Sunday, December 10, 2023

Journey to the Mountain Lakes

Out near Superior, Montana we took a drive up a dirt road to the trailhead for Diamond Lake, one of the many, many mountain lakes scattered about the national forestlands. It was quite a drive, but we weren't surprised to see other cars and people hiking around. We also got a good show from a mother and baby moose splashing around in the water! There was a decent hike from the first lake up to another one even more hidden away, and it was yet another beautiful day to be out in the woods!











Summer Hiking in Montana

We tried to get out and about as much as we could when the weather was warm, and there plenty of forested mountainous areas to explore. We did some hikes on Mount Jumbo and in the Bitterroot, and of course Drax came along. You'll notice he's fond of posing for pictures...





He did have to cool off in the river occasionally...


And even Dexter loves a good time down at the water!


We even hiked in the misty morning rain - here in Blodgett Canyon






And Drax even made it to the top of Blue Mountain! He's a well-traveled German Shepherd...

Two Different Mesa Falls

While in Island Park, we took a drive and a hike to Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, just west of Yellowstone. I hadn't heard of them before but happened to see them on the map, and they turned out to be a great discovery. They were pretty impressive waterfalls and well worth the short hikes! Plus it's always nice to get out in the woods for a bit.



There's a waterfall down there!








This was the last photo of Chris before he went over the edge in a barrel... 







Adventures in Island Park

Back in August we took a trip to eastern Idaho near Yellowstone to hang out with the Clayburn side of the family. We didn't make it into the park, but we spent some time in West Yellowstone, swam around in the lake, and enjoyed the Airbnb in the woods, complete with moose neighbors! 



Water trampoline action!


The very neighborly moose!











Breakfast.



Did a little paddle boarding on the slow moving water.




Checking out the grizzlies at the discovery center!







We also took a little time to stop at Virginia City on the way down, got some candy, and checked out the ghost town!



He's your huckleberry...





Not able to fit at the kids table anymore...





Just a gang of bandits... The Sellers Boys.