FLAT CREEK ROAD - GROS VENTRE WILDERNESS

For those of you visiting from Facebook you will find those photos in my previous post.

It's a darned good thing I keep notes on our travels because this post is from our fall trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons, September 23rd to be precise. I don't know what to do about Kinsey. I'm having a hard time getting her to focus.

We had been told Flat Creek was a good place to take a hike. The road to the area is just east of the National Elk Range. We didn't get too terribly far before we  came to a sign that said 4 wheel drive was required. When we travel we tow a little Ford Focus (Shadow) and that's what we explore in. Shadow doesn't do 4 wheel drive roads. We had thought we could get all the way to the trailhead but Kinsey takes no chances so we got out to walk....

Gros Ventre Wilderness

... and walk. It was actually a very beautiful morning. The road, not surprisingly, followed along Flat Creek. Fall colors were much in evidence and the air was crisp and clear. Billowy white clouds scudded across sapphire blue skies. The sky is pretty big in Wyoming too!

Flat Creek - Gros Ventre Wilderness

 Kinsey loves photographing trees, especially when they are in full fall color.

Cottonwood -Gros Ventre Wilderness

She also likes to photograph dead trees. Can't imagine why. But, then again, she does many things I have no idea why she does them. In this case the sky was certainly worth recording.

After a while a convertible Camaro  drove by us and a nice couple waved merrily as they sped by. That was when Kinsey started to think we had been snookered by that sign. Three miles later we got to the trailhead and sure enough there was a lot full of cars, many of which were street cars. Sometimes I really think I should be the one managing this outfit.

Needless to say we can't report much on the trail as we only went about two miles up it. For that distance it was a gentle trail through a draw.

I guess you can tell I like to make fun of Kinsey. She does some pretty silly things and I often wonder how we get by. In this instance little was lost as the walk was beautiful and we both agree that being able to be out experiencing so much beauty is a gift not to be taken for granted. We were surrounded by simple, yet elegant beauty, the whole time.

National Elk Range From the Gros Ventre Wilderness

We always try and make the best of whatever comes our way. It wasn't hard to do on this day. Although, next time we'll drive to the trailhead.

Molly Montana - Gros Ventre Wilderness

Maybe now that I have Kinsey back on track I can get her to give me the photos to the rest of our trip!

Ciao for now,
Molly Montana

©Kinsey Barnard

AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERDS DO WELL IN COLD CLIMATES

Kinsey wondered how an Australian Shepherd, such as myself, would do in cold climate conditions. Well, not to worry cuz this Australian Shepherd loves the winter and the snow. Although we've had so much snow here this winter we had to abort a snowshoeing adventure, I just sank right out of sight in the stuff.

Here are some photos of my most beautiful self enjoying the winter.

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Australian Shepherd

Aren't I just the bomb?!

Ciao for now,
Molly Montana

Big Winter in Montana

Wowie zowie! We surely have had the snow!  12 - 15 inches over the past 36 hours. It's so deep I practically sink out of sight. Right under the eaves it's a little less deep so that's where I have staked my claim to the outdoors. I feel like a soldier wandering around in my trench.

Kinsey came out to play with me. The first thing she did was throw the frisbee on the roof. Fortunately, she was able to knock it down with a broom handle. There's already a perfectly good one up there from last week. We won't be getting that one until spring.

Anyway, Kinsey took some photos of our play and I thought you might like to see. I've never in all of my two years experienced anything like this. It's fun but it tires even me out trying to run in it.

Hard work loping in the deep snow

Usually I'm pretty good launching but this snow keeps me close to the ground

Doing my best to race

Giving the old frisbee a good shake.

Lurching out of the snow

So there you have it. Big winter going on in Northwest Montana and I'm loving it!

Ciao for now,
Molly Montana

 ©Kinsey Barnard

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

My past year was a great one and I'm looking forward to 2015.

Happy New Year!

The best parts were our road trips. Last spring we went over to the Blackfeet Reservation. It was my very first road trip. I really had lots of fun.

Then in the fall we went to Yellowstone  and the Grand Tetons. I especially loved the trip along the Gros Ventre.  I'm also noticing I never finished telling all my stories because you know who never got the photos lined up for them. I must insist that Kinsey make getting those photos ready so I can tell my tales before it's time to hit the road again.

Yesterday we went to Murdoch's, the really cool ranch store. They are dog friendly at Murdoch's so it's my favorite. The aromas in that place are to die for. But, before we got inside, I acted up and pulled Kinsey so hard on the leash she went splat on the pavement. It's been really cold an there's ice everywhere. She scolded me very harshly. I deserved it. I'm so good in so many ways but I just can't seem to get a handle on my enthusiasm when around people and dogs. So,  my New Year's resolution is to curb my enthusiasm. Well, not really curb it but be more mellow about it. I was very contrite when we got home and I know Kinsey has forgiven me but the last thing in the world I would want is to hurt her. Wish me luck. This isn't going to be easy.

I hope you had a great 2014 and Kinsey joins me in wishing you a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year.

Ciao for now,
Molly Montana

©Kinsey Barnard