Author Archives: westerner54

About westerner54

Hello. I'm Cindy, and I love to hike, bike and explore the outdoors - particularly the western U.S.

Sandhill Cranes in the Smoke

Posted on August 14, 2015 by westerner54

The combination of a smoky morning and a long-distance shot gives these Sandhill Cranes the mysterious, other-worldly quality they deserve, don’t you think?

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged , | 13 Comments

Six Days in Grizzly Country: A Backpack in the Scapegoat Wilderness

Posted on August 6, 2015 by westerner54

If you’d told me twenty years ago that my 61 year old self would even think about spending six days backpacking in grizzly country, I’d have laughed you out of the room.    Wasn’t gonna happen.    I wouldn’t even consider … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Backpacking, Camping, Hiking, Montana, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Backpack to the “Not Unduly Spectacular.” Curly Lake, Tobacco Root Mountains.

Posted on July 18, 2015 by westerner54

I’m trudging up the steep trail to Curly Lake, thinking – somewhat crabbily – about the Montana Hiking guide’s description of Curly Lake as “not unduly spectacular.”  I haven’t been there, and right about now I’m wondering why we chose … Continue reading →

Posted in Backpacking, Hiking, Montana, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Bigfoot in the Park and Other Wonders of Glacier

Posted on July 11, 2015 by westerner54

Yep.  Bigfoot.  Just check out the Montana Road and Recreation Atlas.  I’m not making this up.   So get out there and look for him! After Bigfoot hunting, head to the west side of the park to the Polebridge Mercantile … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Montana, Nature, Travel, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , , | 11 Comments

Travels with my Coffee Cup

Posted on July 7, 2015 by westerner54

My coffee cup has had a good life. And it ain’t done yet.

Posted in Camping, Hiking, Life, Montana, Outdoors, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , | 14 Comments

Herons: the Zen and the Not-So-Zen

Posted on June 26, 2015 by westerner54

Herons have always seemed particularly Buddha-like to me, despite their distinctly non-chubby physiques.  They stand in a meditative trance, perfectly able to stay that way for as long as they want.    When they’re fishing they’re masters of patience, ever … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Campsite Visitors

Posted on June 9, 2015 by westerner54

Early morning, Many Glacier Campground, June 6, 2015 Something is crashing through the willows at the edge of our campsite.  I put down my coffee and stand to see what is making such a racket.  I see three shapes through … Continue reading →

Posted in Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , , | 24 Comments

The Goldens

Posted on May 28, 2015 by westerner54

I’m sitting on the side of a steep hill, scoping out a stunning Golden Eagle nest.  The eagle in the nest is doing the same thing she’s been doing for the past 6 weeks – laying in the nest.   … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

Malheur Wildlife Refuge

Posted on May 14, 2015 by westerner54

I’m standing on the edge of the Blitzen River, watching – and being watched by – a pair of Northern Harriers.  I think they must have a nest nearby, since they don’t seem to like the fact that I’m hanging … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

Sneaky Critters

Posted on May 1, 2015 by westerner54

They’re out there. You know they are. The critters are all around us, watching…they know we’re there, that’s for sure. If we’re patient, we might find them. There’s someone on this snowy Yellowstone hillside.   Do you see him? No? … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Photography, Wildlife | Tagged , | 11 Comments