Author Archives: westerner54

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About westerner54

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

Cabin Fever Dreaming: My Perfect Mountain Cabin

Posted on December 6, 2013 by westerner54

It’s 1000 degrees below zero. I had planned a little hike for this morning, but that ain’t gonna happen. Instead, I’ve been sipping hot chocolate and daydreaming about the perfect little cabin I want to build….someday. It turns out there … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Life, Montana, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged , , | 14 Comments

The Land that Speaks to My Heart

Posted on December 3, 2013 by westerner54

Do you believe that we are meant to live in certain landscapes? That some places just feel like home, even if you didn’t grow up there? I do. It’s one of the few things I really do believe. I’ve written … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Photography | Tagged , , | 21 Comments

Government Trail to the Big Man Pictographs: Grand Gulch, Utah

Posted on November 22, 2013 by westerner54

It’s about a 10 mile roundtrip hike across Cedar Mesa, down into Grand Gulch, and up the gulch to the spectacular Big Man Pictographs.  We’ve done it as a day trip, but it’s worth spending as much time as you … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking, Outdoors, Southwest hikes | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Nature Abides

Posted on November 16, 2013 by westerner54

There’s little to love about November.     I mean really, what’s to like about dark, gray, cold days that will only get colder and darker?   And not even any snow to make things pretty to look at.  Jeez. However. Nature abides.   Like … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Life, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

Wild Goose Chasing

Posted on November 8, 2013 by westerner54

The snow geese are on the move.  35,000 of them landed at Freezout Lake over the past few days, and last night I heard them calling to each other as they flew over Helena, heading southwest.   Just think:  the birds … Continue reading →

Posted in Birding, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Moon House Ruins, Cedar Mesa, Utah

Posted on November 5, 2013 by westerner54

Just being out in nature is usually motivation enough to get me out on a hike, so I know I’d be willing to traipse around the canyons of southeastern Utah even if there weren’t cool ruins and rock art to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Hiking, Outdoors, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

What’s The Best Campsite in Natural Bridges National Monument?

Posted on October 30, 2013 by westerner54

I know this has been a burning question for thousands of you out there. Well, fret no more.  I have the answer. Campsite Number 4. Here it is: The best part?  The view! There are only 13 sites at Natural Bridges, … Continue reading →

Posted in Camping, Hiking, Nature, Southwest hikes, Travel | Tagged , , | 13 Comments

#yellowstonebeforetheshutdown

Posted on October 9, 2013 by westerner54

#really??!!!?? #getagrip #areyoukiddingme? OK.  Just had to vent a little.  Believe me, my lone Republican Congressman is hearing  from me.  Every day.  And no, I’m not just mad because I can’t go to the national parks. But I’ll spare you the … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife, Yellowstone | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Fall Beauties: Sandhill Cranes

Posted on September 30, 2013 by westerner54

I’ve been a bit obsessed with Sandhill Cranes this month.  They arrive in Montana early each fall, and hang out in the wheat fields until they decide that the time has come to head south.    Watching and listening as the … Continue reading →

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

The Top Ten Outdoor Spots for A Morning Cup of Coffee

Posted on September 24, 2013 by westerner54

This change of seasons has got me feeling kind of blue…it’s gray and cold and drizzly outside and my morning hike on the mountain felt awfully close to work.   So I started thinking about some of the cozy everyday moments that make … Continue reading →

Posted in Food, Hiking, Life, Nature, Outdoors | Tagged , , , | 18 Comments