Greenough Park

 There is a short one mile walk not too far from the downtown Missoula that we love to take. It runs around Rattlesnake Creek and is heavily wooded with ponderosas, cottonwoods and other kinds of trees, some very big ones. This was my choice when our Respite Volunteer came to sit with Mr. Keith for a couple of hours so that I could get out.

 

Are those scratches from a bear? There were several marks, some higher up, the size of a large human hand. This a huge ponderosa that leans over to the side for a long way until it straightens up near the top. We always stop here to take pictures. I'd never noticed the scratches before, unless they are new. The park is in a populated neighborhood which makes one wonder about bears being there, too!

 Here I am by the same ponderosa. Not one for taking selfies, I'm experimenting here.

 I have a friend who is always finding hearts in nature. This is for her!

The hills around Missoula are beautiful any time of year. We had a snowfall yesterday and here are the leftovers. There is a big "L" up there and also a hiking trail leading to it. It's not quite as well used as the trail to the "M" above the University. I haven't taken the "L" trail because it looks too steep. I'll leave that to the youngsters!

First Spring Walk

 I was rarin' to go on my first Spring walk today. Mr. Keith had a Hospice volunteer ready to sit with him for 2-3 hours so I could get out by myself, an unheard of treat. Our favorite thing to do is take hikes around Missoula, but his cancer has taken its toll and he can no longer do the brisk walks we formerly loved. I chose McClay Flats, one of our most favored trails. I've always loved this ponderosa. It's difficult to tell whether one tree has four trunks, or whether it is four trees vying for the same piece of ground.

 How many times have I taken this picture, I wonder? It's always beautiful in any season. The Bitterroot River is especially low this time of year.

 This is a first! I saw lots of dogs walking their owners today, but from a slight distance these "dogs" appeared to have horns! The young couple agreed to let me take their picture. The gal said they are training their pets to be pack goats. They indeed walked very nicely on their leashes.

 The buttercup is always the first Spring flower. I wasn't disappointed to spot several of these beauties nestled in the dry grass.

Last Spring we had a terrific flood in the Bitterroot Valley and beyond. You can see in the photo how high the water came and how it washed away quite a bit of ground. This lone ponderosa almost succumbed to the chilling, raging torrent and seems to still be holding on for dear life.

I am happy to once again be able to contribute to my neglected blog. I hope I have many more opportunities to share my photos and experiences.