Stillwater Forest

Well, at last I got to go someplace new. We took a nine mile walk in the Stillwater Forest. Actually we stuck pretty much to the road as there is still a lot of snow off the road. But, that was no problem. On the whole walk, which was a little over three hours, we saw exactly one pickup.

Stillwater Forest Montana

This is grizzly and black bear habitat and the bears are waking up hungry from their winter nap.  Kinsey carries bear spray and a .357 magnum. If attacked her plan is to use the bear spray first and if that doesn't work the gun. Over the years we have encountered lots of bears and never had any problems. We hope it stays that way but you never know so we are always alert and aware of our surroundings. We take nothing for granted including are great good fortune to live in such a fabulous place.

Along the way we passed a marsh where some trumpeter swans were a swimming.

Trumpeter Swan Stillwater Forest Montana

It was a beautiful day. And, the best news was the foot that had been giving Kinsey some trouble worked like a charm. She's been giving acupuncture a go and it seems to be paying dividends.

Thank goodness the good weather is here I should get to go explore lots of new places this year.

Molly Montana

©Kinsey Barnard

LAKES & SNAKES MONTANA HIKING

The weather in our neck of the words was perfect today. Mostly sunny and in the seventies. Really perfect hiking weather.

We hiked to Lake Hagadore and Martin Lake . Hagadore didn't have any water. The grass and cattails were about six feet tall. I had a dickens of a time blazing a trail. My nose was working in over drive because I kept coming upon nests in the grass that various animals had made.

From Hagadore we hiked over to Martin Lake . It wasn't much of a hike actually, maybe five or ten minutes. It is a pretty little lake. I bet there is good fishing here. The near the shore there were a bazillion fingerlings swimming around. I tried my luck at snapping some of them up but wasn't quite fast enough and came up empty. My most favorite thing in the world to eat is fresh caught fish. I'll take mine sushi!

On the way back we came upon a snake right in the middle of the trail. At least I thought it was just one. But, imagine my surprise when the snake took off and split into three! Look at the photograph and see if you can find the three heads. It's a snake puzzle. :) The snake puzzle has disappeared along with the photo but here's a snake.

Until next time........