An Evening On The Porch

One of the amazing things about Elk Lake is a person doesn't even have to leave the front deck to find themselves surrounded by natural beauty - sometimes dynamic even jaw-dropping natural beauty. Thus a few evenings ago I tried to capture a 'piece' of the beauty we all enjoyed while standing on our front porch.

In the mountains, hot summer days often translate into stormy summer nights. However, mountain thunderstorms, while often bearing much needed liquid, are a far cry from a typical rain storm. They usually come bearing gifts: colorful rainbows, towering silver-lined thunderheads, and gorgeous contrasts.

The rainbow seemed to park itself right over Cabin 5 - or maybe it was the knob just behind it, the one we call listening point. Was there a message to be heard?

Darks and lights - frowning and smiling - yet all floating on a sea of deep blue - the thunderclouds emphasized the storm's contrasts.

So we stood, talking and watching, as the elements spent themselves to a quite end.

As many times as I've seen it, I always marvel at the calm after the storm. Tempest past, Old Glory lay relaxed as the last of the storm clouds sauntered by overhead.

The lingering storm clouds created a perfect canvas for the end-of-day colors. What a lovely image to carry into sleep!

Lady of the Lake

A Hot Day Hike

As the moon set at the dawning of another HOT day, I prepared to hike. It wasn't a perfect hiking day. After all, it was HOT by 10 am, and I started late. However, over and over I have folks ask me, 'Can I see . . .?' if I come in July (or August)?

While the hottest part of summer is definitely NOT the best time for wildlife viewing (unless you are willing to get up early, stay up late, and climb the highest peaks), I wanted to see just 'what' I could see in the middle of a hot summer day close to Elk Lake.

However, first things first. Where? Logically I decided heavy timber and water were a must! After all, I wanted to 'enjoy' this hike, at least a bit. Yet I wanted to spend my time somewhere other than the hot car. I settled on a couple of spots near Elk Lake and Culver Pond. So, what did I see? Or, more importantly, what could 'you' see?

I am always amazed at what people do NOT see. The Montana state flower, the Bitterroot, splashed pretty in pink on the open rocky hillsides. Small and delicate looking, this tough character packs a lot of punch for its little size. Even a simple dandelion glistening spun silver in an intricate pattern against mutted greens is a glorious sample of our highly designed creation. Or, the least expected find - a lush green fern tucked against the dark rock cleft. I never could keep them alive yet they grow in this seemingly inhosipitable (to ferns) place with ease!

In a healthy ecosystem, flowers mean butterflies. And, our system must be healthy for fluttering figures in colorful array danced from posy to posy or darted with surprising speed across my path.

And, as is always the case in my backyard, the scenery brougth great delight. Add a few wildflowers for foreground, a few rough edge crags and ribbons of snow on the peaks - what could be more lovely?

Of course my goal had been to see wildlife, and, in spite of the heat, I was not disappointed. This great horned owl not only pinned his 'horns' but clacked his beak and made some very un-owl-like (to my untrained ears) noises as I passed nearby. The White-crowed Sparrow didn't allow my passage to disturb his lovely song. The Sapsucker kept a wary eye, but continued with his calls and tapping while I snapped his portrait. The ducks splished and splashed, chattered and preened while I cautiously watched their play. The eagle, on the other hand, screamed his agitation - obviously enough irritated I moved on quickly to avoid bothering him any more than I already had.

The big game was scarce, as I expected. I saw many more tracks and beds and 'sign' than I did animals. However, I did manage to spot a cow elk in deep cover and a Mule Deer doe in a shaded meadow.

Further proof, given time and patience and good hiking shoes, you can find what you are looking for, even on a HOT summer day!

Yet even with sweat trickling down my brow, the thought of a cold drink and lunch awaiting my return, and the hot sun beating down overhead, I had to pause long enough on a high exposed ridge to capture the beauty at my feet. The eastern end of the Centennial Valley lying placid and green under deep blue summer skies is a view of which I never tire.

Lady of the Lake

Sunset And The Super Moon

While I settled into 'rest' mode, my dear hubby headed out to capture some images of the 2013 supermoon. Combine an abundance of glorious creation with the eye of a photographer and what do you get? Awesome images!

The setting sun gilded the mountains and clouds in glorious rust colors as the moon rose, large and luminous above Sawtelle.

The sun lifted off the mountains, the clouds caught the fleeting rays and held them as they blushed pink and gold.

As the dusk strengthened, Widgeon Pond reflected back the moon's rays with surprising strength. Thus another glorious Montana day came to its quiet resting place!

Lady of the Lake

Poking Around Elk & Widgeon

What can be more delightful than an evening spent quietly meandering around a watercourse teaming with wildlife - especially if one has a good camera and lens? Little I can imagine. Especially this time of year when life is so abundant - and young are starting to appear. Thus I have been grabbing my lens and whatever time allows and poking around the ends of Elk Lake and Widgeon Pond.

Bird life is abundant, as expected. I shared some of my findings in the last post. However, fish and other critters thrive in these waters. Here is a sampling:

They are not the easiest to photograph in their habitat. However, when removed from their comfort zone, we can capture their beauty. Here are some nice examples of the two most common finned residents of Elk Lake.

There is no love loss between the two-legged predators of our finned water residents and these whiskery four-legged omnivores. While their diets definitely include fish, they also enjoy vegetation (as seen in the first picture above). Furthermore, they are such fun, social, and curious critters - I can't help but enjoy their company!

And, of course, there are the birds - of every size, shape, color, and personality. Water fowl (and those living near the water) are the most colorful of our Centennial Valley feathered friends - which makes them more than worthy subjects.

As another day ends in the Centennial, I once again thank God for the opportunity to enjoy such beauty in my very own backyard!

Lady of the Lake