Ghost Village and William Devane

Since we had had to cut our Red Canyon hike short, because you know who forgot to put duct tape on here heels, Kinsey decided to drive a little further west on 287. We had been told that there was a Ghost Village below the Hebgen Lake dam.We found "the village" and William Devane.
Before we found Ghost Village we came across what looked like a very nice RV park right on Hebgen Lake. Kinsey made a quick left turn to check it out and get the scoop. As usual Kinsey found a very cordial lady who was looking after the place and blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. You would think my scintillating company is not enough for her. She did, at least, come away with exact directions on how to find Ghost Village.

The road to Ghost Village is just beneath the dam. Apparently, there isn't a lot of confidence in the structural soundness of that dam or they think another earthquake is in the cards, you may recall Hebgen Lake is The Lake that Tilted in the big 7.5 earthquake in 1959. The first thing you are greeted with is a warning sign which I find kind of laughable. If that dam failed lotsa luck getting to higher ground soon enough.

Hebgen Dam Warning

Hebgen Lake is an interruption in the flow of the Madison River. The Madison River is one of Montana's finest. It's beautiful and very popular with fishermen. As we drove along we saw all kinds of old homes and buildings that were much worse for the wear on the other side of the river.

Madison River and Home that's seen better days.

After a bit we came to the end of the road and a parking area filled with anglers. We pulled in to the last slot next to a scruffy, looking guy tying a fly. Kinsey got out and went to the trunk to get her gear. As usual she said "hi" to the man and went back to fishing in the trunk. Next thing I know her head pops up and she says to the guy "Hey, I know you. I mean I don't really KNOW you, but I know you. Unfortunately, I'm having a senior moment and I can't think of your name." What a clutz! The man smiled and patiently said "William Devane".

Apparently, a lot of people don't know who William Devane is cuz Kinsey mentioned we had seen him to several people most responded with blank stares. Kinsey was surprised because she has always liked him as an actor. He starred in an old television show called Knotts Landing and we have most recently seen him as the psychiatrist in the Jesse Stone movies with Tom Selleck.  Devane turned out to be an affable fellow and, well you know, blah, blah, blah, blah.

Kinsey asked Devane if he knew where Ghost Village was he said "You're in it". Apparently, there is no village per say just the old, crumbling buildings scattered around. He also told her the area was a moose hang out. So I got the leash.

From the parking area there is a trail that takes off along the river. We bade fair well to William Devane and off we went into the setting sun. The fall colors were blazing!

Ghost Town Trail along the Madison River

We continued on down the trail until it ended at a wide place in the river that almost looked like a lake. Here we saw a Trumpeter Swan paddling along on the calm waters. We didn't see any moose.

Trumpeter Swan on the Madison River

On or way back we ran into are friend William Devane. Apparently, the wide place we had just been was a place he liked to fish. Kinsey had camera in hand at that moment so she just couldn't resist taking a photo of him coming down the trail toward us.

William Devane

And, then more blah, blah, blah, blah. The guy was a nice man. A regular guy.

Ghost Village really isn't a village but it is a very scenic drive and walk along the always beautiful Madison River.

Ciao for now!
Molly Montana

©Kinsey Barnard