Friday, December 29, 2017

A Snowy Day at the Missoula KOA

 I'd been waiting for a day with lots of snow and good photographic conditions. This was the day! It looked like about eight inches of lovely snow. Mr. Keith and I strapped on our high boots, put on warm coats, grabbed our trekking poles and set out. And, oh yes, the camera! We started  slogging through the tenting area of the KOA. I love this old cabin, part of the original homestead on these grounds before Elmer and Marge Frame purchased the land and established the campground back in the early 1960s. The story is that there was a large, white farmhouse which they decided to tear down. Imagine their surprise when they found that this small cabin was enclosed within  the larger house. They wisely decided to leave it as it was.

 The tenting area is strangely empty. Where are the brave souls with their arctic tents?

 No children were playing on Elmer's Playground today. This area once had a pond and a petting zoo, taken out when the neighborhood began growing and streets were put in to accommodate the increasing population. Very soon the KOA was no longer out in the country!

 This willow tree must stand alone. I can't imagine its age, but it is an awesome tree, especially with its beautiful coating of snow. The willow invites a climber, so much so that there needs to be a sign at the bottom prohibiting climbing, in order to keep it safe from damage. At the base there is a large, stone fire ring and picnic tables for group use.

At the KOA there are nineteen camping cabins. These four are particularly picturesque in the snow. Many characteristics of this campground make it an especially inviting place to stay, none more so than the large number of old, tall trees of many varieties. That's not surprising in a campground over fifty years old.

Our rig is shadowed by another striking willow tree.

Our feet were getting cold, but we trekked down another row in the open section of the park. There are usually one or two rigs camping overnight even in the winter. They have full service except for water at the site, which is closed off to prevent freezing. This keeps the crew busy plowing and cleaning to give the campers a pleasant experience.

Home again! We are snug in our little home for the winter.

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