centennial Winter Photo Anthology - March 2013

First off, an apology. After posting regularly to Elk Lake News for the past several years, the 'writing juices' needed a break. Thus the silence. The time off has been delightful - and, hopefully, has recharged my creativity and sparked a few new post ideas. We'll see. Thank you for coming back to see if we're still around!

Winter's baton has officially passed to spring, but letting go can come hard in the Centennial. One day spring rules. Next dawn rises, its crown hidden by fresh snow. Yet solar power will not be denied - laying bare more ground each day. Even fading before my eyes, the snow's beauty still remains - at least in the photos captured when its kingdom stood secure.

Thus, one month remains to share- a time of pristine beauty when winter white christened with diamond carpets.

March shone as winter's gem - sparkling sunny days and crisp cool nights. Saphire blue crowed emerald green sprinkled across cut crystal carpets.

Sunny days do not deepen snow. Yet, March sun rays do not hold the power to subdue. Thus day after glorious day we enjoyed spring snow under bright skies.

Best of all, a firm base and good coverage provided great snowmobiling. One afternoon we decided to 'take a drive'!

How many and which animals can you spot in this photo? Unfortunately I was too slow. The eagles had taken flight.

Pain from beauty? Sometimes - it almost hurts to view something so lovely, so perfect, so pristine!

Yet, pristine skies day upon day, covered their face when spring announced its arrival. Winter replied, "Oh, really?"

Spring snow changes the snowshoeing experience. Surprises appear from under the snow like rabbits from a hole. Snowshoes do not sink, but dog feet pick up baggage.

And so the winter drew to a close - glorious in color, grandeur, and beauty. Nine years and I still find it hard to believe "I" am the one blessed to look upon such rare delights!

Lady of the Lake

Centennial Winter Photo Anthology - February 2013

Of all, time must be the most fleeting. We cannot grasp it, close it in, or stem its progress. Yet, photographs do let us capture some of its essence, perhaps steal a 'piece' of its soul! So I wander through the seasons, camera close, trying to encapsulate the highpoints of those disappearing moments.

Once more I share the shining moments of a month - a month gone to never return, yet remembered in these snapshots - still lifes seeking to rebirth the moment, or at least the feeling it invoked.

As frigid fingers begin their melt and sun's rays lengthen, snow becomes a frequent guest. Yet snow may pile deep in the draws, stealing my sweat as I replow my once-packed trail - yet between snowy dumps the sun breaks through, blinding in its exhaltation!

And so, throughout February, one fine day followed another with significant snow drops in between. As the white powder deepened below the blue heavens above seemed intent to keep pace - seemingly bluer each day than the one before.

On frosty mornings the aspens shone like crystal strings on dark velvet.

My January passion - ice art - became limited to the leavings of rare morning fog. Still, ice crystals do make last year's lilac blossoms bloom again.

For some reason these photos capture February with unique accuracy - fresh snow on Jackpine against endless sun-streaked blue skies.

Despite the deepening white fluff, my 'snow-flower' continued to bloom, its delicate blossoms seemingly unaffected by their cold 'flower bed'.

Another hard frost turned willows into grizzle-headed men watching the sunrise.

Mt current favorite winter pastime - snowshoeing - had to continue with rhythmic regularlity to pack the new snow into submission on my trails.

Yet one has to appreciate the artistry of wind and snow. Simple fox tracks turn into designer 'stairs' up the hillside while snowmobile roughened surfaces are returned to newborn splendor.

However, the winter wonderland 'king' - at least for me - is always the sun. Here it gilts the sage with a shimmering unearthly beauty.

Day after day my winter excursions were filled with unspeakable beauty. Simple snow, stately trees, and ever-deepening blue skies combined in ways photos could never capture.

Yet not all my time was spent soaking up natural beauty and marveling at the privilege of living in such a serene spot. Guests came - and work called - thankfully (otherwise I wouldn't be living here).

A rare trip into the valley even gave opportunity to capture a bit of Madison Majesty. And, courtesy of a lovely winter guest, Peggy, I can show you how to take a picture with helmet still in place!

February came and went, a series of lovely days and deepening powder, like a string of precious jewels intersperced with silver beads. Am I blessed, or what?

Lady of the Lake

Centennial Winter Photo Anthology - January 2013

All season long I trek, camera around neck or an appendage to my hand. I click and snap and ponder for angles and perspectives to capture a symblance of the beauty wherein dwells my life. Then I post and share and show that world to you - - - and never are we satiated, you or I.

As the season draws to a close, I have a collection of photos yet unshared. Thus, over the next three (or so) posts, I will share a photo anthology of each winter month - a collection of photos, mostly unshared, of my life in a true winter wildlands. Those snow covered off-the-beaten hills and dales I call home.

The photos are in chronological order - and so, that first day of January we welcomed gorgeous blue skies, and the snowshoeing began in earnest - sometimes on my own, most times with the dogs, and occasionally with a family member to chatter away the minutes.

Soon guests began to make that trek - for food or drink or just a warm place to relax before their ride back to 'civilization'. Early season tracks on the lake always take an artsy pose, as though a giant brush is drawing designs on a pristine canvas.

But blue skies do not a pristine white canvas create. Goodnights whispered to star-filled skies may proceed good mornings howled by wind-whipped snow under dark burdened clouds.

Snowy days lead to - well, the obvious, more snow. More snow leads to - well, if you're a kid, that is obvious too - a BIGGER snow fort!

As the snow deepens, the visitors increase. Thus, for adults, snow days lead to - well, the obvious - work days (and lots of old friends to greet in a new season)!

However, in the Centennial, January isn't famous for its snow so much as its biting cold. Several days the thermometer just couldn't push above the -20 (ish) mark. While this keeps the outdoor excursions to a minimum, it creates some lovely window ice art!

And some glorious sunrises! With short days and long nights, I am up long before the sun. Of course this results in absolutely NO excuse for not catching the sun's cape tossed across the morning sky.

And the most amazing ice crystal art! Such was this delicate beauty that in a world bursting with natural wonders it became, for a few days, the only thing I wanted to see!

The days pass. Each day the sun arrives a bit earlier than the one before. Yet lovely sunrises are still a large portion of my winter delights!

Those lengthening winter days provide ample opportunities to relish the brilliant world under bottomless blue-dome overhead. Fresh snow and a setting sun turn the resort into a winter fairyland.

My favorite snowshoe trails become nearly overburdened with winter eye candy - beauty to the eye of a beholder thrilled with the opportunity to view it.

Of course, I'm not the only one enjoying those glorious January days. A ski behind the snowmobile is one fun way to 'play' in winter's playground.

However, the dogs and I still opt for the snowshoe - to ridgetop or draw bottom, it matters not as long as we are out and about experiencing the wonder of winter.

Release from frigid fingers comes with a little burst of warmth. Now the dogs and I aren't the ONLY ones out and about. Where on earth did this mosquito come from? No, I didn't kill it (although I thought about it). Surely the coming chilly night did the job.

The end of another lovely day! Fresh snow. Brilliant sunlight. A comfy home in the middle of it all. What more could one ever desire?

Perhaps icicle frillary to garnish the white winter cake! Simple drops of water turned to white fluff metamorphize to frozen fingers before our wondering eyes.

And so, the end of a month packed with winter delights closes - the calendar pages turning ever so gently to reveal yet another - - - what wonders will it bring?

Lady of the Lake