Category Archives: Montana

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

#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

What Do You Get When you Cross a Cantaloupe and a Chokecherry?

Posted on September 18, 2013 by westerner54

Well, you get a bear.   This bear, actually. If you’re from western Montana you know that August and September is Dixon melon time, and if you’re smart you head to the farmers’ market each Saturday to pick up your cantaloupes … Continue reading →

Posted in Camping, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Wildlife | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

Prairie, Smoke, Sun

Posted on August 20, 2013 by westerner54

Near Nye, Montana, August 2013

Posted in Montana, Outdoors, Photography | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

What Makes a Perfect Day?

Posted on August 6, 2013 by westerner54

Well, how about a sunny summer morning, to start.  Then a hike along a favorite ridge accompanied by a young Cooper’s Hawk. Add in the discovery of a perfect old apothecary bottle along the trail: “Hall’s Catarrh Cure.” Then home for … Continue reading →

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

Merle and Robert Earl, Joy Killing Sorrow, Jennies Wailing: Friends, Music, Sun and Fun at the Red Ants Pants Music Festival

Posted on July 30, 2013 by westerner54

White Sulphur Springs, Montana July 26 – 28, 2013 Oh, and did I mention the beards?   Not only beards, but a beard contest.  Here’s the winner: The runner-up was a definite crowd favorite.   He was doing pretty well with his … Continue reading →

Posted in Life, Montana, Outdoors | Tagged , , , | 16 Comments

Citizen Scientist-ing in the Anaconda Pintler Wilderness

Posted on July 24, 2013 by westerner54

I’m a citizen. I’m not a scientist. But – after three days in the wilderness with the Wilderness Institute – I am an official Citizen Scientist.  And I’ve got the badge to prove it.* *Not really.  Didn’t get no stinkin’ badge. … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure, Backpacking, Hiking, Montana, Nature | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

An Hour Out My Back Door to the Top of the World

Posted on July 17, 2013 by westerner54

I just love that we can leave our house in the middle of downtown Helena, drive an easy hour into the mountains northwest of town and arrive here, at this beautiful meadow below Granite Butte.    It’s a gorgeous drive, too. Granite … Continue reading →

Posted in Camping, Montana, Nature, Outdoors, Travel | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments